The Hops on High event on Saturday in the Short North kicks off the district's summer season.
With violent incidents in recent years in the Short North still fresh in people's minds, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther, Columbus Division of Police Chief Elaine Bryant and Short North Alliance Executive Director Betsy Pandora discussed what steps are being taken to boost safety in the area.
During a press conference Wednesday at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, Bryant said those steps include bicycle and motorcycle patrols, as well as officers engaging with visitors to show their presence.
The measures also includes parking enforcement and making sure ride-share companies pick up and drop off passengers in designated zones.
"We're going to continue what we've been doing for the past couple of years to ensure that there's a safe community, and making sure that people are very safe when they come down here and feel good about what they see and what they have going on," Bryant said.
Bryant also discussed strategically placed mobile cameras and lights.
"We have our mini real-time crime center. And we have our cameras that we're constantly monitoring. And we have personnel that you may not necessarily see," Bryant said.
That includes undercover and plainclothes police, Bryant said.
Pandora said due to the Short North being one of the most visited areas in Columbus requires thoughtful cooperation between city officials and police.
"It doesn't mean that we're less safe. It means that actually we're thoughtful and collaborative partners with each other," Pandora said.
Ginther said 10 million visitors came to the Short North last year, which is the largest number since the pandemic.
"We want to make sure that folks feel safe, and that we have a great police presence," Ginther said.
Ginther mentioned the city's Clean and Safe Corridors Initiative that includes the Short North, as well as Parsons Avenue on the south side and Sullivant Avenue on the west side.
The initiative deals with graffiti cleanups and streetscape improvements as well as getting criminals off the streets, Ginther said.
"It won't be a one-time thing. That could include more lighting and cameras in those corridors," Ginther said.
Hops on High will happen between Russell Street and East 2nd Avenue.
