A community meeting on the DeKalb Metra Extension Feasibility Study saw strong turnout on Tuesday, and there is another opportunity to learn more about the study’s key findings on Thursday.
Around 60 people attended the open house Tuesday at the DeKalb Public Library. Community members were able to view the study’s findings on extending Metra service from Elburn to DeKalb, and City staff and members of Sam Schwartz Consulting, which produced the study, took questions and heard feedback.
The City and Northern Illinois University partnered to create the study, which analyzed potential ridership and service levels, operating and capital expenses and possible funding sources. A working team representing the City, NIU and the consulting firm has been meeting every two weeks to collect and review data. Meetings have been held with representatives from Metra and Union Pacific, and community input has been gathered through surveys, informational booths and the community meetings being held this week.
The second community meeting will be held virtually on Thursday beginning at noon. This will be another opportunity to hear the study’s findings and ask questions. The Zoom meeting link can be found here. The link to a brief, online survey can be found at the same address.
Photo: Matt Orenchuk of Sam Schwartz Consulting talks with community members about the findings of the Metra Extension Feasibility Study on May 23.