With all the digression made in past north 5th-ward revitalization meetings, city planner Ray Keller redefined the purpose of holding the meetings, saying that if the area’s residents collectively agreed on changes they would like to see in the historical neighborhood, they would be addressed to the DeKalb Planning Commission in an upcoming meeting.

“We’re hearing and seeing a lot of change in this neighborhood,” Principal Planner Russ Farnum said. “People have been addressing problems with things like parking and litter.”

Two significant concerns addressed Wednesday night were residential parking, particularly on College and John streets, and litter on private properties.

“I looked outside one day and found someone parking their car on my front lawn,” one resident explained. “I mean, I don’t want them parking in my petunias!”

Those who attended the meeting offered several solutions to the parking problem, including issuing residential parking permits, designating no-parking zones, towing and installing parking lots.

These suggestions didn’t pass without dispute, however. Some residents talked about problematic scenarios they previously experienced with parking permits and towing when they had family and friends visiting.

Keller mediated the residents’ anxieties with his knowledge and experience as city planner.

“In the past, the city has made funds available, but on a very, very limited basis,” Keller informed.

A related subject discussed was sidewalk replacement. Residents were again informed of the city’s funding shortages. Residents then suggested a city-coordinated sidewalk replacement program in which residents who want their sidewalks replaced can get discounted prices and repair or replace the walkway themselves.

Also of concern was litter, especially cans and beer bottles, on residential properties.

As with the parking issue, residents described their experiences and suggested solutions to the problem.

“Ten years ago, we organized a group of residents to clean up the area in hopes that the students living in the boarding houses would follow our example,” one resident said. “A lot of good that did.”

Following residents’ complaints, random suggestions were put forth, including the installation of landscaped and non-removable trash cans. The major drawback to this solution, however, is finding locations for the receptacles and funding for them.

Other issues revisited from past meetings included zoning and building codes.

The next, and perhaps final, meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, March 4, at the Elwood House Visitor Center. For more information, call Ray Keller or Russ Farnum at 748-2060.