DeKalb City Council

The DeKalb City Council this week gave its final nod of approval to a plan aimed at boosting economic development in the South Fourth Street corridor.

As industries have started to crop up on the city of DeKalb’s south side, so, too, have local planning efforts to accommodate future water infrastructure demands.

At the Hopkins Community Center in DeKalb this week, the Kishwaukee Special Recreation Association invited area veterans to take part in a new program meant to promote learning and foster a sense of community and belonging.

First Ward DeKalb residents are invited to a meeting led by Alderwoman Carolyn Zasada on Dec. 3 at Jefferson Elementary School.

More money for more staff is included in the city of DeKalb’s fiscal 2025 budget draft to address hiring needs, according to the city. The DeKalb Public Library director said the library would use its property tax levy money for capital projects and rising operational costs.

Four incumbents are seeking reelection to their positions at DeKalb City Hall in the April 1 consolidated election. Two races, for the mayoral seat and to represent the 2nd Ward, will be contested, filing records show.

A vote on the intergovernmental agreement related to the South Fourth Street TIF redevelopment plan and project is expected at the City Council’s Nov. 25 meeting

Ducky’s, a formal wear boutique in downtown DeKalb, has been granted more than $6,200 to help pay for plumbing and roof work at 250 E. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb.

According to proposed numbers which are not yet final, the DeKalb Public Library board has requested a $1.18 million increase in their property tax levy, meaning taxpayers could pay about $50 more on their bills in the spring if approved.

Plans for constructing a five-megawatt solar farm in DeKalb moved one step closer to reality this week.

A $400,000 state grant recently was awarded to DeKalb, and city leaders said they plan to use it to pay for another feasibility study to further assess if it’s possible to extend a Metra train line west of Elburn into the area.

DeKalb residents Kayla Friedman and Keagon Larsen lost their dog, Rose, who was struck by a car Oct. 7 in their neighborhood. Now, they're asking the city to help enforce speeding laws and suggesting traffic signage to prevent more loss.

A developer is asking for city permission to construct a 5-megawatt ground mounted solar farm on unincorporated land at the southwest corner of Route 38 and John Huber Parkway in DeKalb.

The DeKalb Electoral Board met Thursday to review objections filed against the candidacy of Linh Nguyen as she vies to become DeKalb’s next mayor in the April 2025 election. She's one of three candidates who said they'll seek the seat in April.

The DeKalb City Council recently took a close look at a property tax levy proposal for the next budget year, which, if approved, could save the average homeowner $100 when they receive their tax bill in the spring, according to city calculations.

Flamingo Restaurant, 1029 Pleasant Street, DeKalb, is looking to boost its menu offerings after city leaders decided to grant a low alcohol by volume liquor license to the establishment.

A DeKalb panel hosted by the League of Women Voters of DeKalb County this week offered two people a chance to make a public case for and against a referendum which will ask voters if they support an appointed city clerk.

DeKalb residents packed a ward meeting on Thursday to meet with 7th Ward Alderman John Walker largely, in part, to discuss the city’s proposed plans to implement a taxing strategy to redevelop the Fourth Street corridor.

If approved, the development would be built on 147-acres of property owned by 3M in unincorporated DeKalb, and would employ between an estimated 150 and 200 people, project leaders said.

A manufacturer has proposed building a new 1.3 million-square-foot warehouse facility on 147 acres of land owned by 3M on DeKalb’s south side, city documents show. Preliminary plans head to the city Monday for a first look.

DeKalb Public Works Director Bryan Faivre was bestowed with special recognition from the mayor and members of the City Council this week for his years of service to the city.

DeKalb 7th Ward residents are invited to a ward meeting led by Alderman John Walker.

A DeKalb advisory panel is backing requests made by the NIU Real Estate Foundation as the latest step in a plan for the university to purchase and redevelop a northside city-owned lot for a center devoted to Greek life.

The city of DeKalb is looking to amplify its impact on the community by arming Opportunity DeKalb with more resources to train and support residents of the Annie Glidden North neighborhood as social entrepreneurs.

DeKalb city leaders said they’re hoping action taken by this week will help enhance the service experience at certain barbershops and hair and nail salons in town. One DeKalb alderman who owns a barbershop also addressed claims that he was involved in the policy push.

A Third Street beauty salon and an East Lincoln Highway building that once housed a used car dealership are getting a hand-up on repairs with a little aid from the City of DeKalb.

