Weinland Park Community Civic Association

Safety Committee
Summary of Meeting of July 16, 2015
Ahmed Ebady, chair of the committee, called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m. in the citys
Northside Neighborhood Pride Center.
Isom Nivins, neighborhood liaison with the citys Department of Development, reported that a
neighbor had complained about children on North Sixth Street who were jumping on parked cars
and causing problems. Mr. Ebady said he would like the property manager from The NRP Group,
which owns and manages a number of rental properties on North Sixth Street, to attend the
Safety Committee meetings.
Mr. Ebady expressed concern about suspicious and illegal activities around the corner of East
Sixth Avenue and Summit Street. Columbus Police Lt. Smith Weir indicated that officers were
aware of the activities. He noted several arrests that had been made in that area in the previous
few days.
Mr. Ebady suggested that the city should consider reopening East Sixth Avenue just west of
Summit Street. Neighbors successfully petitioned the city to close the street 20 years ago as a
deterrent to crime. Mr. Ebady said the closing may no longer be an effective deterrent.
Mr. Ebady agreed to mail a letter to the citys public safety director asking that the city consider
moving the public safety cameras to other locations in the neighborhood where safety is a
concern.
Lt. Weir, who oversees the special-duty officers working for Community Properties of Ohio,
reported that he had met the previous week with representatives of Ohio States Star House, a
facility for homeless youth located on North Fourth Street near East 12th Avenue. The specialduty officers will assist Star House in dealing with folks who have been causing problems at the
property.
Mr. Ebady asked that a Columbus police officer, who is an African-American, take part in
National Night Out activities in Weinland Park on August 4.
Steve Sterrett reported the Franklin County Sheriffs Office offers home security assessments.
The business of the Safety Committee being concluded, Mr. Ebady adjourned the meeting at 6:45
p.m.

Summary prepared by Steve Sterrett.