With the DeKalb City Council taking a new twist because of the April 1 elections, issues like the Greek Row Revitalization Plan will be the responsibility of newly-elected 1st Ward Alderman Karega Harris.

But Harris said he has no doubts the Greek Row policy would continue as planned and, in fact, be revised and enhanced.

The Greek Row Revitalization Plan was instituted months back in an effort to restore the Greek Row neighborhoods so that it once again it is “the jewel of DeKalb.” Improvements such as lighting, safety, parking, zone enforcement and building facades were a few of the many aspects within the plan that are anticipated to take somewhere within three to four years.

With a new alderman, Sue Guio said, no new changes should occur, and in fact, the plan should remain on schedule and with the same goal in mind.

“I don’t anticipate any real changes,” Guio said. “This is a city-appointed plan by all members so what the new alderman would do is create his own spin on things.”

Harris eluded doing just that, as he said the one real improvement he’d like to see done within the plan is create more of a public relation atmosphere with members of the plan and community plans.

“I’d like to see more action and more open house meetings,” Harris said. “I want to make sure everyone’s heard.”

Guio said meetings and community interaction has been evident through a variety of landlord meetings discussing what she thinks is the most important aspect of the plan: improved lighting. Also, the Greek Row cleanup that took place more than a week ago was another good way to involve members of the Greek Row neighborhood to take part in the plan.

Guio said in the near future, the Greek Row Revitalization committee would look at continuing its efforts with improved lighting before taking on much else. She said another meeting should take place toward the end of the month when they would discuss various utility costs accompanied with new lighting.

“This revitalization project seems just like a plan when it needs to be more of a priority,” Harris said.Dawid Klimek photo

Former 1st Ward Alderman Andy Small, using his van “Old Blue,” picks up garbage bags which were filled by sororities and fraternities at the Greek Row cleanup on March 30.