Columbus leaders highlight Hilltop improvement plan

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Columbus leaders gathered to provide an update on the Envision Hilltop plan Wednesday -- it’s a long-term community revitalization effort focused on three things: people, places and homes.  

The Envision Hilltop plan started five years ago and leaders said that while progress has been made, this is not the finish line just yet.   

“So much has happened since we announced this plan,” Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther. 

Ginther gave an update on the Envision Hilltop plan to dozens of people at the Mid-Ohio Farm on the Hilltop. So far, there’s already been $180 million invested. 

One of the main focuses of the plan so far has been revitalizing Sullivant Avenue.   

“Some of the things we've done there, $10 million in infrastructure streets, alleys, sidewalks, new streetlights, traffic signals and signage, bump outs and pedestrian refuge islands, crashes are down 50% on Sullivant Avenue, extreme speeding is down 92%,” Ginther said. 

Construction is also set to begin on the new Sullivant Avenue police substation as well. It’s scheduled to be completed in August 2026. 

“I think the exciting piece that, at least for the neighborhood, beyond just getting some additional much needed infrastructure, is the opportunity for there to be open space for folks to come in and engage, learn more about what goes on at the substation and engage with folks,”  Columbus Department of Neighborhoods Neighborhood Program Specialist Nick Plouck said. 

Plouck believes Hilltop residents don’t get a lot of opportunity to highlight all the neighborhood has to offer. 

“People choose to live in this neighborhood,” he said. “People are moving to this neighborhood.” 

Hilltop resident Ashley Montana serves as vice chairperson of the Greater Hilltop Area Commission. One thing she’d love to see more of in the future is affordable housing units.  

“I hope we'll add more diversity into our housing stock and have units available for all residents regardless of their income,” Montana said. 

Ginther also mentioned that COTA recently confirmed that the West Broad Street Bus Rapid Transit line is expected to be completed by 2028.   

For more on the plan, click here.