Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate with us at our Fall Stumble! With your support, it was a fantastic Fall day filled with laughter, connection, and community spirit.

Neighborhood News
November 19th, 2022

NELSON PARK APARTMENTS VARIANCES

Eastgate neighbors Fredrika K. and Tiffany A. are in contact with East High School Band Boosters to continue our conversation about supporting them during the basketball season. If you want to get involved, contact Fredrika: Fredrika.Kagai@e-merge.com
EASTGATE FOOD DRIVE & UNIFORM REQUEST
Eastgate neighbor Sheila W. is working with Eastgate Elementary school’s social worker, Cherece H. to provide Thanksgiving baskets to families in need through her church, St. Dominic. If you know a family in need, please see the flier posted at the end of these minutes. Contact Sheila with any questions at bigshe1919@yahoo.com or 614-420-0075
The school is also in need of uniforms. They need white shirts with collars and black or khaki bottoms in sizes 4-18. Please drop them off at the school.

Eastgate Stumble 2022.

Spring Cleanup

15 neighbors donned fluorescent vests and took the streets of Eastgate for this year’s Spring Cleanup which saw at least 20 bags of litter picked up from our neighborhood. Thank you Tiffany for organizing this year’s event! Check out our Facebook page for pictures.

Columbus Mobile App

Columbus has officially gone live with its 311 mobile app. More information can be found at the link here: https://www.columbus.gov/technology/innovation/mobile-application/ 

NEAC Updates

As always, there is a lot going on with the Near East Commission.  Nothing much to update for around Eastgate, but, we would like to spread the word that there are many open positions within the commission.  If you would like for Eastgate to be represented, now is a good opportunity to do so.  Please visit their website, www.cbusareacommisions.org

Eastgate Postcards

By now everyone should have received postcards regarding our monthly meetings.

Eastgate Elementary

Dr. Watson from Eastgate Elementary joined us for this month’s meeting. He is enthusiastic about working together. There is currently mutual interest in working together with the Franklin Park Conservatory and their raised garden beds and creating more of a community surrounding them. Also, community engagement concerning opportunities within Columbus City schools as well.  Please write to mailto:klee2@columbus.k12.oh.us in regards to open positions.

Columbus Police Liaison

Frank L Golden, our new Liaison, was unable to attend this month’s meeting due to schedule differences.  We have sent out communication for him to attend an upcoming May food truck get together and for our neighborhood members to meet him and get to know him.

Food Trucks

Food trucks will be present on Wednesdays at the school and the last food truck of every month we would like to invite everyone out to grab some food and hang out with our fellow neighbors on the school lawn.  Music will be provided to help set the friendly mood. Food truck schedules can be found here: https://streetfoodfinder.com/eastgate 

Neighborhood Picnic

Tentative date is Saturday August 13 4:00-8:00 at Sharon Lynch’s house. Motion for $1000 stipend to Sharon for band, bathrooms (2), golf cart. (passed). BYOF & BYOB, donations accepted as well. More details to follow. 

Neighborhood Stumble

Tentative date is Saturday July 16 from 4:00-8:00pm. Who would like to host? We are looking for 4-5 stops. Need an organizer. Hosts duties (general guidelines):  provide drinks, a light snack, for roughly an hour, Inside or outside (host choice).

Membership Drive

This will be Markita’s last year doing the drive. Thank you very much for your service. Eastgate board to explore payment apps for quicker and easier processing and payments of dues. 

Rebuild Nelson Project

Vito Sawyer spoke with the EGGCA at the January meeting to inform our group of his work and plans for the neighborhood.  Vito works with the National Center for Urban Solutions, who puts on the African American Walk and many other events, and has been at the forefront of many events for us locally, including many aimed at the Nelson Park Apartments like Trunk or Treat and Christmas Toy & Coat Drives.  He has been active in communicating with the management of the apartment complex in addressing accountability, and other neighborhood services through his organization to provide access to resources, counseling, and job fairs for locally hiring businesses like Amazon. 

Maryland and Woodland Development

A three story, 27 unit apartment building planned for the corner of Greenway Ave and Woodland avenue is moving forward after variances were approved to finalize the construction details. The developers hope to have the project complete within 14 months. More information can be found on columbusunderground.com in the Development section.  

Renewal Housing Association

Renewal Housing Assn. LLC presented plans for modernizing Nelson Park Apts.  The overall project will occur in phases and include both the outside and inside of the buildings. There currently are no set dates for this work to begin.  More information will come soon with detailed plans and drawings.

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Christmas 2021

Check out the photo gallery of the Toy & Coat Drive event was held at Nelson Park Apartment Sunday December 19th sponsored by National Center for Urban Solutions – NCUS.  Santa greeted children, food was served, gifts distributed, music and game activities all around. Merry Christmas!

 

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Halloween 2021

Trunk or Treat community event at Nelson Park Apartments Wednesday evening. Check out the cute faces that came out to celebrate Halloween. A event sponsored by the City of Columbus and National Center for Urban Solutions.

 

Eastgate Stumble 2021

Past Eastgate Stumble Gallery

 

 

Eastgate May Meeting Highlights

The monthly association meeting was held Monday May 3rd, 2021 via Zoom with 13 people in attendance. The next association meeting will be via Zoom Monday June 7th, 2021. Below are some highlights discussed in the meeting.

Neighborhood Yard Sale in June 5-6

The neighborhood yard sale will be held Saturday and Sunday June 5th and 6th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Our Daily Manna food truck will be on site at Eastgate Elementary on Saturday June 5 from 11am-3pm during the neighborhood yard sale!

