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 representation 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 uncharted territory consisting of scattered elaborate homes and farmland. 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 past 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 lopped 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
Near East Area Commission Appointments
Key Details
Meeting Time
6:30 pm
2nd Thursday of each month
See announcements below for up to date meeting information
Meeting Place
Near East Neighborhood Pride Center
1393 East Broad Street
Neighborhood Liaison
Jesus Ovalle
614-645-7131
jdovalle@columbus.gov
Bylaws
Commissioners
- District One:
- Aaron Blevins, Planning Vice Chair, aaronblevins@me.com
- Eric Hutchison, Secretary, eric.f.hutchison@icloud.com, 614-561-4403
- Nathan Harris, appointed subject to approval by the Mayor and Columbus City Council
- District Two:
- Kate Curry-Da-Souza, Chair, kcurrydasouza@gmail.com
- Casey Crisp, appointed subject to approval by the Mayor and Columbus City Council
- Ross Goldsmith, ross.goldsmith74@gmail.com
- District Three:
- Scott Dolan, Zoning Vice Chair, sdolan2370@outlook.com
- Laura Recchie, laura@rootandbranchinc.com
- Alannah Bvumburah, appointed subject to approval by the Mayor and Columbus City Council
- District Four:
- Roy Lowenstein, Treasurer, Zoning Chair, rlowenstein6@gmail.com
- Garey Berry II, mrgberry2@gmail.com
- Harry Zellars II, commissionerdistrict4b@gmail.com
- At Large Education: Tawana Owens, Vice Chair, Planning Chair, tawanaowens226@gmail.com
- At Large Religion: VACANT
- At Large Business: Rickey Duckett, rickeyduckett@sbcglobal.net
- At Large Human Resources: Katy Macke, appointed subject to approval by the Mayor and Columbus City Council
- At Large Business: Anique Russell, aniquerussell91@gmail.com
Meetings and Recordings
(click on dates for information or recording link)
Zoning Committee Site Visits, Saturday June 4, 2022
Starting 8:00 AM
Planning Committee Meeting, Thursday May 19, 2022
6:30 PM
Near East Pride Center, 1393 East Broad Street
Zoning Committee Meeting, Tuesday May 24, 2022
NOTE: To streamline the project process through NEAC, the Commission has approved moving the zoning meeting to the 4th Tuesday of every month.
6:30 PM
Near East Pride Center, 1393 East Broad Street
General Body Meeting, Thursday May 12, 2022
6:30 PM
Near East Pride Center, 1393 East Broad Street
Executive Committee Meeting, Tuesday May 10, 2022
6:30 PM
Near East Pride Center, 1393 East Broad Street
Zoning Site Visits, Saturday May 7, 2022
Community Engagement Committee Meeting, Thursday May 5, 2022
6:30 pm
Near East Pride Center, 1393 East Broad Street
Near East Area Commission Meeting Decorum
April 2022 Meetings
Planning Committee Meeting, Thursday April 21, 2022
6:30 PM
Near East Pride Center, 1393 East Broad Street
Zoning Committee Meeting, Tuesday April 19, 2022
6:30 PM
Near East Pride Center, 1393 East Broad Street
General Body Meeting, Thursday April 14, 2022
6:30 PM
Near East Pride Center, 1393 East Broad Street
Zoning Site Visits, Saturday April 9, 2022
8:00 – 8:20 am – 471 South 22nd Street, Columbus, OH 43205 – CV22-006
The applicant submitted a Council Variance to construct two (2) detached dwelling units on the same parcel, consisting of a dwelling fronting South 22nd Street and a rear carriage house/garage with one (1) dwelling unit.
8:25 – 8:45 am – 1126 Bryden Road, Columbus OH 43215 – CV21-123
The applicant submitted a Council Variance Application to allow mixed usage, both residential and office in an existing building.
Note that previously there was a typographical error with this address. As a result, there will be an accommodation for feedback via email. Please email the secretary at eric.f.hutchison@icloud.com and cc the liaison jdovalle@columbus.gov before Thursday April 14 to provide your feedback.
8:50 – 9:10 am – 930 Franklin Avenue, Columbus, OH 43205 – CV21-103
The applicant submitted a Council Variance Application to construct three (3) dwellings. This application contains a lot split to return parcels back to similar plotting of four (4) individual plots. The application contains one (1) existing dwelling on the unsplit parcel.
9:15 – 9:35 am – 61-67 North 21st Street, Columbus, OH 43203 – CV21-148
The applicant submitted a Council Variance Application to perform a lot split of two existing structures an eleven (11) unit dwelling and a duplex, which share a single lot.
9:40 – 10:00 am – 163 North 22nd Street, Columbus, OH 43203 – CV21-131
The applicant submitted a Council Variance Application to allow the construction of 2 dwellings on one parcel ( a single family home with a carriage house).
