Activists Propose Community Benefit Agreement for Columbus' Near East

Deb Steele and other “community stakeholders” propose the following, pertaining to The Ohio State University’s Project ONE development, so as to “grow with the University during their expansion” :

· Implementing an Impact Study of the Near East immediately.

· Allowing a portion of the historic Poindexter Village’s buildings to remain. These buildings could be re-purposed or stand as a National Historic Landmark.

· Creating and funding a career ladder that targets residents and young adults for permanent jobs at OSU Medical Centers.

. Implementing a local hiring provision.

· Fostering further growth of existing community gardens or developing more, and providing quality foods in the Near East, and possibly open a new grocery store at 1315 Mt. Vernon Ave., or increase square footage of quality foods in existing grocers.

· Ensuring jobs at OSU Medical Centers pay family sustaining wages and benefits, allowing union neutrality for new employees of OSU Medical Centers.