Savannah Green supporters are taking another step to convince city officials to bring the housing development to DeKalb.

At 8 a.m. on Oct. 12, a chartered bus will take those interested to visit the Savannah Green development in Normal, Ill.

Michael Suhadolnik, owner of Construx of Illinois, will lead a tour of the neighborhood and several of the homes.

Sal Bonanno, director of development of DeKalb Associates, said in an e-mail to various city officials and the press that the trip will provide first-hand information regarding the quality of construction, the style and variety of homes and a view of the neighborhood community.

Even though the trip would be a good opportunity to see how the development is built, that is not the major concern 2nd Ward Alderman Kris Povlsen said.

“Personally, I don’t care about how the development looks,” Povlsen said. “I’m concerned about the impact on the community and school district.”

Povlsen said he knew Savannah Green was a quality development.

“I’m sold on that,” Povlsen said. “I think it’s good.”

City Manager Jim Connors also said there are issues other than the actual construction, such as whether the development will be good for the community.

Plan Commission member Herb Rubin said in an e-mail that even if the building standards are high, it does not speak to the questions of growth and growth impact, which are the nub of the problem.

Mac McIntyre, CEO of eWorldLinx, replied in an e-mail to city officials and the press encouraging plan commission and city council members who already have decided against the DeKalb project to visit the Normal development.

Third Ward Alderman Steve Kapitan hopes to talk to people independently about the housing. Kapitan spoke with another city manager of a suburb with neo-traditional housing and the city manager said the housing was well-received.

He also is concerned about what impact the development will have on the school district. He added it will be useful to visit in order to answer some of his questions.

A public hearing will be held regarding Savannah Green on Oct. 16 at the City Council Chambers in the DeKalb. Municipal Building, 200 S. Fourth St.