DeKALB | Grand openings in and around DeKalb appear to be in abundance.

While new additions to DeKalb such as Starbucks, Panda Express and Chipotle Mexican Grill have created a stir across town, it appears the city is only getting started with its new growth-and-development plans.

The arrival of a Potbelly Sandwich Works next to Chipotle, 1013A West Lincoln Highway, is something expected to open for business “within the next month or so,” said community development director Russ Farnum.

Perhaps one of the biggest causes for excitement in DeKalb in terms of development is the future construction of Glidden Crossing, a shopping center approved for the southwest corner of Taylor Street and Annie Glidden Road.

Definite plans have been finalized for an Ace Hardware and a Schnucks grocery store. Farnum also said residents can expect a bank, gas station and various eateries to occupy the area. Plans for a fire station can be expected as well, said DeKalb economic development administrator Paul Rasmussen.

“This taps a service market for the south side of the community which isn’t very well served right now,” Farnum said. “Sullivan’s is a fine [grocery] store, but people always like to have competition and selection. This holds the same with restaurants. It brings flexibility and choice to the south side.”

Rasmussen addressed a concern that he said many city residents may have regarding the impact of new businesses on ones already present.

“Businesses succeed by adapting,” he said. “If those businesses make it, that’s great. But as a consumer, we have to think if we’re better off having more options or just one.”

Farnum and Rasmussen both agreed that one of the major difficulties in this project was making sure residents neighboring the future site were happy, as some concerns regarding increased traffic, noise and crime were expressed.

“This project’s been going on for more than two years due to issues that had to be worked out, but we’re ready to move ahead now,” Rasmussen said. “I would expect to see grading before the freeze, construction by spring and some of the stores opening by late summer. The site for the center had no incentives because it didn’t need any. It is in a really good location in an area that’s growing.”

The center hopes to attract customers from the general area, as well as NIU students. Ruth Molokwu, a senior biological science major, is excited about the city’s future prospects.

“New businesses in DeKalb will help increase diversity in terms of where people shop and eat,” she said. “I think this is especially good on weekends when the college hosts special events. The existing places will be much less congested because there are other places to go.”