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Council postpones decision on repealing 2022 zoning for former St. Mary’s Hospital site after residents press concerns
Summary
DeKalb council opened a public hearing on the former St. Mary’s Hospital at 145 Fisk Avenue, heard neighbors’ safety and blight complaints, took testimony from owner John Sosser, and postponed consideration of a proposed repeal of the 2022 zoning amendment until Sept. 8, 2025 while requiring further staff follow-up.
The DeKalb City Council on July 28 heard residents’ complaints about the deteriorating former St. Mary’s Hospital building at 145 Fisk Avenue and delayed action on a proposal to repeal the zoning change the council approved in 2022.
Neighbors told council they are worried about falling debris, boarded windows that have delaminated and continued neglect. Nancy Dougherty and Sharon Nicola, who said they live near 145 Fisk Avenue, described broken window coverings and a decades‑long history of vacancy and deterioration. They urged faster remediation of the property.
Owner John Sosser told the council he apologizes for delays, said some boarding required repair after winter weather, and listed engineering, staffing and health setbacks that he said slowed the project. Sosser said the landscape and lighting plans are ready for final review, that he has an electrical permit and that he expects to submit a final plat once an engineer completes outstanding work. He also said he had discussed a municipal fine with the city’s administrative judge and that the judge had afforded him extra time while the project progresses.
Property owner and longtime developer Robert Carlson spoke in support of housing at the site, saying the highest and best use is residential multifamily rather than a return to neighborhood commercial zoning. Carlson said he has worked in local real estate for decades and encouraged redevelopment in residential form.
City staff outlined the background: in February 2022 the council approved Ordinance 2022‑070 changing the property’s zoning to PD‑R (Planned Development — Residential) and approving a preliminary plan. That approval required a final development plan and other submittals before construction. Staff told council the owner had not submitted the final plan, had not requested an extension and had accrued municipal fines for code violations; some fines are in collection. City staff said they had worked repeatedly with the owner but had not received the final documentation needed to proceed.
Council members debated options. Some members said they remain supportive of redevelopment in PD‑R form and want to preserve the original intent; others said the property has sat vacant and in poor condition for decades and the city must protect neighbors and enforce codes. Several council members urged clear, enforceable deadlines rather than an open‑ended time extension.
By motion, council postponed consideration of Ordinance 2025‑034, a proposed ordinance that would repeal the 2022 PD‑R approval, and asked staff to return with a status update on Sept. 8, 2025. Council directed staff to work with the owner to ensure municipal fines and outstanding enforcement actions are addressed; staff said the assistant city manager would coordinate with the owner to seek payment and a timeline.
The postponed action leaves the 2022 PD‑R approval in place for now but sets a clear date for council follow-up. Council members said they expect either a final development plan and evidence of progress or staff recommendations on next steps in September.
