‘Envision Hilltop’ plan aims to transform neighborhood, tackle issues
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Walking up and down Sullivant Avenue in the Hilltop, it’s easy to see some of the issues the neighborhood is fighting.
“Crime. That’s always been the problem. Keeps people from moving in. Cut the crime down, and people will move back in,” said Butch Taylor.
Taylor owns five mixed-use buildings in the Hilltop and is encouraged by the plan the city released to transform the area. The “Envision Hilltop” plan aims to tackle issues plaguing the neighborhood.
The plan includes 27 goals that range from addressing the impact of substance abuse on family and community to addressing hazardous driving behavior and gives incentives for people to buy homes in the area.
“I think it will work. It takes time,” Taylor said.
The city has already invested millions of dollars in cameras to prevent illegal dumping.
“As well as alley clean-ups in neighborhoods. We’ve also invested in ShotSpotter. We know that violent crime is a real issue, homicides in particular. We’ve been able to respond to shootings much more efficiently,” said Nick Bankston, project manager neighborhood transformation strategies for the City of Columbus.