The first step in a long process has been taken to ensure the revitalization of the Greek Row community.

The Greek Row task force, comprised of citizens, NIU and the City of DeKalb, is spreading the word to residents about improving the area’s lighting.

Last spring, the task force toured the Greek Row area and discovered insufficient lighting in parking lots and along streets.

In addition to a tree-trimming program that would prevent trees from growing so high that they overshadow streetlights, the task force uncovered a number of buildings that didn’t adhere to the city’s Unified Development Ordinance, known as article 10.05.01.

The task force’s plan continued its effort to make sure all buildings are up to date with lighting ordinances. Community Services Planner Sue Guio said the task force conducted a follow-up meeting over Winter Break with landlords to discuss a survey that identified what lights weren’t operational.

By Jan. 15, landlords of apartments, household residents and business owners within the Greek Row plan were expected to submit a letter sent by the task force in order to highlight any concerns with the lighting. Guio said fraternities and sororities have until Jan. 29 to complete this letter because most houses were completely vacant during the break.

“We haven’t looked at anything else,” Guio said. “With the students gone, we didn’t want to delve into this any further without them.”

Guio expected another meeting to take place in early February, at which time task force members and property owners would walk through the neighborhoods and make certain everyone has complied with lighting regulations.

First Ward Alderman Andy Small said despite the recent approval of the Capital Development Block Grant, there was little talk over the break within city council or anywhere else about other measures expected to take place soon as outlined in the plan.

Small mentioned that so far, cleaning up and restoring Greek Row’s excellent appearance has seen positive responses from the community.

“Delta Chi has been doing a nice job with renovations,” Small said. “In terms of the general appearance, it is as good as it’s been in some time.”