Task force discusses DeKalb landlord, tenant issues

By Thomas Verschelde

The Safe and Quality Housing Task Force meeting was held Tuesday at the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity house.

The main issues discussed in the meeting were landlord and tenant issues, the safety of DeKalb, providing quality housing for the residents of DeKalb, city codes, response issues for police and fire concerns.

Other issues discussed included the future of Greek Row properties, community policing and the growth of the Greek community here at NIU.

“We are trying to diversify,” said Mike Pittsley of Pittsley Realty. “Previously we had a meeting held in Golden Acres retirement home. We do this so we can become better acquainted with the different neighborhoods.”

At the meeting three subcommittees were formed. The subcommittee focuses are tenant/landlord, safety and quality housing.

Some of the issues being addressed by these subcommittees are the safety of tenants, a possible screening process for perspective tenants and the improvement of the Greek Row community.

“There are all different types of people on this committee from different backgrounds who have come together to figure out what is best for DeKalb as a whole,” said Glenn Roby, Task Force member and Phi Sigma Kappa chapter adviser and treasurer. “I am confident that what is good for DeKalb as a whole will also be good for Greek Row.”

Roby said the subcommittees were formed to work on specific issues that DeKalb is facing.

“Our focus is going to be to help all neighborhoods,” Pittsley said. “We are trying to link all the neighborhoods together, to provide quality housing for everyone.”