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$1.50/JUNE 28 - JULY 11, 2010
Vol. 31, No. 26
Bar’s leader sets goal of upgrade to judge ranks
‘Tech belt’ officials aim for $130M in federal funds Money, while a long shot, would help group’s green technology effort
Association will be more active in encouraging some to run
By CHUCK SODER csoder@crain.com
A group trying to spur the creation of a “tech belt” from Cleveland to Pittsburgh is swinging for the fences with one of its first initiatives: a $130 million grant application aimed at turning the region into a hub for green building technologies. It’s a long shot: The federal government is giving only one green building grant through its Energy Regional Innovation Cluster program, and roughly 40 groups have applied for the money. Nonetheless, it’s an example of how the organizations participating in the TechBelt Initiative hope to leverage the combined strengths of Northeast Ohio and western Pennsylvania to build technology clusters related to green technology, life sciences and other high-tech industries. It’s also the biggest example. Two of the 40 organizations participating in the 3-year-old collaboration — NorTech, which works to develop technology clusters in Northeast Ohio, and Innovation Works, a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit that invests in young technology companies — filed the application for the $130 million grant in May with the help of GSB Consulting in Pittsburgh. They expect to know if they’ve won the See TECH Page 7
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Officials from Pittsburgh and Cleveland have their sights set on $130 million in federal money. NorTech vice president Dave Karpinski says the application for the money, part of the regions’ TechBelt Initiative, would fund research-and-development projects in green building technology. That would fit the TechBelt group’s goal of creating clusters in green technology and other high-tech industries.
JASON MILLER
Bluestone in Cleveland Heights has sold nine condominiums this year, thanks in part to price cuts of as much as $80,000 per unit.
CONDO COMEBACK Multiple factors, including builders slashing prices, lead to 85% uptick in sales in Northern Ohio By STAN BULLARD sbullard@crain.com
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hanks to empty nesters who are buying again, builders say the embattled market for condominiums and low- or no-maintenance cluster homes is staging a comeback. Some builders cite the impact of the federal tax credits for STAN BULLARD housing that expired April 30, Meanwhile, Coral Co. sold out its Westhampton units particularly the first-time buyer at Crocker Park in Westlake, thanks to price cuts of tax credit because such buyers 5% to 10%. go for condos. Moreover, firstKen Lurie, one-time CEO of the time buyers who purchased existing former Rysar Homes who now is homes freed many aging boomers chief operating officer of apartment to buy condos and downsize. Howfirm Orlean Co. Mr. Lurie also conever, everybody says better sales tinues working on Rysar projects numbers are because the deals are such as Bluestone condominiums so swell, and not just because of in Cleveland Heights. low interest rates. “It’s all about survival now,” said See CONDOS Page 6
By ARIELLE KASS akass@crain.com
Mike Ungar is quick to say there are some “outstanding people” serving as judges in Cuyahoga County. But the new president of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association also will tell you some members of the bench were not the most qualified candidates on the ballot, and some contenders had no business running for judge. In his year at the bar association’s helm, Mr. Ungar has decided to take advantage “There’s an of what he calls the “sea change” sweeping through other unprecedented branches of county governopportunity to ment to explore what changes get involved at might be appropriate for the the front end of local judiciary. The bar association cannot the process.” change the system that is used – Mike Ungar, to select judges, who are now president, Cleveland elected. However, in Mr. Metropolitan Bar Ungar’s view, the bar can play Association an active role in determining the quality of judges on the bench. So, Mr. Ungar has created a Judicial Excellence Task Force whose charge is to spur more competition for judge positions and to raise the caliber of those who end up on the bench. It will meet for the first time this Wednesday, June 30. “We have not created a pipeline for excellent candidates to run for judge. There’s a dearth of competition,” Mr. Ungar said. “There’s an unprecedented opportunity to get involved at the front end of the process.” The bar association has a duty, he said, to encourage the “best and brightest” to pursue careers on the bench. See JUDGES Page 22
NOTICE TO READERS Due to the Fourth of July holiday, Crain’s Cleveland Business will not publish an issue on Monday, July 5. To stay up to date on all the top business news and blogs in Northeast Ohio, check CrainsCleveland.com regularly.
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