A helpful guide to our Short North community organizations.
Confused about which Short North organization does what? You’re not alone. The names of these groups are similar and it’s easy to get them mixed up. We’re here to help!
Short North Civic Association:
That’s US! The website you’re on right now is ShortNorthCivic.org – we are Short North Civic Association, a non-profit civic association focused on building a strong community through representation, education, advocacy, and sponsorship of projects benefiting the Short North and its surrounding neighborhoods. We welcome Short North area homeowners, renters, business owners, and employees to become members.
SNCA was originally formed as the Victorian Village Society and officially became a non-profit organization in 1975. The first trustees were Robert Doane, Harry Shaw III, and Gerald Howard. The primary mission of the organization was “To promote a spirit of neighborliness among residents of, and businesses and organizations within, the Victorian Village area.” That mission still holds true today but now encompasses the entire Short North and all its individual neighborhoods.
SNCA sponsors community events including Screen on the Green, Goodale Park Music Series & Short North Tour of Homes & Gardens.
Short North Alliance:
The Short North Alliance (SNA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization serving both the property owners and business owners of the Short North Arts District and surrounding area.
The SNA is the big daddy of the neighborhood – they are the group in charge of events such as Gallery Hops, Holiday Hop, Highball and the Short North Gala. SNA is the authority when it comes to issues related to crime prevention, safety, parking issues… they work closely with city gov’t and police as well as the other community groups.
The mission of the Short North Alliance is to nurture the Short North Arts District, High Street, East 5th Avenue, and North Fourth Street commercial corridors as vibrant, creative, and inclusive communities and leading arts destinations.
Short North Foundation:
The Short North Foundation was created in 2000 to help leverage the efforts of all the Short North organizations by providing time, money and talent. The Foundation fosters partnerships within and among the neighborhood organizations to further enhance the lives of all who live, work, and play in the Short North area of Columbus,Ohio. The Foundation strives to facilitate a collaborative dialog among the various Short North neighborhood and business organizations toward a collective vision for the district.
The Foundation is committed to advancing the creative spirit, diversity, and vitality of these neighborhoods. The Short North Foundation provides a forum for the “combined voice” of the neighborhoods to ensure continued growth and vitality.
The Short North Foundation is a 501(c)(3) all-volunteer organization with neighborhood representation from the following area organizations: Short North Civic Association, Short North Alliance, Friends of Goodale Park, Italian Village Society, Italian Village Commission, Victorian Village Commission, and Harrison West Society.
Italian Village Society:
Italian Village Society (IVS), formed by residents and property owners in 1972, works in conjunction with the Italian Village Commission, the City of Columbus Historical Preservation Office and other local organizations toward the preservation and enhancement of the historic Italian Village area.
IVS is a nonprofit organization that assists residents, tenants, landowners and business people within Italian Village in meeting their civic needs and having their voices heard in city, county, state and federal government as well as other community-run organizations. IVS’ board is made up of volunteers who live in Italian Village.
Italian Village Commission:
The Italian Village Commission and the Italian Village Historic District were established by Ordinance # 1579-73 in 1973. The Commission Guidelines were adopted in 1990. The Italian Village Commission consists of seven (7) mayoral appointees who serve without compensation. It is the duty of the Commission to preserve, protect and enhance the unique architectural and historical features of the Italian Village Historic District.
The Commission considers applications and issues Certificates of Appropriateness for exterior alterations at properties located within the Italian Village Historic District boundaries, pursuant to Columbus City Code chapters 3116 and 3119 the Italian Village District Guidelines. The High Street corridor within Italian Village and Victorian Village is covered by the Short North Design Guidelines, which provide a unified framework for reviewing projects in this vibrant area
Meetings are generally held on the second Tuesday of the month at the City of Columbus, 111 N. Front St., 2nd Floor in room 204 (Hearing Room), starting at 4:00 p.m.
Business meetings are generally held two weeks previous to the commission hearing at the City of Columbus, 111 N. Front St., 2nd Floor in room 204 at 12:00 p.m.
Victorian Village Commission:
The Victorian Village Commission and the Victorian Village Historic District were established by Ordinance # 1788-73 in 1973. The Commission Guidelines were adopted in 1989. The Victorian Village Commission consists of seven (7) mayoral appointees who serve without compensation. It is the duty of the Commission to preserve, protect and enhance the unique architectural and historical features of the Victorian Village Historic District.
The Commission considers applications and issues Certificates of Appropriateness for exterior alterations at properties located within the Victorian Village Historic District boundaries, pursuant to Columbus City Code chapters 3116 and 3119 and the Victorian Village District Guidelines. The High Street corridor within Victorian Village and Italian Village is covered by the Short North Design Guidelines, which provide a unified framework for reviewing projects in this vibrant area.
Regular meetings are generally held the second Wednesday of the month at the City of Columbus, 111 N. Front St., 2nd Floor Hearing Room, starting at 4:00 p.m. Hearings may be live streamed at www.youtube.com/cityofcolumbus
Business meetings are generally held two weeks previous to the commission hearing at the City of Columbus, 111 N. Front St., 2nd Floor in room 204 (Hearing Room) at 12:00 p.m. Please see the meeting calendar for exact dates, times and locations.
Harrison West Society:
Members in the Harrison West Society benefit by being able to vote on issues that come before the society including zoning and variance requests and development proposals. Moreover, membership encourages strong ties among community members and allows neighbors to directly affect the future of the neighborhood.