The DeKalb City Council highlighted several issues relating to the revitalization of Greek Row during its workshop Monday night.

Greek Row once was said to be the jewel of DeKalb, and known for its respectability, tradition and attractive qualities, but that image has been tarnished.

The major concern outlined in this plan is to brighten the lighting around Greek Row, much of which has caused Greek Row to appear susceptible to crimes. Plans to dispel the argument of poor lighting include conducting a lighting survey, increasing lighting for public and private properties, continued tree-trimming programs and exploring the creation of a private-property lighting compliance program.

Public safety on Greek Row was addressed, calling attentionto the need of police and vehicle police patrol; the appearance of the area, code enforcement and zoning objectives; economic development and parking problems.

First Ward Alderman Andy Small said that although problems still are prevalent, Greek Row has improved over the past year.

“With crime this year we have been very lucky, there have been no major crimes,” Small said during the meeting. “Alcohol-related crimes have been a problem as well as the lighting, but they can be fixed. 7-Eleven and Burritoville have stepped up their efforts to reduce conflict and potential crime around Greek Row. And there’s only one vacant property on Greek Row, which hopefully will be an attractive piece of land for perhaps a future restaurant.”

The council discussed the future Metropolitan Planning Organization program, which will affect DeKalb now that it has a population of more than 50,000 people. In essence, the MPO of DeKalb will be given funds for federal transportation planning activities, as well as federal highway construction, in an effort to accommodate the growing number of DeKalb residents.

One of the big debates within the agenda was adding NIU to the board of six representatives. However, NIU would act as a non-voting member of the board. Mayor Greg Sparrow noted a few positives and negatives of NIU’s participation to the board.

“We’ve told NIU that now, for once, we will look out for your best interests,” Sparrow said. “But when the Barsema conflict arose regarding their transportation issues, NIU basically said the conflict was between the city and the students. And now that they want to be a part of a transportation board is fine, but they also are pushing for a vote.”

Sparrow said the city was more than fair in giving NIU a seat in the MPO, being that it is a large part of DeKalb’s population. He concluded by saying in the future, NIU may be an active voter.