 

Near East Side Commission Site Visit May 8th

The Zoning Virtual Site Visit will be held Saturday May 8th at 9 a.m. (2 hours). Eastgate residents might be interested in the proposal on 304 Woodland Avenue proposal for 24 units, which is at the corner of Woodland Avenue and Greenway Avenue South where the Dry Cleaners is currently located. For more details about NEAC, follow this link. 

304 Woodland Avenue Proposal PDF
BZA21-021-304-Woodland-Ave-Near-East-AC

 

 

 

Amazon Trucks

Amazon trucks have been missing their turn back to their facility entrance on Sunbury Road and turning down Chancery, then making their way around the block pass the school and back towards Chatfield Park in Eastgate. There was discussion of how to contact Amazon about our concerns of driving their large trucks through our neighborhood streets where children walk to school.

 

Nelson Park Apartment Updates

Casey Crisp gave an update on the security updates at Nelson Park Apartment saying that have working cameras and signage in place. They are still working on a re-development plan for the buildings.

 

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In other News

Creekside Place Good Neighbor Agreement PDF

Good Neighbor Agreement for Creekside Place 2021 04 23 Final Draft for Signature

 

Spring Clean-Up was held April 17th

Scott Spears organized a socially distanced spring clean-up Saturday April 17th where 25 people came out to volunteer picking up about 25 bags of trash.  Erin Eichel and Mary Daniels worked on cleaning up Gloria’s Garden at the island on Greenway South. We look forward to more neighbors volunteering in the community gardens this summer.  The details about dates are coming soon.

SPRING CLEAN-UP SLIDESHOW

Chuey’s Last Walk

Bert and Ashley McCleskey had to say goodbye to their beloved pet Chuey of 14-years and took him on his last walk the same day we did the neighborhood cleanup. You may have seen Bert walking his two dogs through the neighborhood, sometimes twice a day.

Eastgate Bereavement

Since the beginning of 2021, we have lost some longtime beloved residents, Roberta Lee, 85, died on January 5th, Hattie Bell, 99 died on January 24th, Moody Dubenion, 98, died on February 1st, Theola Thomas, 98, died on February 18th and Albert Cheek, 68 died February 25th. You can send your condolences to Al’s life-partner, Carla Mardis Norris, at 1970 Merryhill Drive.  To see the detailed obituaries you can click on their names (above). Here is a photo gallery of featuring resident in recent years.

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March Meeting Summary

 Eastgate Garden Civic Association monthly meeting held Monday March 1st 2021 via Zoom at 6:30 p.m. with about 14 people in attendance. The next association meeting will be via Zoom Monday April 5th, 2021. Below are some highlights.

“Welcome to Eastgate” Project Seeks Items

Lea Goldsmith is putting together welcome baskets for new neighbors and she wants to include items made by YOU – our neighbors that have small businesses as a personal touch. If you would like to include something in the basket please let her know and she will make sure to include your business card or other item or information you would like to offer. She is preparing ten welcoming baskets right now, so she is requesting 10 items you have to offer for each basket. Those items may be dropped off on her porch at:  1920 Greenway Ave. N., Columbus OH 43219, and email is Leapgoldsmith@gmail.com

Neighborhood Speeding

  Suggestions were made about the need to add a traffic light at Nelson and Maryland and maybe at Woodland and Maryland. To learn more about how to combating speeding go to the city’s website page, Pace Car Program
Amazon

Tim Anderson met with the Shepard Community and Amazon to discuss concerns with traffic and other issues. Plus, they discussed the possibility of Amazon’s interest in donating food to the Eastgate Elementary School’s food and collaborating with a community a garden.

Spring Clean-Up/Earth Day April 17th

A socially distanced spring clean-up is being organized for Saturday April 17th by Scott Spears for our community.  Scott will collect available vests, pickers, buckets, bags and gloves provided by the city and Keep Columbus Beautiful program. Though the city is not sponsoring any official event, we are planning to coordinate a day for a clean-up with plenty of safety protocols in place. Look for updates in the April Newsletter.

Nelson Park Apartment Updates
Casey Crisp gave an update on the security updates at Nelson Park Apartments. They have added sound to the security cameras, which helped with tracking down unwanted activities. Plus, he reported that there was a shooting in one of the units where a child got a hold of a loaded gun and accidentally shot themself in the leg, which leads to an automatic eviction. Plus, Markita West updated on her observations of the trash on the grounds of the apartments that was over flowing this winter.

Neighborhood Food Truck
The weekly food truck will continue every Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. held in front of Eastgate Elementary school. You can look for updates on our Facebook page or follow this link for details: www.streetfoodfinder.com/eastgate

Those We have Lost in 2021

Monthly Zoom Meeting: January 4th, 2021

A surprise birthday parade for neighbors

Members of the Eastgate community celebrated our neighbors on Merryhill Drive who turned 92 and 90 this year through a socially distant birthday parade on Thursday July 9th at 6 p.m. There was about a dozen cars with signs, horns and megaphones, several cyclists and walkers who participated.

Thomas Webb, 92, has lived in Eastgate for more than 40 years on Merryhill Drive, turns 92 on July 9th. You might see him sitting on his porch or cutting the grass each week with the assistance of his nephew Rick. “He walks the treadmill daily in his home,” says his niece Linda Harris. Linda lives right around the corner from Thomas, so he is surrounded by neighbors who keep an eye on him. Webb, born in Columbus, grew up on the south side and is a WWII Veteran. He worked at The Defense Supply Center for 30 years and enjoys watching the children in the neighborhood grow up over the years.

