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I am proud to share that the Office of Violence Prevention’s gun buyback event was a resounding success. Thanks to our neighbors who began waiting in line as early as 3 a.m., we were able to safely remove the following firearms from the streets of Columbus:
- 201 handguns
- 75 shotguns
- 68 rifles
One less firearm in our community is one less weapon that a child can get their hands on, that can be stolen and used for criminal purposes, or that someone can use to harm themselves. I thank our community for stepping up and joining in the city’s efforts to prevent and reduce gun violence.
Columbus, like much of the nation and the rest of the world, is experiencing a dramatic rise in domestic violence, and we are committed to making sure that families in crisis get the resources they need, including spaces for healing, recovery and safety. That is why we are investing $1 million in Lutheran Social Services CHOICES, Franklin County’s only domestic violence shelter, to help support the operation of their newly expanded emergency shelters.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact CHOICES at 614-224-HOME.
Columbus now has two new affordable housing options: Topiary Park Crossing in the Discovery District and Mulby Place in downtown Linden. This is all thanks to the nearly quarter-billion dollars in voter-approved bond funding that we’ve dedicated to affordable housing projects across the city.
No resident should have to spend more than 30% of their income to live in safe housing in the neighborhood of their choice. Affordable housing is essential to an inclusive and vibrant future, and I am pleased to see these latest projects open their doors to our residents.
I’d like to give a special shout out to our neighbors who celebrated with us at the Hilltop block party last week where we showcased $10 million’s worth of infrastructure improvements along nearly two miles of Sullivant Avenue. Residents can now enjoy brand-new sidewalks, repaved streets, LED street lights and vibrant street art created by talented local artists. Three years ago I promised to revitalize the Sullivant Avenue corridor, and I am so grateful for all we have accomplished thanks to our tremendous community partners and our wonderful neighbors who’ve helped us to realize the Envision Hilltop community plan.
After a nearly five year journey, I am delighted to share that we broke ground on an incredible new community sports park in partnership with the Columbus Crew. When it’s complete, Kilbourne Run Sports Park will feature playgrounds, a green trail, five turf fields and a championship field with bleacher seating, a press box, multipurpose rooms and spaces for teams and coaches. I look forward to the park’s completion and the great recreational opportunities it will provide to Columbus residents.
Mark Your Calendars for Election Day Next Tuesday, Nov. 7
Election Day is next Tuesday, and early in-person voting continues through Sunday, Nov. 5. Simply grab your photo ID and head to your county’s early voting center. Locations and hours can be found here.
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