August 2022

Project Wildcat Proposed for ChicagoWest Business Center

The DeKalb Planning and Zoning Commission will consider a proposal for a new distribution, packaging and storage company in the ChicagoWest Business Center.


Project Wildcat would be built in two phases on 160 acres of property at the northwest corner of Peace and Gurler Road. Phase one would be a 1.2 million square foot building, while the second phase building would be 936,000 square feet. Site work for phase one would begin in early September.


The Commission will hold a public hearing Monday, Aug. 1 on a rezoning request, preliminary design plan and final plat of subdivision for the project. More details are included with the meeting agenda, which can be found here


The Commission meeting begins at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 1 in the Yusunas Meeting Room at the DeKalb Public Library.

In This Issue

Senator Durbin Visits DeKalb, Tours Meta Data Center


Fifth Ward Meeting Planned


Sandwich Shop Coming to South Fourth Street


Downtown Improvement Project Continues


Public Works Department Saves Funds


Unique Aircrafts Visit DeKalb Airport

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Glad to Meet You!

DeKalb City employees enjoyed meeting community members who stopped by the City’s booth, jumped on the DeKalb Fire Department's ladder truck and talked with the DeKalb Police Department School Resource Officers at Family Fun Fest on July 21.


The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce and DeKalb Park District organized this great event.

Facebook Photo Gallery


View more photos from Family Fun Fest on the City of DeKalb Facebook page.

Community Input Sought on Annie Glidden North Property

The DeKalb City Council is hearing the community’s ideas for 4.9 acres of property in the Annie Glidden North neighborhood primed for redevelopment through a $2.5 million investment by the City.


The first listening session was held June 25 on the best possible uses for the former site of the Campus Cinemas building and Hunter Hillcrest shopping center at West Hillcrest Drive and Blackhawk Road. The $2.5 million to acquire the property and demolish the buildings is part of $4.5 million that the City has invested in revitalizing the neighborhood.


Kevin Kedzior proposed using part of the property for a student dining and study center serving Greek Row and other NIU students.


“The idea here is for this to really become the hub of student activity in that neighborhood,” said Kedzior.


Opportunity DeKalb Board President Dan Kenney presented a list of ideas the organization has heard ranging from a business incubator, restaurants, a grocery store to a place for children and families.


“One of the things we heard over and over was more activities for children, indoor and outdoor in a supervised setting, and a safe, all season gathering place for families and individuals with a schedule that will accommodate second and third shift workers,” said Kenney.


Other public input included the need to promote businesses on Lucinda Avenue, speed concerns on Ridge Drive and a student opposed to having a late-night bar on the property. 


Through the listening sessions, Mayor Cohen Barnes said the Council is hearing from a cross section of the community.


“This is a very diverse neighborhood with many different interests,” said Barnes. “That’s why it’s important that we hear all these, so we have a complete understanding of what the neighborhood offers.”


A second listening session on the West Hillcrest Drive and Blackhawk Road property will be held during the City Council’s August 22 meeting at 6 p.m. in the Yusunas Meeting Room at the DeKalb Public Library.


Additional listening sessions will be held by Opportunity DeKalb, a nonprofit organization implementing the Annie Glidden North Revitalization Plan.


The input that is gathered will be used to create a development profile for circulation to prospective development interests.

Senator Durbin Visits DeKalb, Tours Meta Data Center

Mayor Cohen Barnes (left) and Senator Dick Durbin toured Meta's DeKalb Data Center on July 7.

Senator Dick Durbin saw firsthand the projects that have helped make DeKalb a state leader in economic development and job creation. 


Durbin visited DeKalb July 7 and along with Mayor Cohen Barnes toured Meta’s DeKalb Data Center where 1,200 workers are constructing five data halls representing a $1 billion investment in DeKalb and Illinois.


“What Meta is doing here in DeKalb is amazing,” said Durbin following his tour. “This is a massive investment. It’s a gamechanger for a lot of lives.”


Traveling to the Meta site, Durbin saw other recent developments in the Chicago West Business Park on the City’s south side. The Ferrara Candy Company’s distribution and packing facilities opened last year, and construction continues on the Amazon Sortation Facility.