Mignonne Whitlow, 90 has lived on Merryhill Drive since 1968. She also lived in Eastgate at 348 Sherborne with her parents in the early 1950s before moving to New York for a time. By 1960 she had moved back to Columbus. Mignonne has four children, 8 grandchildren and 3-great-grandchildren. She was an office administrator for Director of the School of Natural Resources at the Ohio State University for 22 years.

Theodosia Cole, 92 has on Merryhill Drive since 1954 and celebrated her 92nd birthday on June 30th. Theodosia grew up in an area in Columbus known as Flytown, which is now the Short North/Victorian Village area. She worked for the Industrial Commission for 38 years as a claims specialist.

Monthly Meeting

Join us for the July Monthly Meeting Monday July 6th at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom.  Below are some updates from June 2020.

Eastgate held a Black Lives Matter Race & Equality Symposium at the Millbrook Island on Saturday June 13, with approximately 40 people in attendance. Ray Miller, former Ohio State Senator and president and publisher of Columbus & Dayton African American, gave an insightful account of racism’s impact on his own life and how, as a legislator, he created state programs to address disparities affecting people of color. Thanks to Tim Anderson for organizing the event and to Lea Goldsmith and Debbie and Lena Thompson, who created signage and artwork.

Public Safety Updates

In June, Eastgate neighborhood representatives held three Zoom meetings with officials from the Columbus City Attorney’s office and the owner/manager of Nelson Park Apartments (NPA). This was in response to increased crime on Maryland Ave,  including two murders and a running gun battle within just 22 days. The three parties are committed to making the neighborhood safer for all residents. NPA management recently implemented the following: 

• Additional cameras
• On-site private security
• 24/7 monitoring
• Surveillance signage
•  Increased police patrols
• Tenant safety surveys

Meetings with the City Attorney and NPA management will continue as we seek ways to make our neighborhood safer. Residents are encouraged to get to know neighbors, lock car doors, keep exterior lights on at night, and watch for suspicious activity. NPA officials will be at the next Association meeting via Zoom on July 6th at 6:30 p.m.

Signs of the Times

Literally! Throughout the neighborhood in the month of June you may have noticed the graduation announcements, retirement banners and Black Lives Matter signs. Kobe Jones-White is one of the several high school graduates this year. He graduated from Gahanna-Lincoln and will attend Notre Dame College in South Euclid, Ohio to study accounting and hopefully play football. Congratulations to all graduates in the neighborhood!

The Chef Shack visits Eastgate Thursday

The Chef Shack was the first food truck to visit Eastgate on Thursday evening May 28th on Greenway North.  There will be a food truck visiting every Wednesday in June and July from 5 to 8 p.m. For more details check out: https://streetfoodfinder.com/c/oh/columbus

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Welcome to Summer 2020

For those new to the neighborhood, welcome! Eastgate holds many events throughout the year from the spring cleanup, Easter Egg hunt, yard sales, the Eastgate traveling party, the Eastgate Stumble in July, the summer picnic in August and the holiday party in December. We have volunteers who maintain the gardens at our communities’ entrances throughout the year.

As we are living with COVID-19, it means we are learning to adjust to social distancing practices while figuring out how to stay connected as a community. The annual events are on hold, but we hope to connect through online engagement whether it is Facebook, Nextdoor, Zoom or our neighborhood website so that we can reach out and support each other as neighbors.  

If you have any questions, ideas or stories you want to share in the newsletter, please reach out to christinapaolucci@gmail.com

Meet Eastgate President

David Tweet moved to Eastgate in 2014. His home sits on the foundation walls of the former mill, which was built in 1832 by Lt. David Nelson. Tweet, originally from Iowa, lived in Old Towne East for six-years and in the Short North for 18. His two-acre home on Nelson Road was built as a summer home in 1930 along Alum Creek, which included a spring fed swimming pool. He has two goats Frenchie and Ida, three dogs Layla, Sasha and Molly. One day David hopes to include chickens to his 2-acre urban farm. When David is not working on home improvement projects, he works as a realtor. ­­

The Easter Bunny visits Eastgate

February Monthly Meeting Highlights

Jeff Bauer of Connect Real Estate talk the proposed apartment complex on Maryland Ave.

The Eastgate Garden Civic Association meeting was held Monday February 3^rd, 2020 at the elementary school with about 21 in attendance.

Jeff Bauer of Connect Real Estate talk the proposed apartment complex on Maryland Ave. He shared maps and architectural drawings.  His company is involved in the Trolley Barn renovation in the Franklin Park area.  The apartments in Woodland Park will have 68 units and will be zoned from manufacturing to low density residential.  It will be a mixed income development with a 2-bedroom unit at $850 and up to $875.

The timeline to start construction would be in early 2021 and be completed in about 15-months. There will be 12: 1 bedroom, 40: 2-bedrooms, 12: 3-bedrooms. The complex will have a fitness center for residents.

— Douglas McDonald, president of the Shepard neighborhood, invited us to there meetings on the third Saturday of the month at the Shepard Library. His number: 614-584-2199.

— Upcoming events include the Easter Egg Hunt at the YMCA on April 4^th and Earth Day cleanup and celebration Saturday April 25^th.   Scott Spears will lead Eastgates’ community cleanup.

Calendar of Events

April 4^th – Annual Easter Egg Hunt at the YMCA.

April 25^th Columbus Earth Day Celebration

Residents met in January for the Monthly Meeting

The Eastgate Garden Civic Association was held Monday January 6th with about 16 residents in attendance.   

Mark Jewell of Census 2020 spoke about the history of the Census and that they will will need over 10,000 people to complete them by August. The pay is $20 to $24/hour. Total jobs in the US is 680,000. Veterans will get a preference. Go to: US Census Jobs for more details.

