An organization in College Hill is taking steps to help local businesses affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has issued new restrictions that have temporarily closed gyms, fitness centers, recreation centers, bowling alleys, indoor water parks, movie theaters, trampoline parks and dine-in services at bars and restaurants across the state until further notice. After hearing the decision, the College Hill Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation decided to waive rent for its 14 businesses for the month of April. Organizers said they hope the businesses can use the month to prioritize other expenses during this difficult time. The businesses include College Hill Coffee Co., Enliven Nail Spa, H&R Block, Inspire Salon and Boutique, College Hill Yoga, G & Shirley’s Herbs and Vitamin Shop; Chung Ching; Hartman and Armentrout; The Lord’s Bounty, Weebee Cuttin’, Sashayed624, Wireless Plus One and Smokeshop, Red Rose Jems Pizzeria, and the Brink Brewing Co. Annex.“This is why the College Hill CURC exists and why we have taken such great strides over the years to own properties in our business district,” explains College Hill CURC Executive Director, Seth Walsh. “Right now, our small businesses are some of the most vulnerable and we are willing to take this burden off their plates during this trying time. It is important that our businesses know: College Hill cares.”Organizers said while they're glad they can waive rent for some businesses they hope to extend the offer to others. "While we are fortunate to be able to show the flexibility of a non-profit and do our part in alleviating the stress the uncertain days ahead provide, there are countless other businesses in our business district without this relief,"The organization set up an emergency business fund to help other businesses during the outbreak. “Our state and local leaders have done an incredible job at taking the lead on controlling the coronavirus. It’s time we followed their lead and eased some of the burden now placed on our small businesses,” says Jake Samad, Board President of the College Hill CURC. “We as a board made the decision that our mission to keep the business district Alive and the opportunity for those businesses to Thrive is far more important than the monetary gain from a month of rent.” Those interested can donate using: - PayPal, https://www.paypal.me/chcurc- Venmo, Send to @CHCURC, with the memo “Dream Alive/Avenue Thrive”- Check, Made out to CHCURC. Memo: Dream Alive/Avenue Thrive. Can be sent or dropped off at 1551 Marlowe Avenue, Cincinnati OH, 45224- Cash, can be sent or dropped off at 1551 Marlowe Avenue, Cincinnati OH, 45224