“At a time when some people are questioning the future of Illinois, I say come to DeKalb, see what’s happening here where major companies are making the decision, Meta in this case, to endorse who we are and the work ethic of the middle west.”


Mayor Cohen Barnes agrees that it is the people of DeKalb and Illinois who make this the right place for businesses to invest.


“Right now, the State of Illinois is the place to be,” said Barnes. “We’ve got a great workforce, we’ve got hard working people, and we’ve got the commitment of our legislature.”


Barnes thanked Senator Durbin for partnering with DeKalb in spurring investment and job growth.


“A project like this, that’s a local effort, that’s a county effort, that’s a state effort and it’s a federal effort to make that happen,” said Barnes. “I think it’s a perfect example of one of the reasons why DeKalb right now has so much economic development.”


Durbin said transportation is one area where he will continue to work with DeKalb to promote economic growth.

Fifth Ward Meeting Planned

The public is invited to a Fifth Ward meeting with Alderman Scott McAdams to discuss concerns, issues and opportunities within DeKalb, specifically traffic and parking enforcement, and the Lincoln Highway reconfiguration.


The meeting will take place on Wednesday, August 3, 2022, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Cornerstone DeKalb Building, 124 E. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb, Illinois. The meeting will be held in person only. Those attending are welcome to record and/or live stream the meeting.


Alderman McAdams will provide opening remarks and time will be allotted for citizen comment.


Others in attendance will include City Engineer Zac Gill and Police Chief David Byrd.


Please forward any other topics for discussion to scott.mcadams@cityofdekalb.com. Those will be presented at the meeting and the feedback shared when possible.

Employment
Visit the City's Employment Page to view and apply for open positions. For more info, contact Human Resources at 815-748-2398. 

Human Resources Openings

The City is accepting applications for the following positions:


• Certified Police Officer

• Community Services Coordinator

• Telecommunicator (911 Dispatch)


Positions will remain open until filled. Please click here to view the full job description, hiring requirements, and application instructions. 


Sandwich Shop Coming to South Fourth Street

A rendering shows the south side of Anna's Sandwich Shop.

The DeKalb City Council has given the green light to a new sandwich shop on South Fourth Street.


Unanimous approval was given July 25 to a Special Use Permit to allow Anna’s Sandwich Shop to have a drive-through at the restaurant in the former KFC building. The Council is grateful to local restauranter Peter Panagakis for bringing the business to the south side.


“I just want to thank you for your investment in Fourth Street,” said Fifth Ward Alderman Scott McAdams. “It will definitely help with the economic development in the area, and we’re looking forward to it.”


Along with the drive-through for mobile order pick-up, the restaurant will have 40 indoor seats and outdoor seating. 


The new restaurant comes as rapid economic development activity continues in the nearby Chicago West Business Center where the Ferrara Candy Company is operating and construction continues on the Amazon Sortation Facility and Meta’s DeKalb Data Center.


“I can’t say enough how wonderful it is that you are going to invest in that particular property, but then also on the southside,” said Mayor Cohen Barnes, noting the nearby developments. “I’m sure that’s what you’ve had your eyes on. I think it’s going to be an incredibly successful endeavor for you, and I can’t wait to come by.”


Panagakis is planning to make substantial improvements to the building. An outdoor patio area will be built. The existing brick walls will be cleaned with new wood grain panels added to the top of the exterior walls. The former KFC cupola will also be removed, and a small vestibule and tower will be constructed.

Downtown Improvement Project Continues

Work continues on the north side of Lincoln Highway for the downtown DeKalb improvement project.


An additional five feet of sidewalk is being added to both sides to calm traffic by narrowing Lincoln Highway between First and Fourth Street to three lanes, including a center turning lane. Sidewalk replacements to meet the latest ADA standards and new curbing are already done on the north side.


The south side of Lincoln Highway is completed with the exception of a few pieces that have not yet been delivered because of supply chain delays. Restaurants have put out tables to take advantage of the additional space, and businesses on both sides of the road remain open during construction.


Lincoln Highway will be resurfaced towards the end of the project. Construction is scheduled to be completed before Corn Fest.

