COLUMBUS, Ohio — Rosco’s Market on Sullivant Avenue won’t have to close for now.
The City of Columbus reached an agreement with the market on Sullivant Avenue in environmental court on Thursday morning. City leaders filed a lawsuit last month, asking the court to declare the market a public nuisance and have it shut down because of drug activity.
Rosco's doesn’t have the best reputation with some people living in the Hilltop neighborhood.
“There’s a lot of prostitution, drug activity, illegal dumping, trash. All kinds of criminal activity in the area, and we just don’t want to see that any longer,” said Lisa Boggs, a longtime resident of the Hilltop.
“If they are a magnet of crime then it makes all the neighbors feel unsafe,” said Carla Carr, another Hilltop resident.
In the agreement, Rosco’s will have to make changes. Including following Ohio Liquor law, and the city's and state's tobacco law. The business will also not be able to sell drug paraphernalia or cannabis products.
Additionally, Rosco’s will have to clean up trash on a regular basis.
In court, the city attorney said Rosco’s will have to submit updated trespass authorization to Columbus police.
“We are also providing Rosco’s with the names of folks who do sex work, who have been cited or arrested with violations at the premise. With the expectation to keep that trespass list,” said Robert Doersam with the city attorney's office.
The defense attorney for the property owner of Rosco’s said they are happy with the agreement.
Neighbors in the Hilltop said they hope the agreement works and that the neighborhood improves.
“We would like to see the store stay open and do good and thrive. Actually, attract good clientele,” said Boggs.
“I think it's a good thing because if they are being made aware of the issues caused in the community, then they can be given the opportunity to do better. I think that's what we all want,” said Carr.
The city attorney’s office said if the owners don’t comply with the agreement, then the market could have to close.
The owner will be back in court in February.