Having problems in your neighborhood with noise, litter, shortage of parking or other common hassles?

If you are a businessman, property owner or just live in an apartment between the Kishwaukee River and First Street in DeKalb, there is a place to go to address your grievances and seek solutions.

The 5th Ward North Association of DeKalb was formed to improve the area and take more control over community affairs.

About a year ago, a public hearing was held by the city of DeKalb to discuss rezoning the area between the river and First Street to foreclose the possibility of future apartment complexes. Many residents came and aired their grievances about the problems plaguing the area.

Out of this meeting, a steering committee was formed to discuss the situation in greater detail. After a couple of meetings, the 5th Ward North Association came together.

Paul Rogers, the chairman of the association, said the purpose of this group is to identify common problems and work on the solutions together in an organized fashion.

Common issues to be discussed at future meetings in addition to noise, litter and parking include maintenance of property and preserving the historical background of the neighborhood.

There will be a meeting Thursday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. at the Municipal Building. Rogers said the Tenants Union will talk about their objectives and goals.