On Wednesday night, the DeKalb Plan Commission approved a special-use permit allowing for the conversion of an abandoned building at 830 Edgebrook Drive into an apartment complex.

The Plan Commission voted 4-1 to approve the special permit. Commissioner Michael Welsh voted against the permit because he had concerns about parking.

The building will hold 37 one-bedroom apartments and three two-bedroom apartments with a projected 49 occupants, said Rick Monas, Public Works Director.

The apartments will have 16 on-site parking spaces and 48 off-site spaces adjacent to the Campus Cinemas lot.

“Parking in this neighborhood will always be an issue,” Commission Chair Rich Fassig said.

“The parking will be assigned spaces,” said Philip Coleman who is contracted to buy the property. Coleman requested the special permit to convert the former Bromley residence hall.

A public hearing was held on the matter and one DeKalb citizen voiced disapproval of the proposal because he was concerned with the parking situation.

“I’m plenty pissed. We are giving people from the outside anything they want, but residents have to follow the rules,” said Pat Bragg, owner of property at 912 Edgebrook Drive.

The building has been empty for 10 years because of a fire that made its use as a residence hall impossible, Monas said.

“Do we want this to continue to be an eyesore or be occupied?” Commissioner John Guio asked.

The potential owner added the apartments would have a positive impact on the area. The proposed apartments will have on-site laundry, an exercise room, and a study area.

In other news, the commission has a new member. During last Monday’s city council meeting, Mayor Frank Van Buer appointed Nick Noe as a commissioner to replace Nolan Davis.

Noe was an economics professor at NIU for eight years and worked at the university for 27 years. He serves on the Salvation Army Advisory Board.

He earned a Ph.D in economics from Indiana University, a master’s degree in business administration from Ohio State University and a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Purdue University.

“I think I can be an objective board member,” Noe said. “I think my background in economics and knowledge of the area should help.”