10:05 – 10:25 am – 330-344 Taylor Avenue, Columbus, OH 43203 – CV21-147
The applicant submitted a Council Variance Application to develop off-street parking for an existing eight (8) unit dwelling.
Community Engagement Committee Meeting, Thursday April 7, 2022
6:30 pm
Near East Pride Center, 1393 East Broad Street
Executive Committee Meeting, Tuesday April 5, 2022
6:30 PM
Near East Pride Center, 1393 East Broad Street
March 2022 Meetings
Planning Committee Meeting, Thursday March 17, 2022
6:30 PM
Near East Pride Center, 1393 East Broad Street
Zoning Committee Meeting, Tuesday March 15, 2022
6:30 PM
Near East Pride Center, 1393 East Broad Street
General Body Meeting, Thursday March 10, 2022
6:30 PM
Near East Pride Center, 1393 East Broad Street
Executive Committee Meeting, Wednesday March 2, 2022
6:30 PM
Near East Pride Center, 1393 East Broad Street
Bylaws Committee Meeting, Thursday March 3, 2022
Virtual Meeting, 6:30 pm
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Community Engagement Committee Meeting, Thursday March 3, 2022
6:30 pm
Near East Pride Center, 1393 East Broad Street
February 2022 Meetings
FEBRUARY 3RD, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING
CANCELLED- INCLEMENT WEATHER
FEBRUARY 10TH, GENERAL COMMISSION MEETING
In-Person
Near East Neighborhood Pride Center, 1393 E. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
6:30 PM
AGENDA:
Election of Officers
NEAC will be electing new officers, please attend the meeting and hear from candidates.
FEBRUARY 15TH, ZONING COMMITTEE MEETING
Cancelled
FEBRUARY 17TH, PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING
In-Person
Near East Neighborhood Pride Center, 1393 E. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
6:30 PM
January 2022 Meetings
JANUARY 6TH, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING
In – Person
Near East Neighborhood Pride Center, 1393 E. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
6:30 PM
JANUARY 8TH, ZONING COMMITTEE SITE VISIT MEETING
Agenda to be Determined
JANUARY 13TH, GENERAL MEETING
In – Person
Near East Neighborhood Pride Center, 1393 E. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
6:30 PM
JANUARY 18TH, ZONING COMMITTEE MEETING
CANCELLED
JANUARY 20TH, PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING
CANCELLED
2021 Meetings
December
PUBLIC NOTICE: BY-LAWS COMMITTEE MEETING
DECEMBER 21ST, ZONING COMMITTEE MEETING
In-Person
Near East Neighborhood Pride Center, 1393 E. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
6:30 PM
Agenda (subject to change)
CV21-074, 464 OAKWOOD AVE
CV21-076, 419 S. CHAMPION AVE
DECEMBER 16TH, PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING
In-Person
Near East Neighborhood Pride Center, 1393 E. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
6:30 PM
Agenda (subject to change)
Dave Perry 225 S. Monroe – vacant parcel
Kim Mikanik 449-451; and 1186-1188 Mound Street and 1190-1192 Mound Street single two-car garage
Aaron Boeke, 930 Franklin Aevnue – building
Alaina Yocca – 1290 East Fulton – City owner-occupied program participant
MT Liggett, City Department of Public Service – turning N. Monroe into a 2-way street
DECEMBER 9TH, GENERAL MEETING
In- Person
Near East Neighborhood Pride Center, 1393 E. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
6:30 PM
DECEMBER 4TH, ZONING COMMITTEE SITE VISIT MEETING
DECEMBER 2ND, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MEETING
In-Person
Near East Neighborhood Pride Center, 1393 E. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
6:30 PM
November
NOVEMBER 18TH, GENERAL MEETING
In-Person
Near East Neighborhood Pride Center, 1393 E. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
6:30 PM
NOVEMBER 16TH, ZONING COMMITTEE MEETING
In-Person
Near East Neighborhood Pride Center, 1393 E. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
6:30 PM
BZA21-129, 151 Sherman Ave.
