There is an effort being made in Stark County and especially in Canton to develop Neighborhood Associations. These associations vary in size, location, mission, and style, but in every case, their purpose is to provide a forum for neighborhood residents, businesses, schools, churches, recreation centers and all interested parties to work together on behalf of the neighborhood. Many associations host events, complete beautification projects, hold clean up days, voter registration drives, Crime Watch meetings and the like. There are nearly thirty active Neighborhood Associations in the City of Canton.
NEAR, or Northeast Area Renaissance, is a Neighborhood Association located in the northeast section of Canton. Its geographic boundaries are Route 62 on the north, Nimisilla & Plain Township borders on the east, the east branch of the Nimisilla to the south and Maple Avenue on the west. Geographically it is the largest Neighborhood Association.