Recently, there have been a number of concerns regarding the safety of the DeKalb First Ward, notably the Greek Row area between Hillcrest Drive and Greenbrier Road.

Three recent incidents have involved suspects with ties to the NIU Greek community. Former students Mark Orozco and Richard Van Arsdale III, charged with the April 5 shooting of linebacker Devon Butler, are former members of the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity. Former student Zachary Isaacman, who was convicted of shooting NIU student Brian Mulder outside the Stevenson Towers in February 2010, was a member of the Phi Kappa Theta fraternity.

The Safety Subcommittee of the Safe and Quality Housing Task Force is looking into the safety concerns of the Greek Row community.

John Rey, a member of the Safety Subcommittee, said the group’s main focus is the definition of safety in the area and creating an environment where people feel comfortable walking and utilizing the neighborhood.

James Zanayed, NIU student and member of the Safety Subcommittee, said the subcommittee is looking into revitalization plans for various areas of the city and is trying to be pre-emptive when it comes to crime prevention. One of the main goals of the Safety Subcommittee is more community involvement as well as a neighborhood watch program in the Greek Row area, Zanayed said.

“We are working on polling people to see how safe they feel in the Greek Row area,” Zanayed said.

Rey said the subcommittee is also looking at the ownership interest in the neighborhood.

“Owners should have an interest in maintaining the atmosphere of the neighborhood,” he said.

DeKalb Mayor Kris Povlsen said statistically, the NIU campus is as safe as other universities.

“I think the more students can be aware and make good, safe decisions, they will remain safe,” Povlsen said.

Although statistically the NIU campus is as safe as other campuses, Povlsen said that does not mean people should take safety for granted.

DeKalb Police Chief Bill Feithen described the area as an area in transition that has had some challenges with recent high profile cases.

“What matters is that the community is responding to address the concerns,” Feithen said.

David Jacobson, DeKalb 1st Ward Alderman-elect, said he thinks the vast majority of residents in the Greek Row area do not believe the area to be as dangerous as it is being made out to be, but also expressed the need for residents to remain vigilant when they leave their homes and cars.

“I think that overall, it is no less safe than anywhere else in the world,” Jacobson said. “When I leave the house, I am not afraid to walk out the door.”

Zanayed said he does not believe the area to be entirely safe.

“Don’t walk alone, be conscientious of where you are walking and the time of day,” Zanayed said.

Outgoing 1st Ward Alderman Bertrand Simpson said he believes Greek Row, and DeKalb as a whole, is not as safe as it used to be.

“I think DeKalb is not as safe as DeKalb was five years ago,” Simpson said. “I don’t think Greek Row is less safe because of the Greeks.”

Simpson also said some of the responsibility for the safety of the area falls on landlords as well as residents.

“Some of the landlords in the area should be more careful of who they rent to,” he said.

Jacobson said there are other ideas being discussed on how to improve the safety of the 1st Ward, such as improved lighting, camera systems and call boxes.

“The entire 800 block of Greenbrier is very dark,” Jacobson said.

Jacobson said another idea proposed would involve building a fence along the back of Greenbrier and Hillcrest properties in order to cut down on the number of people cutting through backyards.

Philosophy major Phillip Librojo said he feels safe walking around Greek Row when there are other people around.

“The later it gets, I usually take the Late Night Ride or the Starbuster’s bus,” Librojo said.

Librojo said he felt the layout of the Greek Row area and the lack of street lighting are major factors in the safety of the area.

Melissa Williams, Associate Director for Student Involvement and Leadership Development (SLID), said the Greek councils are working with the City of DeKalb to address security concerns.

“The Greek councils will continue to work with the City of DeKalb to discuss future safety initiatives,” Williams said. “The Greek councils are working with the NIU senior administration and the campus police to provide additional assistance to the students. All safety concerns expressed by students will be addressed.”

Representatives from the Interfraternity Council did not comment as of press time.