COLUMBUS, Ohio — A business in the Hilltop could have to shut down.
Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein announced on Tuesday that his property action team sued Rosco’s Market at 2500 Sullivant Ave. The lawsuit asks the court that the market be declared a public nuisance and have it shut down.
The city attorney's office said the market is known for violence, drugs and prostitution. It's located just a few blocks from Burroughs Elementary School.
“There is a constant flow of criminal activity there. Nonstop, day in and day out. Whatever time of day,” said Terry Roofe, a lifelong resident of the Hilltop neighborhood.
Roofe has lived in the Hilltop since he was a kid, and he said a lot has changed. Roofe and Christina Stanley, also a resident in the Hilltop, said they are relieved something is being done about the market.
“There are a lot of people hanging in the car window, talking, driving by honking horns. Hand to hand transactions,” Stanley said.
Rosco’s is located blocks from an elementary school. Stanley said that concerns her even more as a mother of four children.
“I was walking to school when I was my daughters age. I wouldn’t let her walk to school over my dead body. Because it’s not safe,” Stanley said.
Klein’s office said Columbus Division of Police has had several prostitution investigations and made multiple drug arrests at Rosco’s over the last two years. Klein said the business was at the top of their lists because of violations and crime.
“It has really become a nuisance on Sullivant Avenue. You know, it’s been my pledge as the attorney that when we have enough evidence to shut these places down or to bring lawsuits against them, we will make it a priority to do it,” said Klein.
Klein said the business could reach an agreement with the city and police to increase security and make changes. If that agreement is made, then the business will not shut down.
“There are more convenient stores, bodegas, mom and pop on Sullivant that need to be looked into,” said Roofe.
“Problems get ignored for so long. Better late than never I guess,” said Stanley.
Klein said they are working to make the neighborhood safer.
“But I want the kids to be able to walk by there and be safe. If it doesn't work out and Rosco's doesn’t listen or the improvements don't work, then maybe we have no choice but to shut it down,” said Klein.
10TV reached out to the owner of Rosco’s. The owner said he is not aware of the lawsuit, and he is out of town. He said he may speak with 10TV on Wednesday.