The opening of the Target Distribution Center and the proposed DeKalb Business Center, coupled with existing truck traffic, has alarmed some DeKalbians.

A DeKalb City Council workshop is set to take place in November to try to address citizen’s concerns that DeKalb will be overrun with truck traffic.

“We’ve got to confront this now,” said Donna Gorski, 4th Ward council member.

The proposed DeKalb Business Center just south of I-88 frightens some area residents worried trucks will bring more traffic.

“It could destroy the character of DeKalb” said area resident Ingrid Imboden. “I would prefer an office or research company.”

Keating Resources, the developer for the DeKalb Business Center, has cooperated with the city’s requests for amendments to its proposal.

DeKalb is in need of tax revenue and the money generated from these projects could help, providing a windfall of tax funds.

“The developer would be responsible to make Gurler Road truck route worthy,” DeKalb City Engineer Joel Maurer said.

In 2003, DeKalb was designated an “urbanized area,” with a population of more than 50,000, which allows for outside funding to help with traffic issues.

“A ‘Long Range Transportation Plan’ is presently being developed for the DeKalb-Sycamore Area Transportation Study area. This plan provides information and projections for land use and transportation patterns to the year 2030,” according to the City of DeKalb Web site.

The DSATS plan does not account for future rezoning but accounts for the recent rezoning of the land earmarked for the proposed DeKalb Business Center, said transportation planner Laurie Hoken.

Trucks have been getting off I-88 at Peace Road and traveling west on Route 38 to save money. Many of those trucks are traveling to Rochelle.

“DeKalb has had discussions with trucking companies for the last few years to emphasize the use of the tollway,” Maurer said.

Rochelle is currently dealing with issues DeKalb may face in the future.

“We are in the process of building Jack Dame Road to route truck traffic,” said Pat Burch, a director on the Greater Rochelle Economic Development Board. “Trucks are currently driving on roads not designed to carry this many trucks.”

Recent proposals for tax abatements have been disputed for not adjusting enough to entice companies that would not contribute to this problem.

“We are strategically-located and should not have to give away tax dollars to warehousing,” Gorski said.