Editor’s Note: Beat notes is a new weekly feature from Dispatch journalists who share what’s happening in their area of coverage and upcoming events. This week, we hear from Maria DeVito, who covers eastern Columbus suburbs. She’s been at The Dispatch since August 2024 and previously covered western Licking County communities for the Newark Advocate.
What I cover
Central Ohio is growing, and I follow that development closely as one of our suburban growth and government accountability reporters. I specifically focus on eastern suburbs, including Gahanna, New Albany, Pataskala, Pickerington and Reynoldsburg. That means writing about new housing developments and apartment complexes, new commercial businesses, major land purchases, zoning changes, and the latest data centers. I also follow what’s happening at city councils and school districts.
Columbus Dispatch reporter Maria DeVito.
Working my beat
On Monday nights, you’ll find me at city council meetings, likely learning about local law changes or economic development deals. Sometimes I’m the only person in the room who isn’t a city staff member. But I’m keeping an eye on local officials so you don’t have to. Although I’ll gladly welcome the company if you join me!
During the rest of the week, I scour planning documents and attend zoning commission meetings, and then report about the latest businesses and housing developments coming to eastern suburbs.
The best story ideas come from seeing something while driving — whether it’s an apartment complex under construction or random park benches along State Route 161 — and tracking down the answer.
Columbus Dispatch reporter Maria DeVito at her desk in the newroom in June.
Top recent stories
The topics I write about vary, and so do my top stories. Some of my top stories include a new Meijer Supercenter coming to Pickerington, Reynoldsburg City Schools making $8.3 million in budget cuts after a levy failure and New Albany annexing 115 acres of Licking County land for future development.
My most-read story so far this year covered the tragic death of a Pataskala woman mauled and killed by her neighbor’s pigs.
Coming up
In the months ahead, I’m monitoring the progress of Gahanna’s $59-million civic center complex, which is set to open this fall. As well as the city’s strategic plan, which is a long-term framework that outlines the city’s future, that will also wrap up this fall.
And of course, I’ll cover more development in eastern Franklin County as it, well, develops.
Ideas welcome
If there’s a topic you want me to look into — maybe there’s construction happening in your community, or you have questions about legislation before your city council — share the details with me at mdevito@dispatch.com.
Learn more about Maria
Staff profile: Dispatch reporter Maria DeVito covers eastern Columbus suburbs.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Dispatch reporter Maria DeVito covers Columbus’ eastern suburbs