Discovery Special Improvement District
23 N. Fourth St.
Columbus OH 43215
SID Hotline: (614) 228-5718
Office: (614) 645-5133
Who we are
The Discovery Special Improvement District (SID) is a private sector corporation that was created in 2007 by property owners who wanted to improve the safety and image of the Discovery District neighborhood. The SID encompasses a 37 square block area on the east side of downtown that is generally bounded by I-670 to the north, Mound Street to the south, Fifth Street to the west and I-71 to the east.
Like other SIDs or BIDs (Business Improvement Districts), the Discovery SID is comprised of area property owners who agree to assess themselves in order to fund district-wide services. Property owners determine every aspect of the plan for services, including the types of services offered and length of term. Because a SID assessment is similar to a property tax, SIDs require legislative authorization by the local government.
Overview of Services
Safety
The SID employs uniformed safety ambassadors, special-duty police officers ,a homeless outreach specialist and a safety coordinator who links private security operations with one another and to the Division of Police, the municipal courts, social service agencies and other resources. The SID utilizes a holistic approach to crime prevention and the elimination of disorder. Supplemental safety services are provided Monday – Friday from 6:30 am – 2 am and from 8 am – 2 am on Saturday.
Other Services
Although the primary focus of the Discovery SID service plan is the provision of supplemental safety services, other services are also provided to the District. These services include:
- Environmental maintenance, including the removal of handbills and graffiti on public fixtures and the first floor of private property
- Capital improvements that make the district more appealing and interesting such as pedestrian kiosks, directional signage and landscaping
- Promotions through public relations and earned media and
- Member services designed to strengthen the cohesiveness of the District by improving communication among members and governmental or quasi-governmental agencies
Anyone wishing to request services in the District may do so by contatcing the SID’s customer service hotline, 614-228-5718, or by logging onto downtowncolumbus.com and clicking on “service request” in the upper right hand corner of the web page.
