DeKalb Times

The Dekalb City Council is one step closer to approving a development project that will bring more jobs to the ChicagoWest Business Center, boosting tax revenue for the city.

According to Shaw Media, if approved, Project Ventus would invest $800 million into a 970,000-square-foot space. Development for Project Ventus would be south of Gurler Road on Route 23

Ventus Tech Services would offer 50 tech jobs with $37.50 as a starting wage, and receive a 20-year, 55% property tax abatement plan. In March, Project Ventus received pre-development approval from the City Council.

The Dekalb City Council is planning a public hearing with remote participation via live stream on a virtual platform for those who wish to adhere to COVID-19 social distancing guidelines. Council members will still be able to meet at City Hall, as it remains open to the public with limited capacity.

The Planning and Zoning Commission also held a public hearing regarding Project Ventus on April 27, according to Shaw Media.

The Commission discussed the creation of an alternate road between Gurler and Keslinger roads, east of the data center campus, that would help reduce traffic in the area.

Once the proposed data center becomes operational, it is expected to bring a substantial amount of tax revenue to Dekalb County. Tax revenues will be comparable to revenues coming in from Target distribution, 3M, Panduit, Nestle and Goodyear combined, according to county officials.

Ferrara Candy Co. will also be building a factory in the same area as Ventus Tech Services. The company is expected to bring 1,000 new jobs to the city, according to Shaw Media.