Near East Area Commission

NEAC General Business Meeting Notes

Zoning

There were no zoning applications for April. As of the meeting, no new zoning applications have been received.

NEAC did not support two demolition requests. The addresses were 1090 McAllister and 461 S. 22nd Street.

Planning

NEAC Planning Committee is continuing the update of the 1995 Near East Area Plan. Public comment sessions will be at a later date.

At the May meeting, Union Grove Church will present plans for moving their church to another Near East location.

A vote for a traffic calming device for Hamilton Rd. at Broad where traffice becomes one way was tabled until drawings and a written narrative are shown.

Annoucements and Speakers

April 12, 10am Carrie Avnue Homes Youth Build Open House, 1371 Carrie Avenue

April 16, 4-7pm Taylor Homes Open House

May 2, 10am Neighborhood House open house for new homes on N. 18th. The open house will be held at 271 N. 18th, questions can be directed to 252-2436.

Doug Irvin was present to speak about 1000 Friends of Central Ohio, a new multi-county non-profit built around Smart Growth intiatives. It is a educational, advocacy, learning and best practice group. Newsletters and brochures were distributed. More information can be obtained at www.1kco.org.

Rick Tilton spoke about Neighborhood Price 2003. Pride is coming to the Eastgate and Shepherd neighborhoods May 19-23. 30 neighborhoods have been visited thus far through the Pride Program. There are six Pride Neighborhoods this year. All city services will be concentrated in the Eastgate neighborhood as well as a Town Meeting with the Mayor. New this year, Pride is partnering with Metro Parks, Lowe's, and local business as well as having a Beautiful House Award. Lowe's will have home improvement workshops Monday through Wednesday of Pride week.

Dennis Guest from CMHA spoke about the Jenkins Terrace rebuild. By April of 2004, everyone in Jenkins Terrace will be relocated in order to build a new building on the Jenkins Terrace site. The needs of the seniors during relocation will be met by Beatty and Associates. All senior's relocation expenses will be covered and they will have packing assistance. The decision to rebuild the senior housing complex versus renovation was a financial decision. The existing building does not meet many current building standards that warranted a new building. The new building will have approximately 130-150 units, a reduction from the current 194 and will be six floors. It is expected to be completed in 2006-2007.

The Columbus Reserve Police Officers were present at the meeting to request signatures for the a petition. Currently, Columbus Reserve Officers are not allowed to carry their firearm or any other protection off duty. By Ohio State law they are required to intervene if there is a police matter in their presence, even if they are off duty. For this reason, they are losing Reserve Officers, who are volunteer. The petition is for the issue to be put on the ballot for a citizen vote.

Diana Brice from Ladies Go Home made a presentation about the opening of her new facility. The facility is in the Milo-Grogan area, however, she did present architectural drawings and has been certified by the state for her type of care facility. The facility is intended to be a 6 month place for women to regain control of their lives after living on the street or being released from a penitentiary. Ms. Brice is working with the Neighborhood Enterprise School.

President's Report: Chair Bailey announced that the March 27th Near East Neighborhood Improvement District Open House was very successful.

Treasurer's Report: All budget items have been submitted to the City.

The District 2 Spring Meeting will be held at the MLK Library on May 6th from 6:30-8pm.

Community Awareness day will be held May 1, 2004.

2003 Elections: petitions are now available at Central Community House from 8:30am-5pm. They must be returned to the same location by May 16th. Elections will be held opn June 7th at the Health Department Room 119E.

The unexpired District II seat was filled by an unanimous vote. Ian James is the new District II Commissioner.