DeKalb city leaders took their first steps Monday toward allowing area beauty salons and barbershops to serve beer, wine or seltzer to customers. A final DeKalb City Council vote is needed before the measure is passed.

The City of DeKalb has declared Sept. 7 NIU Football Day, after Mayor Cohen Barnes issued a proclamation this week in support following an historic win by the NIU Huskies over Notre Dame.

Would patrons like to sip on an alcoholic beverage while getting their hair or nails done? That’s what the DeKalb City Council is considering Monday for local salons. City staff said some Council members were approached by business owners who'd like to see the service offered.

With a majority of the council’s support this week, DeKalb will increase city elected official pay which will go into effect after the spring 2025 municipal election.

Area veterans and other patrons who frequent the DeKalb Elks Lodge will soon experience a smoother commute as they’re entering and exiting the club’s property.

At his first ward meeting since taking office, Ward 5 Alderman Andre Powell addressed DeKalb resident concerns related to an impending November city clerk referendum, speeding, rental housing, Fourth Street redevelopment plans and more.

DeKalb Mayor Cohen Barnes this week helped lay out the city’s arguments for a plan to redevelop dilapidated buildings on Fourth Street, backing the proposal that still needs City Council approval to create a tax increment financing district. A public town hall is set to follow.

With the DeKalb City Council’s approval this week, plans for the construction of a 120-room Marriott-branded hotel are expected to proceed at 902 Peace Road, DeKalb.

Some DeKalb Fourth Street residents likely received a city mailer about a proposed new tax increment financing district. City staff have said a new TIF would help improve dilapidated and empty buildings in the area, encouraging new development. Here's what we know

With DeKalb set to spend more of its proposed 2025 budget on personnel expenses than last year, the city is expected to grapple with how to ensure comparable wages, raise staff levels to reduce overtime costs, pay pensions and seek more funds for street repairs.

DeKalb residents are invited to a ward meeting hosted by 5th Ward Alderman Andre Powell Aug. 28.

A 120-room hotel branded as Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott and the other half as TownPlace Suites by Marriott, could be headed for DeKalb. The development still needs DeKalb City Council approval.

The DeKalb City Council on Monday threw its support behind the Wreckroom, a new business its DeKalb-native owner is touting offers an alcohol-free recreational option for folks of all ages, and a smashing good time. A soft opening is planned Aug. 22.

DeKalb 7th Ward Alderman John Walker on Wednesday night announced his plan to run for mayor in 2025. He'll seek to challenge incumbent Cohen Barnes and NIU educator Linh Nguyen in what has become a crowded race.

DeKalb Mayor Cohen Barnes took to social media this week in defense of the city’s scheduled plans to perform pavement work on the North Annie Glidden Road underpass.

DeKalb Wreckroom business draws initial support from advisory panel to City Council. Council vote still needed to operate.

DeKalb residents will have three chances this month to attend city meetings and learn more about a planned November election referendum that could change the city clerk’s office.

DeKalb resident Linh Nguyen has announced her intention to run for mayor in 2025. Her candidacy would make the spring election a contested one, after incumbent Mayor Cohen Barnes also said he plans to seek reelection.

The Northern Illinois University campus footprint has gotten a little bigger with the addition of an approximately 2.4-acre property at the corner of West Hillcrest Drive and Blackhawk Road on the city’s north side.

DeKalb supports data center plan proposed for 132 acres on city’s south side

Aside from attending City Council meetings, DeKalb's newest 5th Ward alderman, Andre Powell, is a local realtor and small business owner who runs and operates In and Out Cuts Barbershop in Sycamore. He reflects with Shaw Local on his first 30 days in office:

When DeKalb residents head to the polls in November to cast their election ballots, they will be asked whether their city clerk’s office should be appointed rather than elected. It's the third time a clerk referendum will be put to voters since 2006.

On Monday, the DeKalb City Council will consider whether or not to place a referendum on the November ballot asking voters if the city clerk should be appointed. The consideration comes months after a judge ruled Clerk Sasha Cohen abandoned his office, ousting him from the role.

Preliminary plans for a second data center on DeKalb’s south side at the corner of Gurler and Peace roads were met favorably by a DeKalb panel this week, and residents will have another chance to weigh in at a public hearing Monday before the City Council.