Columbus launches central website for area commissions
The city of Columbus has launched a new website for its 21 neighborhood area commissions.
The site – www.cbusareacommissions.org includes links to each area commission, plus maps showing boundaries for each, contact information for each commission’s chair, zoning chair and liaison, links for Zoom meetings and meeting dates, and the appointment process for commissioners.
Toya Johnson, the assistant director of neighborhood services and community engagement for the city’s Department of Neighborhoods, said the city has been working on this for at least three years. In 2018, the city surveyed area commission leaders about their needs and what the city could do to help them be more effective. This kind of website was one idea, she said.
Some commissions already have their own websites, but this new site brings everything to a central place, Johnson said. “One true website for all area commissions,” she said.
Area commissions began in the early 1970s. They act as liaisons between neighborhood groups and residents, property owners, developers and city officials, making recommendations on zoning issues and taking up other issues important to their areas. mferench@dispatch.com @Markferenchik
NEWARK – A minor and an adult have been arrested and charged in a Newark shooting earlier this week.
According to Newark police, the agency was called to a reported shooting on Pleasant Street on Monday afternoon. The agency identified the victim as Alexander A. Nkuitabong, 21, of Orlando, Florida. Police said the victim was initially taken to Licking Memorial Hospital, then Grant Medical Center where he was treated and has since been released.
Over the course of the investigation, Newark police identified a 16-year-old from Newark and Gilbert C. Frazier III, 20, of Columbus, as suspects in the case. The 16-year-old was taken into custody on Wednesday without incident and Frazier was taken into custody in Columbus with the help of Columbus police on Thursday without incident.
Police said both suspects face charges of aggravated robbery, felonious assault, weapons under disability, and discharging a firearm.