On January 23rd, 2026, Mezcla, the Latin restaurant and cocktail lounge on Summit St and 3rd Ave, was struck by a driver, causing substantial damage to the building. This is one of many similar occasions over the past several years of treasured local businesses being driven into by autos. 

These incidents are commonplace at many of the intersections along Summit and 4th St. They have not only caused significant property damage but have also endangered the lives of pedestrians, residents, and business owners in the area. These unfortunate events highlight the pressing need for more effective safety measures to be implemented immediately.

Statistical data from recent traffic reports indicate that intersections like Summit and 4th St are highly prone to accidents due to excessive speeding and inadequate traffic control measures. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 25% of car crashes in urban areas occur at intersections. Summit and 4th St are known offenders and are among Columbus' "High Injury Network" streets.

To minimize these risks, we propose the addition of:

1. Improved sight lines (move parking further back)
2. Tactical urbanism traffic-calming devices
3. Hardened barriers along critical sections of intersections, such as bollards or concrete planters. Critically, these barriers must effectively be strong enough to stop cars from hitting buildings or people. 

Additionally, we strongly encourage the city to implement further long-term, high-impact safety solutions such as returning Summit and 4th to 2-way traffic and redesigning lanes and intersections to slow cars down to neighborhood-appropriate speeds. These measures have been proven effective in various cities across the country.

Furthermore, it's critical that the city takes serious steps to address the pervasive traffic violence issue effect our city, which is trending nationally as ever-larger vehicles move at high speed through neighborhoods such as ours. Every time a car hits a building or person at a speed high enough to cause destruction, that is a choice that our leaders de facto endorse. Let's change the trend and make it known that Columbus residents deserve streets that serve them. 

We urge the city council and city authorities to take immediate action to safeguard our community by implementing these proposed measures. Your signature on this petition will support our call for a safer Summit and 4th St, ensuring safety and peace of mind for all who live, work, and pass through the area daily. Let's make our voices heard and drive change before more lives and local treasures are put at risk. Sign our petition now.

Support Mezcla employees here: https://gofund.me/4b21d4106