Greek Safety board to form

By Valerie Insinna, Staff Writer

Published Feb. 27, 2007

Missouri Students Association President Rachel Anderson said a functioning Greektown Safety Council will hopefully be in place next semester.

Anderson said she wanted to "get everyone on board" before starting the council, even if it takes longer than expected.

"We're trying to be proactive," Anderson said. "I'd rather cautiously plan it than have it thrown together."

Although the council has not yet been created, Anderson said she would like the council to be made up of delegates from each chapter that would meet on an as-needed basis to discuss safety issues.

MSA Director of Student Services Robb Loran said the idea for the council came from the Megaphone, a feature on the MSA Web site where students can leave feedback. Loran said Greektown safety a major concern for students.

"Greektown is a part of the city that is brushed under the rug," Loran said.

Alex Ricke, Interfraternity Council vice president of risk management, said that though more students live in Greektown per block than on campus, much of it is in need of repair.

"There are lighting issues, cracked sidewalks and the worst roads on campus," Ricke said.

Loran said the Department of Greek Life is willing to work with the council. MSA sponsors a Safety Walk twice a year during which safety issues such as potholes and sidewalk damage are assessed. The next Safety Walk will include an assessment of Greektown.

Loran said the data gathered from the Safety Walk in April will be given to the police, fire department and the three City Council members with districts in Greektown. The First, Fifth and Sixth Wards encompass part of Greektown.

"That way, at least they'll be made aware of it," Loran said.

Although Greektown is city property, the city might not fulfill its obligation to repair it. In this case, Loran said members of the Safety Council would go to City Council meetings. Loran said he would set up a meeting with City Council members within the next week. Anderson said it is important to meet with the city to discuss safety issues.

"We want to facilitate communication with the city and let them know of our concerns," she said.