DeKALB | The proposed DeKalb business park is one step closer to approval after gaining recommendation by the DeKalb Plan Commission Wednesday evening.

Russ Farnum, DeKalb community development director, said the traffic study forecasted an increase in traffic along the adjacent roads, but traffic is expected to continue flowing efficiently.

The study also showed the need for improvements on Gurler Road, including renovating the road for a truck route and widening it to three lanes.

Farnum said the infrastructure and road developments will be paid for by the developer, leaving no up-front cost for the city.

An issue brought up in the annexation agreement was a provision allowing the developer to change the commercial area into industrial warehouse land, if sufficient homes are not built near the area.

Jerry Krusinski, president of Krusinski Construction Co., the company developing the plans, is hoping to keep the land for commercial use, which has a greater value than industrial.

Farnum added the time frame is in the air for the housing development requirements.

“If the plan doesn’t materialize, the lots don’t automatically convert to industrial,” Farnum said.

Alan Edrinn is the Energy Beat Reporter for the Northern Star.