Focus Group Engagement Summary
What We’ve Been Up To
We want to take a moment to thank everyone who has been involved in a Focus Group for the Eastland Community Plan! Between October 2023 through February 2024, the Planning Team organized 10 focus groups and directly engaged more than 95 stakeholders. These groups aimed to engage with a diverse range of lived experiences.
Who We Engaged:
Those With Limited Internet Access;
Those With Limited English Proficiency;
Seniors;
Young Mothers and Pregnant Women;
Eastland Families;
BIPOC Residents;
Those Experiencing Housing or Food Insecurity;
High School Students;
New Americans/Immigrants;
Young Adults; and
Individuals Living on the Boundary of the Plan Area
We have also had many one-on-one conversations with stakeholders and engaged with larger groups of educators and staff at the three Columbus City Schools, and faith leaders in the Eastland area.
What We’ve Heard
Stakeholders are deeply committed to creating a neighborhood that not only meets basic needs but also fosters a vibrant sense of community and belonging. Top of mind for stakeholders is the creation of a neighborhood where all needs and recreational opportunities are accessible, encouraging stakeholders to choose to explore beyond their immediate surroundings out of curiosity rather than necessity.
Below is a summary of the main topics discussed in the Focus Groups. The Planning Team will be utilizing this feedback to improve the planning process and plan outcomes.
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Stakeholders highlighted the importance of diverse floor plans tailored to various needs within the community. Ensuring affordable housing options across different income brackets was identified as a priority. Initiatives to assist renters in transitioning to homeownership were underscored.
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Community members emphasized the need to enhance accessibility to essential resources. Proposed measures include establishing extended hours or 24-hour pharmacies and attracting a low-cost community health center. Additionally, efforts to boost awareness of available resources through outreach initiatives were recommended.
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Stakeholders emphasized the need for centralized gathering spaces where community members can convene, exchange ideas, and collaborate on initiatives. These hubs would also serve as information centers for available resources and events.
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There is a strong desire for improvements to parks and recreation facilities, including safety enhancements, infrastructure improvements, and the addition of amenities like play areas, restrooms, and water fountains. Stakeholders also expressed a need for more indoor and outdoor recreational spaces catering to various age groups.
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Community members stressed the importance of supporting local businesses, particularly through the establishment and sustainability of small businesses. Initiatives to incentivize entrepreneurship and provide resources for business development were highlighted.
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Youth aged 14-18 expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of safe and engaging spaces in the community. Suggestions included the development of recreational areas, movie theaters, arcades, and other entertainment venues specifically catering to the interests of young community members.
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Stakeholders highlighted the importance of intergenerational third spaces where people of all ages can gather and interact, fostering a sense of community and shared experiences.
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Stakeholders emphasized the importance of fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment within the community. Initiatives such as financial literacy programs, mentorship opportunities, and community-centered events were identified as ways to strengthen community bonds and promote positive engagement.
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Stakeholders highlighted the pressing need for constructive activities, job opportunities for young people, improved relationships between law enforcement and community services, and faster responses to maintenance complaints to prevent neighborhood deterioration.
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There was a desire for accessible multimodal transportation within and outside the neighborhood, including well-maintained streets, sidewalks, bike lanes, bus shelters, and stops to facilitate easy and safe transportation for stakeholders.
Demographics Breakdown
The actionable recommendations and ideas proposed stem from these demographic insights. The desires expressed by these particular Eastland community members underscore the significance of engaging every sector of a community to ensure that resulting impacts benefit all community members.
How to Stay Involved
These results are only the beginning and we still need your voice throughout this process to ensure the Eastland Community Plan reflects your values and ideas. Below are some ways you can stay involved over the next few months. We’ll continue to post updates and share other opportunities to engage as they arise.
Register for the Topic workshops to be held over the course of the Summer.
Share your ideas or open ended thoughts about Eastland’s future on the Vision Wall.
Tell us a bit about the places where you go or avoid in Eastland.