DeKALB | New developments concerning the forthcoming shopping district were the primary focus at the DeKalb City Council meeting Monday.

An ordinance was passed to allow the construction of a 343-acre shopping district at the corner of Gurler Road and Ill. Route 23.

Jerry Krusinski, a DeKalb Business Center representative, said half of this area would be used as commercial space.

“We’d like to attract places like Walgreens or Applebee’s,” he said.

The other half is expected to be allocated as residential space. The DBC said if that does not happen, they plan to use the area for industrial use.

The council also discussed the height of the buildings. Currently, 100 feet is the height limit in DeKalb for commercial buildings, and any building that surpasses 40 feet is set farther away from the road and into the development.

For example, if a building was 100 feet tall, according to city council, that building would be built 60 feet away from the road. This is done to ensure the shopping district has an attractive exterior.

As of today, the DBC does not know what companies will be involved and where they will be located. Therefore, the location of the building within the business park is still unknown.

“There is still a level of uncertainty with this project,” Krusinski said.

Another ordinance was passed approving the construction of a vehicle repair facility at AAMCO Transmissions, 1844 Sycamore Road.

There was debate as to whether a fence should be built around that area.

“I don’t think they’re going to be able to build a fence because of the landscaping,” said Third Ward Alderman Steve Kapitan.

That ordinance also passed unanimously.