Commission recommends vacating portion of Simons Avenue for Algus Packaging LLC; goes to city council

The DeKalb City Planning and Zoning Commission on March 17 recommended that the City Council vacate a portion of Simons Avenue to Algus Packaging LLC, following a staff presentation that said the right-of-way is surplus to the city's needs and would be better used as part of the companys facility.

Zach Gill, DeKalb city engineer, told the commission the stretch of right-of-way near East Lincoln Highway in the southeast quadrant served mostly industrial property and had been dedicated years earlier for a possible road extension that is no longer expected to occur. Gill said Algus Packaging had improved the roadway and uses it for truck access to its plant; the city previously permitted the improvements. Gill described the plat as a legal cleanup to place the improved area under Alguss ownership.

Rod McNeal, chief executive officer of Algus Packaging LLC, was present at the meeting. Staff materials indicate the plat of vacation is dated Dec. 2, 2024. Gill said the transfer would help keep heavy truck traffic off Taylor Street and other nearby residential streets.

Commissioner Pena Graham moved that the commission recommend approval of the plat of vacation dated Dec. 2, 2024. Commissioner Wright seconded. The clerk recorded at least three affirmative votes (Pena Graham, Wright and McMahon) and the motion passed; the recommendation will go to the City Council for final action.

Staff said the city will continue to maintain the right-of-way up to the area it will retain, and the council will consider the formal vacation and any deed or title transfer in a later proceeding.