It's no secret these days that our economy is seriously hurting. Everyone is scaling back in one manner or another. Even the seemingly strongest neighborhoods have resorted to lower lows, including some Short North storefronts who have confronted the toughest decision: change with the times or have the changing times consume them.
The city's money woes aren't the only worry around the Short North’s streets, as crime reports grow more and more each day. Reports of bullets breaking windows, and fights on street corners and in parking lots are leaving some Short North homeowners struggling to recognize their neighborhood.
Even the Gallery Hop is not immune. While the event has traditionally brought revenue to the neighborhood's businesses, and given the entire community a chance to come out and celebrate some of the city's artistic inclinations, is it time to reconsider the options?
Many would say no; July of last year marked the 275th consecutive Gallery Hop, and that's over 20 years of tradition for one of High Street's most famous sections. Many business owners would cringe at the thought of doing away with the Gallery Hop, or even placing it aside in an attempt to make things better. Thousands of guests flood the sidewalks under the festively lit arches of High Street, and have made the once monthly event famous for it's numerous galleries featuring local artists, shops, and even musicians making the experience full of Columbus' culture.
The issue comes down to wondering whether the amount of money brought in by patrons of the Gallery Hop outweighs the trouble facing residents and shop owners in recent months. Of course we don't want to take a final first Saturday stroll down High Street, but which risk is worse? Gallery Hop’s extinction, a bullet, or a mugging?
Story: Shannon Bakies
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1 comment:
There's no need to cancel Gallery Hop over fear of crime. That will happen in populated cities no matter what. I feel that as your closing statement is a stretch. What better way to let the hoodlums know that we will not be moved from our community than to just proceed as normal.
Business is indeed bad in the Short North. I don't have to wait for tables at some restaurants that would normally be crowded on a Friday night. Boutiques are struggling. That to-be Ibiza condo looks like a fenced in wasteland.
I love living near the Short North and will continue to support the local businesses as much as I can, but as you mention, the businesses also need to change with the times or risk failure. Time to get creative.
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