DeKalb council approves annexation, rezoning to clear way for Pilot travel center at Peace and Fairview
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Summary
The DeKalb City Council approved annexation and rezoning measures for about 114 acres at Peace Road and Fairview Drive, clearing the way for the DeKalb Commerce Center and a Pilot travel center; council approved first reading and waived second reading in omnibus. The project includes truck parking, signage and staged commercial lots.
DeKalb — The DeKalb City Council on Jan. 26 approved first-reading ordinances and waived second reading to advance an annexation and rezoning package for roughly 114 acres at the southeast corner of Peace Road and Fairview Drive, a development the city will market as the DeKalb Commerce Center.
Developer Jeff Krasinski told the council the park is intended as a mix of commercial and industrial uses anchored by an approximately 11-acre travel center site for Pilot. "Very, grateful and pleased to be here in front of you tonight," Krasinski said, outlining a concept that includes hotels, restaurants, retail, and separate circulation for truck and auto traffic to improve safety and operations.
City staff said the package contains three coordinated items: an annexation and development agreement, the formal annexation ordinance, and a rezoning petition to a Planned Development Industrial (PDI) district with a concept and preliminary plan. The council voted to consider the three measures in omnibus and then approved them on first reading; the council unanimously agreed to waive second reading in omnibus fashion, moving the ordinances forward for finalization.
Staff highlighted several site features that shaped their recommendation: a central stormwater detention area of roughly 3 acres, designated truck-parking (staff noted about 58 truck parking spaces in the concept), a right-in/right-out configuration on Peace Road and Fairview for general circulation, and sign proposals to notify motorists on I-88. Krasinski said two 65-foot signs are proposed—one for Pilot and one for future tenants—to improve sight lines for approaching motorists.
Pilot representatives addressed operational and safety expectations. "Safety is of the utmost importance," a Pilot spokesperson said, explaining the company plans 24/7 staffing, site lighting across diesel and auto areas, and coordination with local police when needed.
Mayor Barnes and multiple aldermen praised the project as meeting longstanding local needs for truck parking and amenities that support nearby distribution and data center operations. Council members said the development diversifies the city's tax base and provides services for local professional drivers.
Next steps include final ordinance adoption and subsequent submittals of detailed site and civil plans. City staff said Pilot is preparing architectural and civil drawings and will submit those to the city for permitting and review.
Votes and process notes: the council moved the three ordinances as an omnibus package, passed first reading, and unanimously waived second reading; staff and the developer will return with final documentation needed for full adoption and permitting.
