Columbus officials shared new details about increased safety measures planned for the Short North district this summer.
Planned additions include more lighting, surveillance cameras and a stronger police presence in the area.
The plans include a Short North Safety Office that is set to open in May.
Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther said another part of the effort will be the closure of city-owned parking lots at 2 a.m. and targeted curfew enforcement for minors. He also encourages parents to enforce curfews for their children.
Short North Alliance Executive Director Betsy Pandora added that her organization will also help with community safety and outreach. She said the alliance is doubling the size of its Short North Ambassador team, which helps to respond to non-emergency issues in the neighborhood.
“They de-escalate situations, and they provide walking escorts for people, particularly late at night,” Pandora said. “We have a lot of visitors here in the Short North, but we also have a lot of employees here in the Short North. And so this is really a key way in which we can help support in advance.”
Pandora also said the Short North has seen a record number of new businesses open in the first quarter of this year, despite what some empty storefronts may suggest.
Both Ginther and Pandora are hopeful the new safety measures will decrease crime rates in the coming summer season.