NOTE: 240 Parsons Ave. is tabled in Zoning and will not appear at tonight’s meeting (updated 11/16/21, 12 PM)
NOVEMBER 13TH, ZONING COMMITTEE SITE VISIT MEETING
NOVEMBER 4TH, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING
In-Person
Near East Neighborhood Pride Center, 1393 E. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
6:30 PM
October
OCTOBER 21ST, PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING
In-Person
Near East Neighborhood Pride Center, 1393 E. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
6:30 PM
OCTOBER 19TH, ZONING COMMITTEE MEETING
In- Person
Near East Neighborhood Pride Center, 1393 E. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
6:30 PM
OCTOBER 14TH, GENERAL MEETING
In-Person
Near East Neighborhood Pride Center, 1393 E. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
6:30 PM
OCTOBER 7TH, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING
In-Person
Near East Neighborhood Pride Center, 1393 E. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
6:30 PM
OCTOBER 2ND, ZONING COMMITTEE SITE VISITS
September
SEPTEMBER 21ST ZONING MEETING
In-Person
Near East Neighborhood Pride Center, 1393 E. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
6:30 PM
Tentative Agenda:
DEMO02136351, 240 Parsons Avenue
BZA21-098, 264 Carpenter Street
CV21-050, 1816 Oak Street
BZA21-100, 47 North Monroe Avenue
163 North 22nd Street
BZA21-070, 767 McAllister Avenue
CV21-038 & Z21-029, 805 East Long Street
SEPTEMBER 16TH PLANNING MEETING
In-Person
Near East Neighborhood Pride Center, 1393 E. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
6:30 PM
SEPTEMBER 9TH GENERAL MEETING
In-Person Meeting
Near East Neighborhood Pride Center, 1393 E. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
6:30 PM
August
AUGUST 26TH ELECTIONS COMMITTEE MEETING
In-Person Meeting
Near East Neighborhood Pride Center, 1393 E. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
6:30 PM
The NEAC Elections Committee will be hosting a meeting on Thursday, August 26th, 2021:
1. To complete the certification of the at-large positions. (Business and Religious At-Large)
2. To develop a process for the possible October Special Election to fill the several vacant seats on NEAC. (District 1 – 1; District 3 – 1, District 4 – 2) and remaining at-large seats.
There will be room for physical distancing. Masks are required because it is a city-building.
This meeting is open to the public.
AUGUST 19TH SPECIAL MEETING
In-Person Meeting
Near East Neighborhood Pride Center, 1393 E. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
6:30 PM
June Recordings
June 29th, 2021 NEAC Zoning Virtual Site Visit Meeting
June 17th, 2021 NEAC Planning Meeting
June 15th, 2021 NEAC Zoning Meeting
June 14th, NEAC District II Meeting
June 10th, 2021, NEAC General Meeting
June 5th, 2021, NEAC Zoning Virtual Site Visit Meeting
April Recordings
April 20th, 2021 Zoning Meeting
- April 8th, 2021 General Meeting
- Zoning applications:
- CV20-125 1692 Bryden Rd.
- CV21-017 and Z21-013 1218-1222 E. Long St.
- Zoning applications:
2020 Meetings
This commission has 4 districts.
Committees
Planning Committee
The Planning Committee shall review existing area plans and recommend guidelines for the comprehensive social, economic, and physical developments of the Near East Area.
6:30 pm
3rd Thursday of each month
Community Engagement Committee
6:30 pm
1st Thursday of each month
Zoning Committee
The Zoning Committee shall regularly receive, review and make recommendations on all applications for rezoning, variances, and other zoning adjustments; all appeals; all requests for demolition permits, graphics permits, and special permits; and all applications for the city historical designations pertaining to property wholly or partially within the Near East Area.
6:30 pm
4th Tuesday of each month
NOTE: To streamline the project process through NEAC, the Commission has approved moving the zoning meeting to the 4th Tuesday of every month.
Zoning Site Visit
Saturday before General Meeting
9:00 AM
Neighborhood groups within NEAC
- Bronzeville Neighborhood Association
- Eastgate Garden Civic Association
- Franklin Park Civic Association
- Long Street Business Association
- Miami Residents Association
- Mt. Vernon Ave. District Improvement Association
- Olde Towne East Block Watch
- Olde Towne East Neighborhood Association
- South of Main Block Watch
- South of Main Civic Association
- Woodland Park Neighborhood Association
Resources
City of Columbus 311
The 311 Customer Service Center is your one stop source for all non-emergency requests for City Services. We are here to help you reach the correct City Department as quickly as possible.
Simply state your preferred language and a representative will connect you to an interpreter.
Speak directly to the 311 representative about your request.
311 can help you:
Schedule bulk trash pick up
Report a pothole
Report high grass
Report street light outages
Request City service information
and more!
311 helps all residents quickly and efficiently access City services in any language!
Interpreting services now available in over 240 languages
Visit 311 online at 311.Columbus.gov
City of Columbus Building and Zoning Services (BZS)
Community Updates
- Urban Aging Residents Coalition
- King/Lincoln District Memorial Parade
- Healthy Community Center Engagement Sessions
Healthy Community Center Update Tickets, Tue, May 17, 2022 at 5:00 PM | Eventbrite - Franklin County Mental Health and Addiction Crisis Center
- Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
Admission and Membership Programs - 4th Annual Near East Neighbors Egg Hunt
