Short North May Implement Visitor Fee

Patrons sit in the Short North's Town Hall for lunch after... — Source: SOPA Images / Getty

Big changes could be coming to the Short North, and they might cost visitors. The Short North Alliance is proposing a New Community Authority (NCA) that would allow the neighborhood to charge a small fee on certain purchases, with the money going back into the district.

The Columbus City Council accepted the Alliance’s petition on May 19th. A hearing will be held in two months so residents can weigh in before council makes a final decision.

“In essence, what it will do is allow the Short North to basically tax itself,” said Council President Shannon Hardin, who expressed excitement about the grassroots nature of the proposal. “It’s an innovative way for community stakeholders to be part of the solution.”

If approved, the fee would be up to 1% and would only apply in the designated area; mainly High Street between the Convention Center and King Avenue, with some portions of North 4th and East 5th Avenue. Individual property owners can choose whether or not to participate.

Columbus already has 16 other NCAs, including ones in Jeffrey Park, the Peninsula, and Bridge Park in Dublin.

While the Short North is still one of the most popular and highly-patrolled areas in Columbus, a high-profile mass shooting last summer rattled some nerves. Short North Alliance Executive Director Betsy Pandora said this proposal is one way to be “proactive”. Possible uses for the money include funding more Short North Ambassadors: trained staff who offer safety escorts, assist with de-escalation, and help keep the streets clean.

To learn more or follow the process, visit shortnorth.org.