Council approves rezoning to allow gas station and convenience store at 802–810 South Fourth Street

DeKALB, Ill. — The DeKalb City Council on Aug. 11 approved an ordinance rezoning 802–810 South Fourth Street from General Commercial (GC) to Planned Development Commercial (PDC) to allow a gas station and convenience store project proposed for the site. Public comment: Resident Nancy Dougherty, a longtime DeKalb resident, told the council she supported reuse of the vacant building at that corner and said a gas station with a convenience store would benefit area residents. "It is also my understanding that there might have been a gas station at this corner a long time ago so I'm very supportive of using this building for a convenience store and having a gas station at this location," Dougherty said. Planning and staff review: City staff described the lot as smaller than the typical two-acre planned development site but said the petitioners designed circulation and parking to fit the lot, with pumps on the west side and parking to the east and north. The planning and zoning commission recommended approval by a 4–1 vote. Community concerns: Council members noted the site's proximity to a school and said the proposed use would not include alcohol sales; council members also referenced the city's distance limitations for cannabis retail adjacent to schools. Action: The motion to approve was moved by Alderman Carlson and seconded by Alderman Larson; the council later waived second reading and approved by roll call (unanimous yes votes recorded). The council thanked the project team and noted interest in the site's potential for neighborhood amenity. Discussion vs. decision: The council approved rezoning (an adopted ordinance). Discussion included community preferences and conditions that city code imposes on certain retail categories (alcohol and cannabis) near schools; no additional conditions were added at the meeting. Next steps: Staff to finalize ordinance language and any required development agreements; project team to complete required permits and inspections.