Business owners near the University of Cincinnati push back on street closures meant to curb violence

September 9, 2026 - 19:32

Small business owners in the CUF neighborhood, just north of the University of Cincinnati, are voicing strong opposition to the city's recent decision to close off several streets during the late evening hours. The closures, which were introduced as a direct response to a string of shootings in the area, are meant to curb violence and create a safer environment for students and residents. However, the owners argue that the measure is doing more harm than good, effectively strangling their evening trade and pushing customers away.

The restrictions, which typically begin around 10 p.m. and last until the early morning, have turned once-bustling commercial corridors into ghost towns. Restaurant owners and bar managers report a significant drop in sales, with some saying their revenue has fallen by as much as thirty percent since the policy took effect. They point out that the closures not only block vehicle traffic but also create a confusing and unwelcoming atmosphere for pedestrians, who often find their usual paths blocked without clear detours.

Many business owners feel the city acted too hastily without consulting them. They argue that the violence, while tragic, was isolated and not tied to the regular late-night crowd that frequents their establishments. Instead of blanket closures, they suggest increased police patrols, better lighting, and more targeted security measures. Some have started a petition to have the policy reversed or at least modified to allow for delivery vehicles and employees to pass through.

City officials, however, maintain that the safety of the community is the top priority. They say the closures are temporary and will be reviewed based on crime data over the coming weeks. But for the business owners, every night the barricades are up represents another night of lost income and uncertainty about the future of their shops. They are now organizing a meeting with city council members to plead their case, hoping to find a middle ground that ensures safety without sacrificing the economic vitality of the neighborhood.