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Council approves Park 88 Unit 5 development plan for manufacturer referred to as 'Project Big Lakes'
Summary
The City Council approved Ordinance 2026-021 on first reading (with second-reading waiver) to allow a manufacturing development at Park 88 Unit 5, a prospective tenant currently described as 'Project Big Lakes' and recruited by Venture One; planners said the project would bring higher-wage manufacturing jobs and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval.
DeKalb’s City Council approved Ordinance 2026-021 on June 22, advancing a final plat of subdivision and preliminary and final development plan for Park 88 Unit 5. The developer, represented in the meeting by Venture One, presented under the working name Project Big Lakes; staff said the company makes climate-control and energy-management systems and found DeKalb’s Park 88 competitive for location.
City Manager Nicholas said the project resulted from coordinated economic-development outreach involving Venture One, the DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation and state partners. The Planning and Zoning Commission had held a public hearing and, by unanimous vote, recommended approval. Staff described expected benefits including local job creation with above-average wages for industrial positions and use of the Park 88 industrial park’s available land and infrastructure.
The ordinance passed first reading and council voted to waive second reading that same night. Council members praised the recruitment effort and encouraged the developer to proceed with project details and public announcements. The meeting record shows the council's action authorizes the land-use approvals necessary for the project to proceed to permit and construction steps.
Separately at the same meeting the council also approved a special use permit for Hillcrest Covenant Church to expand its sanctuary and parking (Ordinance 2026-022), but the Park 88 action is the primary municipal economic-development item discussed on June 22.
The Planning and Zoning Commission and city staff will continue required permitting steps; the developer is expected to provide more details about the company and hiring timelines as the project advances.
