Near can be used as a preposition. Near to is also possible with the same meaning, but is less common.
We live near (to) the station.
I put my bag down near (to) the door. She was near (to) despair. Near (to) can be followed by an -ing form.
I came very near (to) hitting him.
For -ing forms after to, see -ing forms 6: without breaking; before starting.2.
For the difference between nearest and next, see next and the next; nearest.
For more information consult a good dictionary like Langman, Oxford, Merriam Webster, or Collins.