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Information About

Near East Side, Columbus, Ohio





HISTORY


The area holds a large place in Columbus history, being home to Olde Towne East as well as several famous historical districts. It was home to several affulent bedroom communities during the 1880s and later. Many notable individuals of Columbus during the 19th century resided on the Near East Side. The Near East Side was a predominantly Jewish community consisting of wealthy Jewish doctors and businessmen. East High School was built to serve the burgeoning population on the Near East Side. During the latter parts of the 20th century as other established communities experienced the growing problem of White Flight and urban decay. The Near East Side community remained strong until the 1970s and 1980s. Decline came about when many of the factories and labor type jobs with strong income began to closed in the inner-city. As they became outsourced the families dependent on that income could not maintain the same quality of life on lower income jobs.


CRIME


The Near East Side has been criticized lately for being a hotspot for crime in the city. The area had 18 Homicides in 2005. It is one of the leading places for murder in Columbus. Mostly gang related crimes, the Near East Side is territory for several gangs. In all other crime categories the area is either 2nd or 3rd, behind the Short North (University Area) and the west side. The Near East Side has sort of been ignored by the city, but now the news reports show the consequences. Projects are planned to help the struggling area.

Sources:

The King Arts Complex

Mansion Day School

Olde Towne East Community Website

Neighborhoodlink.com