About the Near East Area Commission

Our Neighborhood: A Rich History

The Near East Side of Columbus has a storied past that reflects the broader American urban experience. During the latter half of the 19th century, Columbus grew eastward beyond Parsons Avenue, which once marked the city's eastern boundary. The introduction of trolleys revolutionized urban living, freeing families from the need to have jobs and housing within walking distance. This transportation innovation sparked significant development in what was previously scattered, elaborate homes and farmland.
Commercial districts flourished along Main Street, Parsons Avenue, Broad Street, Long Street, and Mount Vernon Avenue. The Great Migration between World War I and World War II brought thousands of African Americans to the Near East Side, establishing a vibrant cultural scene that became known as Bronzeville. This area emerged as a hub of African American business, culture, and community life.

Challenges and Changes

The mid-20th century brought dramatic changes to the Near East Side. Two major federal programs fundamentally altered the neighborhood beginning in the 1950s:
First, the construction of the interstate highway system brought I-71 and I-70 through residential areas on the west and south sides of the neighborhood. This infrastructure project not only resulted in the demolition of hundreds of homes but also effectively isolated the area from downtown Columbus and adjacent communities. Simultaneously, the new highways facilitated a mass exodus to developing suburbs.
Second, urban renewal programs demolished hundreds more homes, particularly in the historic Bronzeville neighborhood. These were replaced with large-scale public and subsidized housing that dramatically changed the area's character. The practice of redlining—discriminatory lending practices that limited investment in predominantly minority areas—further restricted critical private reinvestment throughout much of the neighborhood.
Housing deterioration quickly followed the loss of population. Many formerly stately homes were subdivided to provide what often became substandard housing. The Near East Side experienced significant displacement, population decline, and damage to its housing stock and economic vitality.

Community Response and Resilience

In the late 1960s, the federal Model Cities program emerged as an experimental initiative that gave Near East residents a voice in creating health care, transportation, and other essential services. Although the program ended in the 1970s, it established a valuable template for community engagement and participatory planning.

This foundation of citizen involvement influenced Columbus City Council's decision to establish the Near East Area Commission in 1979, formalizing the community's role in shaping its future.

The Purpose of Area Commissions in Columbus

Area commissions in Columbus were created to serve as advisory bodies to City Council, offering residents a formal way to participate in decisions affecting their neighborhoods. These commissions provide a structured mechanism for citizens to voice concerns, review zoning and variance requests, and help shape the development of their communities.
The Columbus City Code (Section 3109.01) states that area commissions are established "to afford additional voluntary citizen participation in decision-making in an advisory capacity and to facilitate communication, understanding, and cooperation between neighborhood groups, city officials, and developers."
Area commissions typically review and make recommendations on:

• Zoning and variance applications

• Liquor permit applications

• Special permit applications

• Capital improvements and government services

• Code enforcement issues

• Neighborhood plans and development proposals

The Near East Area Commission: Our Mission and Work

Established in 1979, the Near East Area Commission (NEAC) represents residents, property owners, businesses, and institutions within the Near East Side boundaries. The Commission consists of elected and appointed commissioners who volunteer their time to serve the community.
The NEAC's primary responsibilities include:
Community Advocacy: Representing the interests of Near East Side residents before city government and other public entities

1. Development Review: Evaluating proposed developments, zoning changes, and variance requests to ensure they align with community interests

2. Planning Initiatives: Participating in and sometimes leading neighborhood planning efforts

3. Community Engagement: Facilitating communication between residents, businesses, institutions, and government agencies

4. Problem-Solving: Identifying neighborhood issues and working toward solutions

The Commission meets monthly to discuss matters of community importance and to hear from residents. These meetings are open to the public, encouraging broad participation from all community stakeholders.

Revitalization and Renaissance

While the Near East Side experienced significant challenges throughout the 20th century, many of the stately homes from the late 19th and early 20th centuries survived and have been successfully renovated. Since 2010, new single-family and multi-family developments have created diverse lifestyle choices for a new generation of residents.
Entrepreneurs have opened many new businesses, bringing renewed economic activity to commercial corridors like Main Street, Mount Vernon Avenue, and Parsons Avenue. Cultural institutions like the King Arts Complex, Lincoln Theatre, and Columbus Museum of Art's Aminah Robinson Center celebrate and preserve the area's rich cultural heritage.
The Near East Area Commission continues to balance the interests of established residents and newcomers, addressing their varied needs in an era of rapid change. The Commission works to ensure that development brings opportunity to all residents and that the area's unique history and character are preserved even as the neighborhood evolves.

Looking Forward

Today, the Near East Area Commission stands as a vital bridge between the community and city government. We are committed to fostering a neighborhood that honors its rich history while embracing positive change. The Commission strives to be inclusive, representing the diverse voices of our community as we work together to shape the Near East Side's future.
We invite all residents, property owners, business owners, and community stakeholders to participate in our monthly meetings and join in the ongoing conversation about the future of our neighborhood.