City of Columbus Dept. of Neighborhoods

At a critical juncture marked by the closure of key businesses like Eastland Mall, the Eastland community is seeking to reimagine its future. This initiative, led by the City of Columbus in partnership with Cohear, aims to develop a vision for Eastland that reflects the aspirations of its diverse residents. By centering community voices, the project creates a framework for inclusive growth and equitable opportunities in housing, education, employment, and culture.

Eastland is at a turning point, requiring bold, people-centered solutions to address the loss of community hubs and essential services while fostering optimism for sustainable growth. The City of Columbus recognized the need for a comprehensive plan rooted in the lived experiences of Eastland residents.

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Our Approach

n collaboration with consulting partners MKSK and NDC, Cohear facilitated a robust engagement process to gather diverse perspectives and actionable ideas:

• 12 Focus Groups, 8 Interviews, and 24 One-on-One Conversations

• Engagement with 90+ participants representing:

  • BIPOC residents

  • New Americans and immigrants

  • High school students

  • Pregnant women and young mothers

  • Residents experiencing housing or food insecurity

  • Seniors and families

Focus groups and interviews explored participants’ lived experiences, challenges, and ideas for Eastland’s future. Data was analyzed to identify key themes and prioritize actionable recommendations.

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What We Heard

Residents shared a collective vision for a vibrant, inclusive Eastland community, highlighting the following priorities:

1. Affordable Housing:

   • Ensure diverse and affordable housing options tailored to various income levels.

   • Support renters transitioning to homeownership.

   • Review tax abatements to enhance affordability.

2. Access to Essential Services:

   • Establish extended or 24-hour pharmacies and a low-cost community health center.

   • Increase awareness of available resources through outreach initiatives.

3. Community Hubs:

   • Create centralized gathering spaces for collaboration, information sharing, and community-building activities.

4. Parks and Recreation:

   • Improve parks with amenities like playgrounds, restrooms, and water fountains.

   • Add indoor and outdoor spaces for recreation across age groups.

5. Support for Local Businesses:

   • Incentivize entrepreneurship and provide resources for small business development.

6. Youth-Centric Spaces:

   • Develop recreational and entertainment options for teens, such as arcades, theaters, and sports facilities.

7. Intergenerational Third Spaces:

   • Design spaces for people of all ages to gather, fostering connection and shared experiences.

8. Transportation:

   • Expand multimodal transportation options, including bike lanes, well-maintained sidewalks, and accessible public transit.

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The Impact

This initiative provided the City of Columbus with a comprehensive, community-informed vision for Eastland’s future:

• Actionable Insights: Residents’ voices informed clear strategies to enhance quality of life and foster equitable development.

• Community Optimism: Engagement efforts built trust and excitement, empowering residents to actively shape the neighborhood’s future.

• Collaborative Roadmap: Recommendations align with the city’s long-term goals for creating inclusive and vibrant communities.