Near East

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