After more than nine months of debate, the Irongate of DeKalb Subdivision is becoming a reality.

City Council discussed and voted on the development being placed near DeKalb High School on Dresser Road. The item was brought up as a second reading at City Council’s meeting on Monday and was voted to move forward, 6-2.

According to a March 27 Northern Star article, Irongate will help increase the amount of homes valued at more than $242,000, which DeKalb is lacking, and would add more than 1,000 homes in DeKalb. First ward Alderman David Jacobson voted to postpone the topic of Irongate and third ward Alderman Kristen Lash voted against the approval of Irongate’s annexation and development Monday.

“I think the City Council and staff has gone a long way to get the plan where it needed to be, when we’re ready for it,” Jacobson said. “That’s why I looked to postpone it today.”

Jacobson said DeKalb is just not “booming” enough to start a new project that needs to be built and sold when there are vacancies available in the city.

“I still don’t think now is the time to pursue the development, while we have the empty lots,” Jacobson said.

Lash sided with Jacobson about the bad timing of Irongate, but the alderman said there are too many things left open with the development agreement.

During the public comment period, Bessie Chronopoulos, DeKalb citizen and former mayor, said she is “wary” of Irongate developer David Patzelt and echoed Jacobson and Lash in her belief that DeKalb does not need the subdivision. Patzelt did not address concerns about his involvement with the development during a statement.

“I really don’t think this project should be approved at this point,” Chronopoulos said. “My projection is that within a few years, the flavor of this project will change.”

Chronopoulos said the council has come a long way with specifications in the developmental plan.

Seventh ward Alderman Monica O’Leary voted in favor of the annexation and development of Irongate as a way to improve DeKalb and create a broader spectrum of housing options for the area.

“I don’t know what kind of houses people are looking for, but let’s get ready for it,” O’Leary said. “We can have everything we want set up already for whoever is coming.”

Mayor John Rey wanted to make sure to appreciate someone who has been with the project from the beginning.

“I’d like to express my appreciation to [Patzelt] and ShoDeen Developers for the tenacity and working through four-plus years of effort; I look forward to adding your development to our community,” Rey said. “It’s my pleasure.”