DeKalb Times

The DeKalb City Council recently heard some ideas and information about a proposed land redevelopment project.

Mayor Cohen Barnes opened up a session for public hearing at the Sept. 12 City Council meeting to any member of the community who had any ideas or opinions about a parcel of land the City is looking to redevelop. The parcel is called the “L” because it's shaped like the letter. It is comprised of the Hillcrest area and the old Black Hawk theatres.

Community member Glen Robey attended the meeting and proposed an L-shaped building be put on the property, with the first floor consisting of commercial space and the above two floors having residential housing. He suggested organizations such as nonprofits, daycare centers and spaces for student organizations on the commercial floor, though he noted that his idea is very flexible.

The mayor and City Council have held several public events to discuss the parcel of land and any ideas related to its redevelopment. They received lots of feedback from residents at the August City Council meeting, and they had a huge turnout with many ideas at their Opportunity DeKalb hearing that was focused on the project.

"The feedback has been just absolutely phenomenal and it warms my heart with the amount of public participation that has come out to share ideas on what would be best for that area on those parcels that we currently hold," Barnes said at the meeting.