Near East

The Mural showcased above was the brainstorm of two area artists as a means to remedy a chronic graffiti issue. If you look closely at the black lines, it is actually a street scene divided into multiple sections. Each section was completed by a different individual from the very young to the very old. A true of the community working together.

Brief History of the Near East Area Commission

Parsons Avenue was at one time the eastern most boundary of the City of Columbus Ohio. Anything beyond that could be considered unchartered territory consisting of scattered elaborate homes and farm land. The advent of public transportation (trolleys) was the impetus for further development of the Near East Side. No longer limited to jobs and housing arrangements within walking distance, individuals branched out passed City limits.

This development continued for years until two major upheavals – the infiltration of I-71 and I-70 which facilitated a huge exodus to the newly developed suburbs.

The Near East Side suffered a major loss of land and in many instances, free flowing traffic was loped off. Housing deterioration quickly followed the loss of population and formerly stately homes were chopped up to provide in many instances sub-standard housing.

Model Cities was a federally funded program whose mission was to help relieve some of the damage inflicted on the Near East Side. This effort eventually evolved into the City of Columbus City Council establishing The Near East Area Commission in 1979.

Map of Area Commission Boundaries

This area commission meets at Neighborhood Policing Center, 950 E. Main Street

Key Details

Meeting Time
6:30 pm
2nd Thursday of each month

Neighborhood Pride Center
Near East Neighborhood Pride Center
1393 East Broad Street

Meeting Place
Neighborhood Policing Center
950 E. Main Street

Virtual until further notice

Neighborhood Liaison
Jesus Ovalle
614-645-7131
jdovalle@columbus.gov

NEAC 2021 Elections Information

NEAC-2021-Elections-one-pager-1 Download

Upcoming Meetings and Recordings

(click on dates for recording link)

June 17th, 2021 NEAC Planning Meeting

Event:	Near East Area Commission (NEAC) June Planning Committee Meeting
Event address for attendees:	https://cocmeetings.webex.com/cocmeetings/onstage/g.php?MTID=e6ee7854036c1a286c653866497a2bb71
Date and time:	Thursday, June 17, 2021 6:30 pm
Duration:	1 hour
Description:	Agenda: 264 Carpenter Street, located between E. Rich Street and Bryden Road. Short Term Rentals
Event number:	172 155 1527
Event password:	1234
Audio conference:	Call-in 1-855-244-8681 Access code: 172 155 1527