Planning commissioners recommend rezoning 209 Grove Street from light industrial to central business

On April 7, 2025, the DeKalb Planning and Zoning Commission voted to forward a recommendation to the DeKalb City Council to rezone 209 Grove Street from the LI (Light Industrial) District to the CBD (Central Business District).

City planning staff told the commission that the property is an “island” of light industrial zoning surrounded by commercial and CBD uses and that the 2022 Comprehensive Plan recommends commercial rather than industrial uses for the block. Staff said the site lacks the on-site parking and loading typically needed for light industrial uses and noted there are public parking lots east and west of the site and some on-street parking nearby. Staff recommended approval of the rezoning, and said the applicant had made exterior and interior improvements, including work paid in part by a TIF grant of $23,380 that covered HVAC, plumbing, new windows and doors, and an ADA sidewalk improvement.

Michael J. Warfel, the property owner and applicant, told the commission he bought the building about two-and-a-half years ago and described a lengthy renovation. "I bought this place 2 and a half years ago thinking this is gonna be a really nice easy remodel job and I'd be done in the spring of 2023. Not so," Warfel said. He said the building is small and not suitable for a restaurant or bar but could serve as retail and as a community space for live music and gatherings. "I own the place free and clear," he added, describing the need to generate enough revenue to cover taxes, insurance and utilities.

Staff reported the city received three letters of support from nearby property owners; staff read names in the record that included Julia Guio, Forest Square Church (across Grove Street), and the Constantino Law Firm at 213–217 South Second Street.

Commissioner McMahon moved to recommend approval to the City Council "based on the submitted petition, testimony presented and the findings of fact." Commissioner O'Flaherty seconded. During the roll call, Commissioner Becker voted yes; Commissioner O'Flaherty voted yes; Commissioner Pena Graham voted yes; the transcript does not record Commissioner Wright's roll-call response. The commission chair closed the public hearing after staff and the applicant spoke and the commission voted to forward the rezoning recommendation to council.

The rezoning recommendation will appear on a future City Council agenda for final action; staff said the commission’s recommended motion and findings of fact will be forwarded to council. The commission also approved routine minutes from its March 17, 2025 meeting by voice vote earlier in the session.

Votes at a glance

- Approval of minutes from March 17, 2025 — motion made on the record as "I move as submitted" (mover identified in the transcript as O'Flaherty; seconded on the record by Pena Graham). Voice vote: "All in favor, say aye." Outcome: approved (voice vote; individual roll-call not recorded in transcript).

- Rezoning recommendation for 209 Grove Street (LI to CBD) — Motion: "Based on the submitted petition, testimony presented and the findings of fact, I move the Planning and Zoning Commission forward its findings of fact and recommend to the city council approval of the rezoning of the subject site at 209 Grove Street from the LI Light Industrial District to the CBD Central Business District." Mover: Commissioner McMahon. Second: Commissioner O'Flaherty. Roll call (as recorded): Becker — yes; O'Flaherty — yes; Pena Graham — yes; Wright — not specified in the transcript. Outcome: commission recommended approval to City Council.

What happens next

Staff said the commission will forward its findings to the City Council for final action. The commission noted potential minor agenda changes for upcoming meetings; no additional hearings were scheduled for the planning commission's April 21 meeting at the time of this session.