Concerned over the future of their neighborhood, residents living in DeKalb’s 5th ward came together Wednesday night to discuss possible preservation efforts.

Nearly 20 residents turned out for what was the third meeting dealing with the future of the 5th ward, which lies just east of NIU’s campus.

“These meetings are intended to obtain some sort of feedback from the residents,” DeKalb City Planner Ray Keller said. “This feedback will be put into consideration by the City Planning Commission, because everyone has a unique point of view and we want to respect that.”

Though the main focus of the meeting was to address the issue of preserving the unique historical characteristics of the neighborhood, much digression was made about zoning issues.

The issue of preservation was the primary reason why the North Fifth Ward Historic District was created in 1997, after many residents voiced concerns that the area could fall into disrepair.

“If you change or destroy any of the neighborhood, you can’t get it back,” one area resident commented.

While all agreed preservation was necessary, cost soon became an issue of great concern.

Suggestions brought up among the residents included tax breaks, forgivable loans or grants and even various programs that would help cover the cost of re-painting homes.

“To be honest, there are very few dollars available for these types of programs,” Keller said. “This area is not one in which funds are easily available for preservation programs.”

Much debate also occurred as to whether the owners of historically notable structures would be able to alter or demolish their property in the future.

Some residents mentioned that it shouldn’t matter what is done to the inside of the homes in the area, just as long as the outside of the homes maintain their original historic character.

Keller asked residents for further comments on why they felt preservation of their neighborhood was important.

Residents responded saying that in addition to the importance of the neighborhood’s appearance, they’ve made investments in these homes, and property value maintenance is important.

Residents also said that it would be difficult to replicate their homes, due to the limited availability of certain materials such as oak, and also the shortage of skilled carpenters.

“There is a significant percentage of the population that likes to live in older houses,” said Pam Colins, landmark commission secretary of DeKalb.

The north 5th ward neighborhood was primarily developed between the years 1892 and 1910, during the period that the Northern Illinois State Normal School was first established, and contains more than 120 structures.

Currently, the area has a mix of single and multi-family homes, which includes 45 licensed rooming houses, many of which are occupied by NIU students.

Because the area was developed during a time when automobiles were rare, parking has become another issue to residents of this area.

Limited time was spent on the subject of parking Wednesday night, but will be covered during the next neighborhood planning meeting

The next 5th Ward Neighborhood planning meeting is tentatively scheduled for 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 6, in the Ellwood House Visitor’s Center, 509 N. 1st St.

For additional information, call the DeKalb Community Development Department at 748-2060.