Khara Nemitz- Answers to questions as posed by ThisWeek News:
Tell us about yourself:
I am a 48-year-old mother, spouse and interior designer. I have an eight-year-old son who attends Indianola Informal. My husband is an associate professor in the art department at OSU. His position at OSU is what brought us to Columbus from the east coast. I was born in Sweden. My family then moved back to the states. Since then I have lived in Colorado, Maine, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York City, and Connecticut. I met my husband, of 24 years, at the Maryland College of Art where I studied painting. After working many different jobs, I went to interior design school where I achieved a Master’s in Interior Design. I worked in the interior’s department of two exemplary architecture offices in New York City. When my son was born, I had the fortune of not working for three years. Within that time we moved twice: once to New Haven, Connecticut and then on to Columbus. I now work for Huffman & Huffman, an interior architecture and design office, in New Albany. Some of the things I enjoy are: reading, baking, the Arts, being outdoors and traveling.
How long have you lived in Clintonville:
I have lived in Clintonville for five years. We moved to Brighton Road the summer of 2012 after renting in German Village for two years. We moved here for many reasons: Clinotnville Elementary School, accessibility by foot to interesting stores and restaurants, grocery stores, the library, a tailor and bus line to name a few things.
What do you do for a living?
I am an interior designer. I have a Master’s in Interior Design from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York. I went back to school when I was thirty and have been practicing ever since. I currently work for an amazing mother and son design studio in New Albany. We focus primarily on high-end residential design but also work on commercial projects.
What are your reasons for running for the commission seat:
I have an interest in promoting our neighborhood’s social well being through city planning, architecture and design. I believe that the quality of our lives is bettered by decisions that bring happiness and joy to our daily lives. Participating in the CAC will give me the opportunity to bring to the table my neighbor’s thoughts and concerns regarding the development of Clintonville.
I would describe myself as a candidate that supports thoughtful and responsible development in accordance with the Clintonville Neighborhood Plan. For example, the block right around the corner from where I live, at North Broadway and High, needs to be developed. It is an eyesore and a wasted opportunity to bring joy and beauty to our neighborhood. One idea for change is for the residents to work with the property owners to attract developers who would build something that would be acceptable to all parties and that would adhere to the guidelines of the Clintonville Neighborhood Plan. Residents I have spoken to would be happy to see the combination of a commercial and residential structure like you see further south on High Street. I would like to propose a “Health & Well-Being” zone with one story of residences above. This idea came from the success of the acupuncturist business. What if there were other businesses: massage therapy, Pilates, and yoga that were located her? What if there was a charming restaurant tucked in as well? (One where you could have a glass of wine along with your salad or hamburger.) Whatever is built should not be to the detriment of the school across the street or to the neighbors who live close by. Traffic flow must notbe ignored in our enthusiasm to build. Building codes must be adhered to unless there is a proven undue hardship. I want to make sure that all decisions regarding our neighborhood are centered on what is best for the residents of Clintonville. Khara Nemitz
