Hilltop Rise, a non-profit organization, wants to hear from residents on what to include concerning economic improvements on the west side of Columbus.
Morgan DeBoth is the organization’s executive director. She said she will be seeking community ideas, while focusing on business development on Sullivant Avenue and West Broad Street. "My job as the new executive director at Hilltop Rise is to listen to the community, and really make the connections needed to be able to build up economic development in the ways that the community wants based on community input."
DeBoth said she envisions a combination of small local businesses, such as boutiques and restaurants, along with larger chain enterprises. "The goal is to have a place that is empowered to become the best neighborhood for each resident, and to really bring in some new ideas and some new life and truly revitalize that neighborhood."
The Hilltop neighborhood has experienced numerous crime problems and decline over the years. Hilltop Rise said Sullivant Avenue and West Broad Street are two commercial areas with many mixed-use buildings that are ready for revitalization.
“With economic growth, hopefully those crime rates will naturally decline. There are some really, wonderful organizations right now,” DeBoth said. “They're looking especially to mitigate some of those harmful effects of gun violence.”
Hilltop Rise will hold an open house Feb 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Third Way Café on West Broad Street.
“I just find it very romantic in the sense that, like, these are very hardworking people who have built a legacy and have a true community,” said DeBoth.
