Short North launches safety efforts ahead of summer
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Saturday, people will see heightened security in the Short North. This is near the anniversary of explosive gunfire taking over the neighborhood, which sparked Columbus city leaders to put in place safety restrictions in the area for months.
The aftermath of that shooting was visible with bullet holes in windows all down High Street. It’s not like that anymore and residents told NBC4 they do feel safe now in the Short North.
“I think it puts everyone on edge for a little while,” said Jordyn Love, who lives and works in the Short North.
This incident happened on May 6, 2023. Columbus Police said it was a fight turned to explosive gunfire. 10 people were shot, at least one of them by a Columbus Police officer.
“I do think it made it so like people were being more careful and like I said aware of their surroundings,” Love said.
The shooting prompted a quick response from Columbus's top officials. They set a curfew for some businesses, took away street parking on High Street and set out police towers.
“I just thought the response to it was maybe blown a little bit out of proportion. I think the tower specifically made the area feel more unsafe than it actually is,” said Jack Marks, a Columbus resident.
The restrictions lasted a few months. There has not been an incident of this magnitude since last May. The people NBC4 spoke with said they feel overall the Short North is a safe neighborhood.
Out of caution, the Short North Alliance and Columbus Police are teaming up to increase safety in the area starting saturday. This is a part of the Short North Crime Interdiction program.
They are making sure there are more visible officers – both on foot and bike.There will be designated rideshare pickup areas from 12 a.m. to 4 a.m., mobile food vendors have assigned spots and paid parking is extended to midnight.
“I want people to be educated and look at the data and look at the data at how safe it is, but I also understand that we have to fight a perception problem,” said Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein.
This all takes effect on Saturday in time for the Short North Gallery Hop.
“Go have a great time and be respectful and treat each other with dignity and respect and don't result in violence,” Klein said.
Details about the May 2023 shooting have been very limited. The incident was being investigated by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. They tell NBC4 the case was turned over to the Franklin County Prosecutor's Office in November 2023. They could not say any more.
NBC4 reached out to Columbus Police to do an interview about safety in the Short North – they have not yet replied.