• Officer Anthony Roger said some assaults in Area 7 occurred while car thefts were up due to people idling their cars on cold days.  
• Mark Jewell of Census 2020 spoke about the history of the Census and that they will will need over 10,000 people to complete them by August. The pay is $20 to $24/hour.  Total jobs in the US is 680,000. Veterans will get a preference. Go to: US Census Jobs for more details. 
• There is new development going in at Woodland and Maryland Avenue with 68 units and the main entrance will be on Maryland Ave.  It is expected to take around 2 years to be complete. NEAC commissioners approved the rezoning from manufacturing to residential Saturday January 4th, 2020. We hope they can present at February’s meeting.  
• We reviewed committee leaders: Welcome/Bereavement: Lea Goldstein. Social Events: Lea Goldstein, Membership: Open, Communications: Christina Paolucci, Eastgate Elementary Liason: Patty Gregory, Eastgate Islanders: Erin Eichel, Public Safety: Open. 
• Tentative Calendar of Events: Easter-Egg Hunt (April 4th),  Spring Clean-Up (April 11 or 18th), (Yard-sale (May 9th), Stumble (July 11th), Summer Picnic (August 22nd), Fall Garden Swap (October 3rd), Christmas Party (December 12th).
• United Way’s Neighborhood Partnership Grant is due January 30th.  Contact Christina Paolucci for details: christinapaolucci@gmail.com   
• Next Meeting: February 3rd at Eastgate Elementary – See you there!

Questions about anything please submit to the new Eastgate president, Scott Spears: scottspears_film@yahoo.com 

Eastgate December Monthly Meeting Updates

Eastgate December meeting had 14 members in attendance.

Eastgate Garden Civic Association meeting was held Monday December 2nd, 2019 at Eastgate Elementary School with 14 residents in attendance. 

Eastgate was awarded a medal and plaque for contributions to the Eastgate Elementary Marketplace (food pantry) for the communities contributions in clothing, food and other items.  Patty Gregory reported that Eastgate is the only association in Columbus that supports a food pantry. The Eastgate Market Place is always looking for food donations and will update the community through the Nextdoor app and Facebook.  You can contact Patty Gregory for details at: justme43219@yahoo.com. 

The plaque and medal the association received for their donation to the elementary school.

Plus, the elementary school has asked us to adopt a family for Christmas to buy gifts.  A vote was held and Eastgate voted to support a family with seven children. 

The Eastgate Elementary School Marketplace is always in need of donations. Contact Patty Gregory for details.

Holiday Party this Month at Near East Neighborhood Pride Center

Then annual Christmas party is being held at the Near East Neighborhood Pride Center from 1pm to 3pm Saturday December 14th, 2019.  Ham and Turkey will be provided. Please bring a side dish. 

New Leadership Term 2020-2022 

Residents voted on for the next two-year term and elected Scott Spears as the new association president, David Tweet, vice president, Pat Fluellen, treasurer and Colleen Manley as secretary. Board of DIrectors include: Erin Eichel, Casey Crisp. Terry Neal, Jonathan Tomko and Tim Anderson. We want to thank out-going president, Tim Anderson for his dedication and work he has done for the community for the last two years. 

SEEKING VOLUNTEERS

Goals for the upcoming term include seeking new volunteers and coordinators to the following committees: You can volunteer to be on a committee or offer to be a coordinator of an event or the whole committee.  

Social Events Committee: (spring clean-up, easter egg-hunt, summer picnic, stumble, holiday party).  Chair: OPEN

Welcome/Bereavement Committee.  Cards and small packages to families.  Chair: Lea Barker?    

Membership Committee: Manage membership drive forms to be mailed out in June. Update residents information and memberships.  

Chair: OPEN. Markita West’s term completed, so we need a new chair. 

Communications committee: (website, newsletter, e-newsletter, social media). Chair: Christina Paolucci 

Eastgate Elementary School liason: (food pantry, school events etc).  Chair: Patty Gregory. 

Eastgate Islanders: Gardening of neighborhood islands.  Chair: Erin Eichel. 

Nelson Park Apartments liaison: Maintain communication with residents, managers, CEO Ken Lurie, city officials and Eastgate community.   Chair: OPEN  

Public Safety:  Stay up to date on crime reports, share and facilitate information to residents,  coordinate needs such as the summer walk patrol. Get reports from the our police liaison officer. Chair: OPEN 

Next monthly association meeting is Monday January 6th, 2020.

Eastgate Holiday Party

The annual Eastgate holiday party will be held Saturday December 14th, 2019 at the Near Eastside Pride Center, 1393 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43205.  The civic association will provide turkey and ham. Please bring a side dish to share with your neighbors.  Look for postcard details at your door.

SAVE THE DATE

December 2nd is the next association meeting at Eastgate Elementary School. Officer Election is on the agenda. Monthly association meetings are the first Monday of the month from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

U.S. Census Bureau has openings

They are currently in a large recruitment push with opportunities in and around our neighborhood. I have attached a flyer and for more information contact:

Ashley Gover, Recruiting Clerk, Columbus Area Census Office, U.S. Census Bureau, 614.974.5300 Office, ashley.gover@2020census.gov

Apply On Line Franklin County

August Monthly Meeting

Eastgate Garden Civic Association held its monthly meeting at the Shepard Library Monday August 5^th with 13 people in attendance with six leaders coming from The Community Housing Network. Updates included review of the walk patrol, the summer cookout, back to school donations and the Creekside Development on Nelson Road.  

