PATROL

The Columbus Foundation has awarded an $11,000 grant, and the Eastmoor Civic Association and Block Watch has contributed $5,000.

Ellen Moore Griffin, the Community Crime Patrol’s executive director, said the two patrol members have

been walking into businesses and talking to people. She said the area also suffers from break-ins.

Dr. Sharon Parsons, who has a dental office on East Main Street just east of Bexley, said the service is needed.

“I’ve had hookers in my parking lot,” said Parsons, who has run her dental practice there since 1987. She said the neighborhood has declined since then, enough that she doesn’t schedule evening appointments. “I’m concerned about my patients,” she said.

Parsons said she hopes that after a few years, the safety and beautification efforts will make enough of a difference that the transition from Bexley through Columbus into Whitehall will be seamless for those eastbound on Main Street.