Police cleaning up Sullivant, seeking help from buinesses

(by Whitney Wilson Coy, Westside Editor - September 03, 2009)

The Columbus Division of Police is stepping up its efforts to clean up one of the busiest thoroughfares on the Westside, but they need the cooperation of area businesses if it’s going to work.

According to Sgt. Joseph Horton, the Division has been focusing on Sullivant Avenue east of Hague in their efforts to target criminal activity in the area. They are looking at major crimes, such as weapons, drugs and prostitution, as well as minor offenses such as speeding.

“We’ve given out quite a few tickets in that area. Especially with all the morning commuters,” he said.

One unexpected problem they’ve encountered, says Horton, is unwillingness from area businesses to clean up their properties.

He added that while overgrown grass and excessive litter may not cause crime to increase, “It’s certainly not a part of the solution.”

“Weeds, growth and trash are present at several of the businesses in that area,” said Horton, “When you look at other parts of town where things are cleaned up, they don’t have the problems that we do, so you’ve just got to wonder.”

Horton says he has sent officers into businesses asking for help with noxious weeds and litter.

According to Horton, there has been very little compliance.

He thinks the business owners may not understand the law.

“Maybe they don’t know it’s their responsibility. Maybe they don’t know the codes,” Horton said.

“There’s an effort that we need to make with letting these people know that they are in violation,” he added.

Horton also said that while some residences along Sullivant are also in violation, they are not the biggest problem.

“Home owners are much more receptive and quick to respond than business owners,” he said.

“We’ll take on the prostitutes and the gangbangers and the drug dealers,” said Horton. “They just need to clean up their properties.”

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