DeKALB | An influx of new establishments has sprouted here while many vacant buildings are becoming increasingly decrepit.

Starbucks, Chipotle and Panda Express opened within the past six months in newly constructed buildings, while many already-built properties remain unoccupied.

Local area residents have expressed concern and the perception is that the city has done nothing to change the situation.

Residents also seem to have fervent emotions concerning the future of vacant buildings in the area. Most seem to care strongly about the beautification of the town.

“Something needs to be done,” said local resident Lynn Ingram.

The consensus seems to be that an appealing type of revitalization can’t happen while buildings remain vacant.

“I think they’re an eyesore,” Ingram said.

Some, like Ingram, are also worried vacant buildings will become a hot spot for illegal behavior.

“People who don’t have anywhere to go might go to those buildings for drugs and other things,” Ingram said. “[The buildings] need to be torn down or restored, ideally in six months.”

Mayor Frank Van Buer said the city doesn’t get involved with commercial buildings.

“It is really up to the private businesses to fill abandoned buildings,” Van Buer said. “The actual city government does not have immediate power over the abandoned buildings in town unless they are homes.”

Van Buer said the government is legally entitled to gain possession of any abandoned house within the city, but stores and other commercial real estate locations are off limits.

“We need tax incentives to lure businesses to the area,” said Paul Rasmussen, DeKalb’s economic development director. “Part of the problem is that the city needs to be attractive before anyone will invest in it.”

The city will try to focus on marketing and redevelopment in an effort to attract more businesses and thus fill the vacant buildings, Rasmussen said.

“Retailers follow residents, primarily residents with more disposable income,” he said.

The city is currently planning a massive restoration project that will take place over the next twenty years, he said. The restoration will involve the mending of old buildings and the construction of new ones.

The proposal will be brought to the city council Sept. 19 and is expected to be underway sometime in December, with improvements being made in the spring of 2007.

Ryan Strong is a City Reporter for the Northern Star.