DEKALB | The Economic Development Committee discussed ReNew DeKalb’s plan for the revitalization of downtown and Krusinski Construction Company’s concept plan for the prospective DeKalb business park Tuesday.

ReNew DeKalb received the first draft of the downtown DeKalb revitalization plan Friday. The organization’s primary objectives include fundraising and communicating the project goals to the public.

“ReNew DeKalb’s primary emphasis in the planning process is how to organize ourselves to get downtown redeveloped,” said ReNew DeKalb president Frank Roberts. “Time frame is important, but it’s key to put aside any differences and personal agendas and consider what’s in the best interest of DeKalb.”

Dates for the discussed revitalization have yet to be finalized, but Roberts said the project is still in the planning stages.

“I would love to get [planning] done by the end of the year and have the proper organizations in place,” he said. “Implementation is key.”

In general, members of the Economic Development Committee agreed that this project could be the final step to change downtown DeKalb.

“It’s definitely moving in a positive direction,” said committee member Rosa Balli. “There are pros and cons, but the community as a whole will benefit.”

Also at the meeting, Jerry Krusinski, president and chief operating officer of Krusinski Construction Company, presented the plan for the DeKalb business center, a 343-acre business park off Route 23, south of I-88. The park is planned to contain small commercial outlets along Route 23, a single-story office and commercial area, and a retail component.

“Assuming we get final approval from the city, [the greatest challenge will be] taking it to the market,” Krusinski said. “Corporations have a lot of markets. They try to secure the best economic market for their corporation.”

As with the revitalization of downtown DeKalb, this project is still in the planning stage.

“This is just a piece of paper right now,” Krusinski said. “We have not yet stepped back to analyze the economic benefits [to DeKalb].”

Stephanie Wise is a City Reporter for the Northern Star.