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First United Methodist Church Breaks Ground

Congratulations to First United Methodist Church, which held a groundbreaking for their new church building along the west side of N. Annie Glidden Road across from the DeKalb County Health Facility Campus. Church and City leaders took part in the ceremony on July 24.


The 15-acre site was annexed to the City in 2020. The church building will be approximately 11,000 sq. ft. including a 240-seat sanctuary. They anticipate having the church completed next summer.

Safety Tips for Back to School

With students coming back to school soon, now is the time to get them fire safe with these great tips:


Leave Behind Belongings: Many kids are attached to their possessions, like phones, especially at school because their items can be comforting to them. But they must know that sacrificing any time during an emergency to find them can be lethal.


Teach children that the first priority in any emergency is to evacuate the building immediately. If anyone is still in the building, they must inform an adult immediately.


Follow the School Fire Drill: If your child is unsure of what to do in the event of a fire drill, explain all of the tips on what to do:


  • Teachers will let their students know that the fire drill will occur during the day.
  • At the time of the drill, the fire alarm will go off, and all students must listen to given directions.
  • Line up quickly, following the teacher outside.
  • Stay with the class at all times and be present during roll call and head counts.
  • Wait for the signal saying that everything is “all clear” and they can re-enter the classroom with the teacher and other students.
ALERT DeKalb

Receive important notifications from the City by signing up for ALERT DeKalb. Text, email, and phone messages are used to alert the public to emergency situations, severe weather, and traffic disruptions.


Users can also text ALERTDEKALB to 67283 to report criminal or suspicious activity and quality of life concerns.

Residential Parking Permits Expiring

The DeKalb Police Department would like to remind residents in residential parking permit areas that permits expire on August 1.


Permits can be renewed at the station Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A driver's license or lease with the address is required for renewal. For more information, click here.  

Public Works Department Saves Funds

DeKalb Public Works has finished preparing the former Campus Cinemas site for redevelopment.


The Department saved the City tens of thousands of dollars by doing the work inhouse. Crews hauled in topsoil, leveled and seeded the property along Blackhawk Road.


Along with the Campus Cinemas site, the neighboring former Hunter Hillcrest site is ready for future redevelopment opportunities.

Unique Aircrafts Visit DeKalb Airport

A restored Hawker Hurricane (left photo) landed at DeKalb Airport on its way to the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh air show, held in late July. The aircraft is one of only 12 airworthy Hurricanes left in the world.


The Hurricane’s historical opponent—the ME109—made its appearance at DKB a few days earlier. A restored 1943 German ME 109 arrived from Danville, IL in route to the Oshkosh festival. The ME had been recovered from a Russian lake in 1990. The plane lacks adequate engine cooling so airport staff towed the plane to the runway for its departure later in the day.


The Oshkosh air show draws in some incredible planes to DeKalb Airport for fuel and a respite. They include Vultee BT-13 Valiant shown below.

DeKalb Airport Facebook Page


Visit the DeKalb Airport Facebook Page to view more planes that stopped at DKB heading to and from the Oshkosh air show.

DeKalb Fire Launches Knox Home Box Program

The DeKalb Fire Department responds to over 7,000 annual emergency service requests. “We have begun to see an increase in the number of elderly or those with mobility issues who remain in their homes and often live alone,” said Fire Prevention Officer Tom Conley. When we receive an emergency call from a product like Life-Alert, we often find that the house is locked and inaccessible.


This situation puts the Fire Department in a position where they need to find a way into the home. They are then faced with forcing a door open to gain access to the home. The DeKalb Fire Department uses this option only as a last resort. This method of entry often ruins the door causing the homeowner additional costs; in most cases, a door replacement can cost the homeowner over $500.00. This method also leaves the homeowner in a position where they cannot secure their property. In cases where the individual is transported to the hospital, a police officer must remain on the scene until someone arrives to secure the property.


The DeKalb Fire department is offering a new program that loans the Knox Home Box to mobility-challenged residents. Fifty “Knox Home Boxes” have been purchased for the program with $8,980 in funding from DeKalb Township.


“We thank DeKalb Township for partnering with the City of DeKalb and DeKalb Fire Department on this program,” said Conley. “The funding support will go a long way towards keeping residents safe.”


