In total there are 45 different businesses represented in the letters, though some businesses are represented together into the same letter when they fall under the same owner.
The letters echo one another frequently, with business owners citing the same negative impacts to their livelihood and success on Main Street. Most frequently referenced are frustrations with brazen drug sales and use along Main Street, an increase in prostitution, vandalism that often results in broken windows, loitering and open container violations. Mary's and somebody called.
While searching, his crack pipe was found, he was let go and I had to dispose of his crack pipe that the officers left on my step. The Salvation Army's letter said its location on East Central Parkway has also been impacted, including being forced to ensure a male maintenance worker is available to escort employees to their cars when they leave for the day. Drug paraphernalia is picked up and disposed of on a regular basis. Several of the business owners acknowledge in their letters that none of these crimes are inherently life-threatening for patrons and employees attempting to frequent their businesses.
However, they describe an intimidating and uncomfortable environment the crimes create, preventing staff members from feeling safe while at work and turning visitors away entirely.
The letter from Cincy Shirts said the business wouldn't renew its lease for its business at Main Street in April and would instead close the OTR location. While the business said the waning success of the Reds, parking availability for employees and simply outgrowing the space also played a part in the closure, Overholser wrote the rising crime in the area was also a factor.
