COLUMBUS, Ohio — The summer season is about to kick off in the Short North Arts District with the May Gallery Hop this Saturday. New safety measures are also going into place to deter some of the incidents of past years.
“We know from our recent market study that safety is a major factor in making a decision to visit our neighborhood, and we want to ensure that we’re doing everything we can to keep our vibrant community safe for all to enjoy,” stated Betsy Pandora, executive director of the Short North Arts District.
10TV asked people in the Short North during the lunch hour if they felt safe in the neighborhood, especially after dark. Many said they do while others said it’s conditional and you need to remain aware of your surroundings. Several people also said it feels safer now than it has in past years.
Beginning this weekend, people will notice more police officers patrolling the neighborhood on bicycles. These officers join the special unit of officers making up the Short North Crime Interdiction Program which was created to deter violent crime.
Last year saw a rough start in the Short North. A number of shootings and acts of violent crime in early May led to tighter security measures, parking bans, earlier closing times and curfews.
Pandora said they took those incidents to heart, and it showed up in a January study commissioned by the Short North Alliance. Visitors said they needed to feel safer to continue coming to the Short North Arts District.
Some new measures in place this year also include:
- Mobile food vendors are assigned to specific areas that can be reserved.
- Paid parking in the Short North is extended to midnight.
- Expanded COTA service until 11 p.m.
- Fifteen designated rideshare pickup zones from midnight to 4 a.m. in parking restricted areas.
“We are so pleased with how we’ve seen improvement in safety in the Short North community. I really think it takes a community to work together to ensure the safety of everyone here,” said Pandora.
The Short North Ambassadors return this year. It’s a civilian team trained in de-escalation to address matters that don’t require an emergency response. They are also available to escort people to their homes or vehicles within several blocks of the Short North. They can be requested by calling or texting their hotline at 614-636-5100.