This program is designed for residents in one- or two-family homes. Those in multi-unit complexes often have a commercial-style Knox Box installed by the landlord.  


The “Knox Home Box” offers a mechanism that provides a secure method of storing a key that allows entry into the home. The DeKalb Fire Department would be the only entity with access to the “Knox Home Box”.   


How does the program work?  


First, a person interested in the program would contact the DeKalb Fire Department and fill out an application requesting a “Knox Home Box”. The Fire Prevention Officer will review the application to determine if the person qualifies for this program based on need. The parameters would be a temporary or permanent “mobility impairment” or a potential fall risk.  


Second, once the individual has been accepted, they will sign an agreement with the City of DeKalb stating that the “Knox Home Box” will be returned once their condition changes or is no longer needed. 


Third, we would install the “Knox Home Box” on the home’s exterior. The resident will need to provide the key to their residence that will be placed in the Home Box.  


Two types of Home Boxes will be offered; one that mounts onto an exterior wall of the home. The other type is an over-the-door option; the over-the-door type will be provided in a limited quantity.  After the installation, DeKalb Dispatch will be notified, and a note will be made on that address that a Home Box is present. When dispatched to that residence, responding units would be informed that there is a “Knox Home Box”. We will follow up annually to confirm that the Home Box is still required at the home. The “Knox Home Boxes” are also available for purchase from the vendor with approval from the Fire Department, contact the number below for more information.


Those interested in the program, should contact Fire Prevention Officer Tom Conley, who will assist with the brief application process. He can be reached by phone at 815-748-8457 or by e-mail at fire.prevention@cityofdekalb.com.

Public Input Invited on CDBG Documents

The City of DeKalb is releasing a second draft of the Community Development Block Grant 2022 Annual Action Plan and related Amendments to 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 Plans for consideration and public input by members of the community.


The second draft of the 2022 Annual Action Plan contains the actual CDBG allocation of $411,560 for Program Year 2022 plus reprogrammed and reallocated funds from 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. Amendments for these changes are also subject to public review and comment.


All interested citizens are invited to review the documents on the City website, which can be found here, and submit written comments during the 30-day review period beginning July 31, 2022 until no later than 5:00 p.m. on August 29, 2022. Please address all written comments to:


Joanne Rouse, Community Services Coordinator

City of DeKalb 

164 East Lincoln Highway

DeKalb, IL 60115

or Joanne.Rouse@cityofdekalb.com


Citizens are invited to attend and provide input on the 2022 Annual Action Plan and related Amendments at a Public Hearing to be held on August 22, 2022 at the regular meeting of City Council. The meeting will be held in the Yusunas Room of the DeKalb Public Library starting at 6:00 PM at 309 Oak Street, DeKalb, IL 60115.


For further information, contact Joanne Rouse, Community Services Coordinator at 815-748-2366 or via email at Joanne.Rouse@cityofdekalb.com.

Join National Night Out

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign designed to promote neighborhood camaraderie and strengthen the relationships between police and communities to help make our neighborhoods a safer place to live.


The event will be held at Walmart, 2300 Sycamore Rd., from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 2. 

Upcoming Meetings

Planning & Zoning Commission

Aug. 1, 6 p.m. in the Yusunas Room at the DeKalb Public Library


Human Relations Commission

Aug. 2, 6 p.m. in the 2nd Floor Training Room at the DeKalb Police Department


Fifth Ward Meeting

Aug. 3, 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Cornerstone DeKalb Building, 124 E. Lincoln Hwy


Citizens' Environmental Commission

Aug. 4, 4 p.m. in the 2nd Floor Training Room at the DeKalb Police Department


Foreign Fire Insurance Tax Board

Aug. 8, 8 a.m. in the 2nd Floor Training Room at the DeKalb Police Department


City Council

Aug. 8, 6 p.m. in the Yusunas Room at the DeKalb Public Library

DeKalb Public Library Board

Aug. 10, 7 p.m. in the Bilder Family Room at the DeKalb Public Library


Special Joint Meeting of City Council & Finance Advisory Committee

Aug. 15, 6 p.m. in the Yusunas Room at the DeKalb Public Library


Planning & Zoning Commission

Aug. 15, 6 p.m. in the 2nd Floor Training Room at the DeKalb Police Department


City Council

Aug. 22, 6 p.m. in the Yusunas Room at the DeKalb Public Library


Airport Advisory Board

Aug. 23, 7 p.m. in the West Community Hangar at the DeKalb Airport


Get community news all month long by following the City on social media.

