The Greek Row neighborhood is starting to see some changes, including a better look and improved relationships between Greek and non-Greek community members.

Previously, the two groups were distant from each other, yet still lived in the same community. But now, the residents’ need to improve their neighborhood has brought them together.

“They are two separate communities,” said Mike Evans, Student Association director of Greek Affairs and sophomore corporate communication major. “They each do their own thing.”

Problems started occurring when crime in that area began to increase, including two murders last summer.

“That’s when I realized it was a plaguing problem,” SA President Troy Caldwell said.

To better understand the community’s concerns, a questionnaire was passed out to all residents of the Greek Row area asking them to explain what problems they thought needed to be addressed.

The most common responses dealt with economic development, parking, lighting, safety and litter, 1st ward Ald. Andy Small said.

That was back in November. Since then, the Greek Row Revitalization Task Force has been formed, and is aimed at tackling these concerns. A similar task force was created for Pleasant Street a little over a year ago.

About 10 years ago, the Greek Row area was considered the “crown jewel” place to live, Small said.

“After some deterioration, it never got back to be like that,” Small said.

Members of the force include Evans, Small, Caldwell, Mayor Greg Sparrow, Police Chief Bill Feithen and members of DeKalb’s community development department.

“Our goal was to lay out all the problems,” Evans said.

Some new changes that already have been made include the installation of a fence behind Burritoville, 1026 W. Hillcrest Drive.

“Some other things include putting up and increasing lighting, call boxes and we’re trying to keep the Delta Upsilon house,” Evans said.

Also, there are a number of police in that area that will conduct heavy surveillance, Caldwell said.

Some long-term projects include structural issues with streets and parking.

The amount of time that this revitalization will take has not yet been determined, Caldwell said.

“It’ll take some time. I don’t want to estimate,” Caldwell said. “It depends on the progress. Students need to continue getting involved.”

Evans hopes that when the area is improved, residents will have more concern for it.

“It’s like if you have a junky car, you won’t take as much care of it if you had a new car,” Evans said. “We’re trying to take that approach.”

The next meeting for the Greek Row Revitalization Task Force is on Feb. 4 at the Westminster Presbyterian Church, 830 Annie Glidden Rd. If anyone has any comments or ideas or are interested in being a part of the DeKalb Revitalization Task Force, they are encouraged to call Mike Evans at 753-9920 or Ald. Andy Small at 758-4084.