WALK PATROL ON HIATUS

Though the evening walk patrol was successful throughout the summer, it currently has been put on hiatus due to safety concerns of drivers moving too fast down the streets for pedestrians walking at dusk. And with the days becoming shorter, walk times need to be reevaluated.

SUMMER COOKOUT POSTPONED

In addition, the annual summer cookout has been put on hiatus as well. It was originally scheduled for Saturday August 17^th. Look for details for any new announcements for a new date and location.

BACK TO SCHOOL NEEDS

Eastgate Elementary School returns on August 22^nd and the pantry will start up again before that date. Please see Patty Gregory for Back to School needs and other items. justme43219@yahoo.com

CREEKSIDE HOUSING UPDATES

Ryan Cassell answered questions about the new Creekside housing development at 500 N. Nelson Road.  Documents are attached with all the information he shared with those in attendance below. Please review and send your questions to him. He would be happy to answer your questions or give a tour at one of their other facilities.

Ryan Cassell, Community Housing Network, Chief Development Officer: rcassell@chninc.org, 614-487-6782

Next meeting is Monday September 9^th.

COMMUNITY HOUSING NETWORK 

About CHN

2017 Annual Report

SUPPORTIVE HOUSING INFORMATION

supportivehousinginfo

CREEKSIDE PLACE (500 NELSON ROAD)

Good Neighbor Agreement Draft

Creekside Place GNA Draft 2019

July Monthly Meeting

The Eastgate Garden Civic Association meeting was held Monday July 1^st at the Shepard Library with 10 people in attendance.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Eastgate Stumble Saturday July 27
• August meeting is August 5^th at the Shepard Library
• Eastgate Cookout Saturday August 17^th
• Garbage is on Tuesdays until August 27^th
• Recycling Yard/Waste Days: Friday July 19^th, August 2^nd, August 16^th, and August 30^th
• Labor Day Monday September 2^nd

Things to Note to July’s meeting

• Creekside Place Development on Nelson Road will be presenting at the monthly meeting in August.
• The membership drive is in full force and membership renewable notices are out for delivery.
• Eastgate was approved as a 501(c) 4 organization. This is retroactive back to December 2018.
• Surveyors have been going through Eastgate for new street lighting.  A discussion was held on the style of new lights for the neighborhood.  Photographs of styles will be gathered and submitted to the city.
• Eastgate residents will continue patrolling the neighborhood to keep an eye on activities.  There have been between 3 to 12 people per walk.

If you would like to know more details covered and what will be on August’s agenda, please contact EGGCA President, Tim Anderson at: tim.anderson614@gmail.com

June Monthly Meeting

Calendar of Events

• Yard Sale: June 22, 9am- 3pm
• Eastgate Stumble – July 27th
• Eastgate Picnic – August 17th, 1-3pm
• Glory Garden Days – Friday 7pm-8:30pm &  Sun. 6:30pm-8pm

Other topics Covered

•  A vote was held and approved to abandon the garden boxes due to the fact that they have been hit by cars many times.
• Anthony Brown leads historic walks on the Eastside.  The last one was of the Long Street Bridge and Wall.
• A book group was held to discuss the book “Tigerland.”
• Next book club meeting: June 6th, at 6pm –  8pm at the MLK Library. “The New Localism” is the book being discussed.
• They offer a leadership academy which will help you find out how to be a leader.
• Casey Crisp has been talking with CPD about how to deal with the growing acts of vandalism and bullying coming from Nelson Park Apartments.
• Mary Daniels announced that at the Shepard Branch and the MLK Branch, you can check out a free pass for the Franklin Park Conservatory for 2 adults and up to 7 kids.  Also, the 1st Sunday of the Month is free.
• Markita West announced that this will be her last year as the head of the Membership Committee, so we are looking for somebody to take over.  Tasks are collecting membership dues and addresses for the memberships.
• A discussion was held about creating a phone tree to alert residents of crimes and opportunities.
• A discussion was held about the recent spate of crime in the neighborhood.  The idea was either bringing in either off duty officers or CCP, Community Crime Patrol to patrol the neighborhood.  Off duty is very expensive.

NEAC

• Kate DeSouza, NEAC rep, talked about NEAC and how it handles zoning.
• An election for a vacancy for commissioner was canceled because nobody applied.   It will not go through committee and someone will be appointed.
• There are 2 committees are planning and zoning, each with 3 openings.   There are no people from district 3 (which includes Eastgate.)
• Meetings are held the 2nd Thursday of the month.  Plannings the 3rd Thursday and Zoning meets the 3rd Tuesday.
• Another group is the Near East Leadership Group.

April Monthly Meeting

Eastgate monthly association meeting April 1st, 2019. (Christina Paolucci, photographer)

The Eastgate Garden Civic Association held its monthly meeting April 1^st, 2019 at Eastgate Elementary School. Approximately 20 or so residents were in attendance. Here is a general over review of information shared at the meeting.