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To view agendas for City meetings, please go to the City's Agenda Center here.
To check for meeting cancellations and location updates, please check the City Website here.

August Community Events

National Night Out

Walmart, 2300 Sycamore Rd.


Meet first responders and help make our community a safer, more caring place to live and work.

 

Tuesday, Aug. 2, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.


DeKalb Municipal Band Concert

Hopkins Park Band Shell


For over 160 years, the DeKalb Municipal Band has played on. Enjoy this free summertime tradition.

 

Every Tuesday through Aug. 23 at 7:30 p.m.


DeKalb Chamber of Commerce


DeKalb Farmers' Market

Van Buer Plaza, N. 2nd & Locust St.


The weekly market features vendors that provide the community with locally grown produce, bread, baked goods, olive oil, honey, coffee, flowers, food trucks and live music.


Every Thursday through September 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.


More information can be found here.


Trash Squirrels Clean Up


Meet at 1215 Blackhawk Rd. for the group's 12th clean up of the season. Look for the Trash Squirrels/There's Fun in Store tent. Trash bags, pullers, wagons, gloves and safety vests and water will be provided.


Saturday, Aug. 6, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.


See the group's Facebook page for more information.


Egyptian Theatre

135 North Second Street


ELVIS, ELVIS, ELVIS: A Tribute to The King


This show boasts a 10 piece band plus two Elvis Tribute Artists delivering a truly unforgettable concert experience.


Friday, Aug. 12 at 8 p.m.


Purchase tickets here. Learn about more events on the Theatre's Events Schedule.

Stage Coach Players

126 South Fifth Street


The Drowsy Chaperone


In Stage Coach Players’ August production of the musical "The Drowsy Chaperone," one man reminisces while playing the original cast album of his favorite show from the 1920’s. Magically, the show comes to life while the man watches as his favorite show plays out if front of him. 


Aug. 18-27


Purchase tickets here, and view the theater's full schedule.


DeKalb Public Library

309 Oak Street


Folk Music Concert


Andy and Judy Daigle play the guitar, mandolin, banjo, ukulele, and other instruments. They will perform original songs in many different styles, such as traditional Folk, roots music, country swing or bluegrass. No registration is required for this free event.


Saturday, Aug. 20 at 2 p.m.


See all of the library's programs on its calendar.


Corn Fest

Downtown DeKalb


Enjoy the Sound Stage, Chuck Siebrass Corn Boil, Community Stage, carnival, and more


Aug. 26-28


Find out more information here.


Submit your event to be considered for the City's Community Events Calendar by sending an e-mail here.


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City Officials
Cohen Barnes, Mayor

Carolyn Morris, Alderwoman - 1st Ward

Barb Larson, Alderwoman - 2nd Ward

Tracy Smith, Alderman - 3rd Ward

Greg Perkins, Alderman - 4th Ward
Scott McAdams, Alderman - 5th Ward

Mike Verbic, Alderman - 6th Ward

Anthony Faivre, Alderman - 7th Ward

Sasha Cohen, City Clerk

Bill Nicklas, City Manager
Hours of Operation
City Phone Numbers

City Hall          

164 E. Lincoln Highway

Monday - Friday  

8 a.m. - 5 p.m.


Police Station

700 West Lincoln Highway

Monday - Friday   

8 a.m. - 5 p.m.


Public Works

1216 Market Street

Monday - Friday

7 a.m. - 4 p.m.


DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport    

3232 Pleasant Street  

Monday - Friday     

8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

City Clerk 815-748-2095 

City Manager's Office 815-748-2090

Community Development Department 815-748-2070

DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport 815-748-8102

Finance Department 815-748-2000

Fire/Police Emergency 911

Fire Non-Emergency 815-748-8460

Mayor's Office 815-758-1886

Police Non-Emergency 815-748-8400

Public Works Department 815-748-2040
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