Explanation
This legislation authorizes and directs the Division of Neighborhood Services to enter into an agreement with Homes on the Hill CDC to support the Hilltop Neighborhood Safety Program. The Hilltop suffers from many of the challenges of similarly situated urban transitional neighborhoods. The historically active business strip along West Broad Street is being hurt by newer shopping facilities and other retail establishments further west and in the suburbs. Vacant and dilapidated buildings abound, and there are pockets of concentrated poverty existing throughout the community.
Homes on the Hill CDC has been working in conjunction with the Greater Hilltop Area Commission, the Columbus Division of Police, Community Crime Patrol, and City Code Enforcement in an effort to define the problem and formulate a solution. Out of the discussion came many safety initiatives that will be carried out by Homes on the Hill CDC including:
Hilltop Ambassadors: This project seeks to improve the perception and the reality of safety on West Broad Street in the Hilltop. The "Hilltop Ambassadors" program will deploy a pair of patrollers on West Broad Monday through Friday to report suspicious activity to Columbus Police, report code violations to the Department of Development, and offer assistance to individuals seeking to patronize local businesses. The ambassadors, who will be active from May through October, will wear distinctive uniforms as identification. They will patrol the area of West Broad Street between Highland and Hague Avenues. Their work augments the activities of the Community Crime Patrol and, like Downtown Ambassadors, this crew will pick up trash, weed sidewalks, and will be available to help to maintain the planters along West Broad.
Hilltop Community Safety Symposium: In conjunction with the Greater Hilltop Area Commission, Homes on the Hill is planning a community safety forum for the spring. This day-long event will bring together c...
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