Upcoming Calendar of Events

The Easter Egg Hunt is Saturday April 13^th from noon until 2 p.m.at the Eldon & Elsie Ward YMCA on Woodland Avenue. Set up is at 11 a.m. and cleanup is 2-3 p.m. See Maria Brown for details for volunteering or participating. mswanson4202@gmail.com, 804-317-1505 

Eastgate Community Earth Day Clean-Up is Saturday April 20th from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. See Deidre Allen about volunteering. email: d.taria05@gmail.com , or call 614-406-7162

Matters Laced Together is having a walking touring of Woodland Park/Eastgate Saturday 8:45 a.m. to 11 a.m. April 13^th. They are partnering with Columbus Eats. May 11th will be the following walking tour featuring the Long St. Bridge and going to Willoughby’s afterwards to discuss healthy eating. June 6th will the next book club meeting. For more information search Matters Laced Together on Facebook or for details contact Anthony Brown: Anthony.brown419@gmail.com

Featured April Speakers & Organizations

Crime Report: Officer Anthony Roger said that the crime was down for this area. If you have any concerns or questions for him please email him at: Arogers@columbuspolice.org

Eastgate Elementary School: They are requesting volunteers for a COSI On-Wheels Visit for May 10th. They continue to seek donations for the pantry. Plus, a mother in a local shelter is seeking financial support to help her family with their first and last month’s rent. There are many additional activities happening at the school so please contact See Patty Gregory for details on how you can contribute at: justme43219@yahoo.com,  614-432-0197

Columbus Landmarks’ Julialynne Walker offered information about how to preserve historic buildings and architecture in Columbus. Plus, announced their historic neighborhood and art walking tour for 2019. Plus, she explained that there is a program for people with homes over 50-years of age that can obtain loans to fix up, add windows, repair roofs, etc. For more information contact Columbus Landmark – 614-221-4508 or email: skeeny@columbuslandmark.org

Home Insurance Options: Tim Anderson spoke about getting home warranty insurance to cover the repair water lines if case of line breaks. Many homes in the neighborhood are over 70-years-old and it is not uncommon for water lines to collapse. Columbia Gas offers an affordable program at around $15/month to cover the repair of broken water lines. For information contact Tim Anderson:  anderson614@gmail.com, 614-402-2089

MORPC (Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission) handed out information on weatherization and free assistance programs for such needs for: furnace tune-up or replacement, wall and attic insulation, refrigerator replacement, and light bulb replacement. Call 614-621-1171 for details.

NPA & Public Safety: Pat Fluellen spoke about her discussion with Columbus City Councilman Brown and the issues with Nelson Park Apartments and asked how we can make it safer for everyone.  Brown says we should talk with Shayla Favors, of the Columbus City Council about our concerns. That we should continue to reach out to NPA management and other city officials. Here is a link to Shayla’s contact information: https://www.columbus.gov/council/favor/Contact/

The Creekside development on Nelson Road is moving forward on a vote of 11-1 by the Near Eastside Area Commission.

In My Backyard begins Saturday May 4th featuring healthy eating. It will have a plant sale and a straw bail gardening demonstration and a vegan/vegetarian cooking demonstration. The program is free!!! Details at: Centralohiostrawbailgardening.com

Eastgate Islanders: Erin Eichel is the new community garden volunteer liaison. Thank you Mary Daniels for all your years coordinating volunteers and keeping us beautiful, but I am sure you will be still out there digging in the dirt. Thank her when you see her. Erin is planning a clean up set for April 17th and/or 18th at 3 p.m. (weather pending). Please bring tools like a battery powered weed whacker. For more information contact Erin at: Eaeichel@gmail.com

Information summarized by Christina Paolucci & Scott Spears.  Please contact us for any corrections at: christinapaolucci@gmail.com

February Monthly Meeting

Creekside Proposal for 500 N. Nelson Road.

Approximately 20 people were in attendance at the February monthly association meeting held at the Eastgate Elementary School.  The majority of the agenda was a presentation by Ryan Cassell of the Community Housing Network. He is the director of real estate development.  He handed out copies of a Powerpoint presentation detailing the Creekside proposal at 500 N. Nelson Road.  It will be a facility for 50-homeless people placed through the shelter system and 13-mentally ill people placed through ADAMH.

Here is what Ryan presented to the attendees at the meeting and written up by Scott Spears. Plus, a few Eastgate minute notes.  Eastgate Meeting – Feb 2019

Welcome New Residents

Greeting Eastgate Neighbors:

By Christina Paolucci

In my first year of living here, I had many questions, as any journalist does. What is the history of this place? What are the stories to be told? It was during this time a grant opportunity through the Greater Columbus Arts Council and Columbus’s bicentennial became available in 2012. I was awarded my first grant and Scott Spears and I began to tell Eastgate’s story. I had just moved to the neighborhood in 2011 while my now husband, Scott Spears was already living here for four-years. We met through sharing similar interest in documentary film projects, he is a videographer, I am a photojournalist.

            Kraig Thorhill, a former neighbor, had done extensive historical documentation on the community. The grant award along with many private donations made it possible to record that information into a film. I spent about a year walking the neighborhood photographing the houses, especially the houses Kraig researched for a historical tour guide. In addition to the documentary film, I was able to turn that information into a visual walking tour guide found on the neighborhood website.

            It has been almost seven-years since we screened, “The Legacy of Eastgate,” to great success. A lot has changed since the film premiered, while other things have stayed the same. When I first moved here the economy was struggling, the housing market crashing and the population was aging. It was because of these factors many houses were sitting dormant. The good news is that there is new energy coming to our community and many more stories to tell. What would you like to know?

Scott and I continue to walk the neighborhood all year and even for a small community as Eastgate, the unique architecture and landscape never gets old. Even on a cold winter day, there was so much beauty to witness in Eastgate and in the nearby parks. For those you are not able to get out in this weather, I hope you can enjoy this winter journey that we took on Sunday in this slideshow.

          Winter Hike in Eastgate and nearby park at Jeffrey Mansion

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Eastgate Film Screening in February

And for those who would like to see “The Legacy of Eastgate” it will be screened at the MLK Library Tuesday February 26^th at 5:45 p.m. followed by the film, “Historic Woodland Park at 6:45 p.m.  

