DeKALB — With the Safe Streets Initiative fully implemented, students and residents have been experiencing mixed feelings as some support the initiative while others feel it’s an unnecessary burden.

Phase one of the Safe Streets Initiative covered the Russell and Crane area and was passed on Dec. 13, 2017. It was followed by phases two through four, making the Safe Streets Initiative fully operational as of Aug. 16.

The DeKalb City Council implemented the initiative in an attempt to reduce crime. The initiative requires residents and those looking to park on DeKalb residential streets to purchase a permit. Some qualifying individuals are unable to receive the $25 permits because city officials have limited the number of permits available.

Guest passes are available for $5 per day, with a three day maximum, and can be purchased online or at the DeKalb Police Department, 700 W. Lincoln Highway.

Students and residents said charging a parking fee is not a good idea because students can’t afford it. Others said the initiative creates a sense of discipline on residential roads.

Rahul Saswadkar, of Lombard, who came to drop off his wife, graduate student Aishwarya, said he is not clear about the initiative’s motives.

“How is safety involved in the [initiative],” Saswadkar asked.

Saswadkar also said concentrating on street lights and increasing security cameras would be better safety measures, but are not included in the Safe Streets Initiative.

Aishwarya said she doesn’t think it is a good idea to charge any fee for parking since it’s an extra burden for students. She also said parking should be on a first come, first serve basis but shouldn’t be based on restricted time slots.

Residential parking permits cost $25 per year while fees for violations can range from $50 to $100. Aishwarya said this would be an unnecessary cost, which can be difficult for students to afford along with academic costs.

Graduate student Godwin Ruchith Thomas said he thinks Safe Streets is going to show a negative impact on students because of restricted time slots and parking fees.

“This is a city of students and students should be given the first priority and first privilege,” Thomas said.