Residents press Northwestern over long-vacant, deteriorating properties near Orrington and Noyes

Residents raised long-standing concern about Northwestern-owned houses in the Orrington–Noyes transition area, citing damage, rodents and years without occupancy.

"We know are properties that are university properties and they're in disrepair," said Judy Lubin, a resident, listing addresses she said included 629 Haven, 624 Noyes and 626 Colfax. Another resident said she has not seen anyone in one house during the four years she has lived nearby and noted a hole in the roof that may require major repair.

Chair Claire Kelly acknowledged the neighborhood and landmark-district implications and asked Northwestern representatives for an update. A Northwestern representative said the university maintains an asset database, performs periodic inspections and is compiling scopes of needed work. "We're in the middle of a leadership transition at Northwestern, and this is one of those things that we need to get to the new president," the representative said, noting that some addresses and ownership cycles need further verification and that decisions about future use will follow new leadership guidance.

City staff told the committee they did not have code-violation information on hand and would check enforcement records.

Committee members requested follow-up: city and university representatives said they will continue quarterly coordination and can hold meetings between formal committee sessions to provide interim updates, though speakers cautioned they could not promise substantive changes before university leadership completes its transition.

The committee did not record any formal action or timeline for repairs at this meeting; residents asked for an expedited update and clarified they want a clear plan for maintenance or alternative use.