January Monthly Meeting

The Eastgate monthly meeting was held January 7^th, 2019 at the Eastgate Elementary School with approximately 30 people in attendance. Ken Lurie, Chief Operating Officer of ABC Management presented plans for the future of the Nelson Park Apartments. Numerous residents shared their concerns to Lurie about the current public safety issues and how they are going to address those same concerns with new development.

Other topics covered included the crime stats for the area, which has been low, especially for the Eastgate community. February monthly meeting will be a presentation with the Community-Housing Network for plans for a new group home at 500 Nelson Road. The proposal is for 63 units for homeless individuals with mental and emotional disabilities.

As for the Nelson Park Apartments, Lurie presented information saying there are 124 family units and 53 senior units. They met with City of Columbus and HUD and were told that there are too many units. The new plan is to build 150 or fewer units.

Other key items Lurie covered include:

• HUD sets the rental rates.
• The rents in the current complex are below market.
• The government shutdown is impacting their current payments.
• They have until Feb to apply for government tax credits.
• They want to start construction at the end 2019.  
• They would prefer to build new units.
• The senior housing units would be 5 stories with many units per building.
• All local management people have been replaced in the last 2 years.
• There are 32 cameras on the property.

Nelson Park Residents

By law, ABC cannot displace any residents and that ABC management must find them housing. Plus, they have one year to build the new complex and bring back the old residents.

• A relocation manager would work with families at NPA.
• ABC says all returning residents will have to re-apply to come back.
• The displaced residents will get vouchers to go anywhere in HUD housing.
• ABC will run criminal background checks on all returning applicants. 
• ABC is committed to building low income/affordable housing.
• ABC will pay moving expenses for displaced residents.

Lurie emphasized that he wants input from the Eastgate community and expects to come back in the next 60-90 days to show more firm plans.

January 2019 Meeting Minutes

Summer Picnic 2018

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August Meeting Minutes

1. Pat Fluellen gave the treasurer’s report:  $3903.64 current balance. Membership signups are behind.  We’re at 27 in July and usually we’re near 50-ish.
   501c3 update:  Still dealing with waiving the fee for reinstatement.  Small organizations can get the fee waived but it does not always happen.  Also, there was a discussion on how we maintain current status going forward.   Eastgate has to submit 990 forms each year or the certification may be revoked.
2. Minutes from July were approved.
3. Eastgate Garden Annual Picnic Update – For $160 we can buy the supplies (meat, condiments, plates, utensils and the like.  Other neighborhoods have been invited so a discussion of how much food to buy. A vote was held that the budget be increased up to $320.  Collen made 320 fliers to be passed out in the neighborhood. If we have rain, moved to the next day.
4. Eastgate Gardening Update:  Mary Daniels says we will resign in 60 days.  5 years was great but it’s time for new blood.  We must begin to search out a new garden “captain.”   Mary suggested that the Association make this position official and part of the officers or directors.   Mary picked Thursday (8/9) at 6:30pm to maintain Gloria’s Garden.
5. Mary Daniels urged people to check their voter’s registration.  Go to https://www.sos.state.oh.us/elections/voters/toolkit/
6. Kate ? of NEAC sent Eastgate a thank you letter for our $100 donation for the commuity movie screening.
7. Nelson Park Apartments have put up 4 cameras on Maryland Ave. that the police have access to via WiFi connections.  Nelson Park has hired off duty police officers to patrol the apartment grounds in the evenings.
8. Next meeting Sept. 10th, 6:30pm at Eastgate Elementary.
9. Woodland Park Association has invited Eastgate residents to their annual summer picnic which will be held at the YMCA on Woodland Ave, August 13, 7-9pm.
10. Meeting adjourned at 7:54pm

Eastgate Stumble

The fifth annual Eastgate Stumble was held Saturday July 14th, 2018.  Three houses hosted the roving party including David Tweet, Anthony and Maria Brown and Orville and Sharon Lynch. 

June Meeting

Eastgate 6_4_2018 Meeting Notes

May Meeting

The monthly association meeting was held Saturday May 5th at the Shepard library with about seven residents in attendance.  Attached are the minutes of the meeting. EGGCA-May18-minutes

Upcoming Events:

• Community Yard Sale is Saturday June 16th 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Eastgate Stumble is Saturday July 14th fro 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
• Summer Picnic will August 18th noon – 3pm

Easter Egg Hunt

April Meeting 

The monthly meeting was held Monday, April 2nd at the Shepard Library with 18 in attendance. Community Liaison Officer, Anthony (Tony) Rogers.  – Former K9 unit officers. 29 year veteran was introduced at the meeting. The next event is the spring clean-up on Saturday, April 21st from 9 a.m. until noon.  Volunteers will be meeting at Eastgate Elementary School. To read the minutes of the meeting, they are attached below. 

Eastgate Meeting 4-2-2018

March Meeting

Commander Roberts Strausbaugh speaks at the March meeting addressing public safety concerns.

No minutes available 

February Monthly Meeting 

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The monthly meeting was held Monday, February 12th at the Shepard Library with 14 in attendance. Sgt. Deniher introduced the new Community Liaison Officer McIntosh.  The next association meeting is planned for the first Monday in March with details updated soon. The next neighbor event being planned is a spring cleaning event near Earth Day on Saturday, April 21st 9 am to noon. Once details are confirmed announcements will be posted.  Below are attached the February minutes for your review. For questions or concerns please contact Eastgate president Tim Anderson: tim.anderson614@gmail.com   |       614-402-2089  • Mobile

February 2018 Meeting Minutes

The Annual Christmas Party and Holiday Lights 

Thank you to David Tweet for opening his beautiful home and hosting the Eastgate Holiday party. We got to know new neighbors and voted in new officers for our Eastgate Garden Civic Association. Tim Anderson will serve as president, Maria Brown as vice president, Colleen Manley as secretary and Pat Fluellen as treasurer. We wish them the best and thank them for their willingness to serve our great neighborhood.

Eastgate will have its annual membership drive in the summer, but you can send your dues anytime to P.O. Box 132331 Columbus, Ohio 43213. It’s $15 per voting member.

Eastgate in peak Fall Foliage

Eastgate Garden Civic Association monthly meeting.

Summary of the November 2017 meeting

Eastgate Garden Civic Association held its monthly association meeting Monday November 6^th, 2017. 22 people were in attendance: 12 residents, 5 ABC Management, 3 City of Columbus police officers and 2 speaking on social service programs.

Events: The holiday potluck party is Saturday December 9^th, 2017 from 4 to 7 p.m. at David Tweet’s home 106 North Nelson Road.

Election of Officers: Final nominations and voting will take place at the holiday party for all members who have paid their dues to the association. Current nominations: President: Casey Crisp, Tim Anderson. Vice-President: Maria Brown, Jonathan Tomko, Treasurer: Pat Fluellen and Secretary: Colleen Manley.

Presentations:

Columbus Healthy Places Program Director, Scott Ulrich spoke about evaluation of the infrastructure for public safety and pedestrian traffic from Nelson Park Apartments to Eastgate Elementary School.

Chief Operation Officer of Orlean Company, Ken Lurie gave us updates on improvements being implemented at the Nelson Park Apartments. Currently, they are working on improving with more lighting, fixing entryways with fences and signage and adding and updating cameras.

October Monthly Meeting – October 2nd, 2017

Summary

The Eastgate neighborhood met Monday, October 2nd at 6:30 p.m. at the Shepard Library, 850 N Nelson Rd, Columbus, OH 43219 with 18 residents in attendance.

The agenda included Rosemary Mathes representing National Church Residences, which offer services with the goal to keep the elderly living in their home – (www.National ChurchResidences.org). Travis Horsemen from Franklin Park Conservatory speaking about the new children’s garden opening in May, 2018 – (www.fpconservatory.org), Jonathan Tompko discussed Eastgate property sales – (jtomko@kw.com), Aaron Pettrey represented Union Savings Bank regarding a lending program available to area residents.

The annual holiday party is tentatively set for December 9th and the location is still being determined.

Financial Report
See Eastgate treasurer Pat Fluellen if you would like to see the full report.

Officer Nominations
If you would like to nominate someone to be an officer for a two year position starting in January 2018. Please contact Casey Crisp – (caseycrisp@yahoo.com) to put on the November and December agendas.  Currently: We have nominations for president: Casey Crisp; vice-president: Jonathan Tompko; secretary: Colleen Manley; treasurer: Pat Fluellen.

The Eastgate community on the Near East Side of Columbus, Ohio celebrated 100-years as a neighborhood August 17-19, 2017. The Eastgate Centennial series of events included a film screening  at the downtown Columbus Metropolitan Library Thursday August 17th with 53 in attendance. Saturday August 19th there was a walking tour in collaboration with the Columbus Landmarks Foundation with seven tour guides and 35 participants. It was followed by a street festival with music by Meridith Evans, children’s entertainment by Rowdy Rod and lots of food for everyone.

Eastgate was originally part of the Refugee Tract following the Revolutionary War. David Nelson, Sr., a revolutionary war veteran, settled with his family on 600 acres in the area in the early 1800s. The Nelson family home on Nelson Road was built in 1819, and is still a residential home in Eastgate today. A historical plaque marks the spot where the family’s grist mill once stood near Nelson and Clifton Roads.

Prominent African-American residents of Eastgate have included radio personality Eddie Saunders, the first black broadcaster in Central Ohio; Judge Robert M. Duncan, the federal judge who ordered the desegregation of Columbus public schools in 1977; and six Tuskegee Airmen, the first African American aviators in the U.S. armed forces. Other neighborhood notables include Chic Harley, the East High grad and phenomenal OSU star for whom East’s football field is named. Today the neighborhood celebrates a diverse and welcoming culture.

The United Way of Central Ohio Neighborhood Partnership Grant, The City of Columbus Department of Neighborhoods, St. Philip’s Episcopal Church and the Eastgate Garden Civic Association made these centennial events possible.

Our Centennial Volunteers

Centennial Event Coordinators: Deidre Allen, Charlene Brown, Christina Paolucci.

Historic Walking Tour Guides: Charlene Brown, Ron Kuppinger, Kraig Thornhill , Jackie Tshaka , Leslie Summers & Doreen Uhaus Sauer, Columbus Landmarks Foundation.

Street Festival Volunteers: Debbie Allen, Deidre Allen, Gayle Bridgeforth, Dorothea Brooks, Kim Coleman, John Caslin, Eric Dunson, Pat Fluellen, Lisa Foster, Patty Gregory, Colleen Manley, Sheryl Moyer, Debbie Thomas, David Tweet, Matt Ward, James Weekes, Markita West and Jamila M-Zawadi.

Landscaping: Mary Daniels, Ezekial Turner, 15- volunteers.

Photography & Videography: Christina Paolucci, Scott Spears.

Donations: Creole Kitchen, Madison Soul Food Kitchen, Old Bag of Nails, Nelson Road, St. Philip Episcopal Church, Turkey Hill, Broad Street.

Special thanks: Marcus Erridge & Kristen Neumann-Martiensen

Eastgate Stumble 2017

 Earth Day 2017

 

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