DeKALB – The DeKalb City Council will take its first vote on a proposal to loan $900,000 to Darden Restaurants so the chain owner can build an Olive Garden at 2211 Sycamore Road.

Both city and restaurant officials have said that the $900,000, which would be a forgivable loan paid out of funds generated by a city tax increment financing district, is necessary for the site. Tax increment financing is a funding mechanism used by municipalities to redevelop blighted areas, and the property is within the district.

DeKalb aldermen, who voiced support for the project at the Oct. 8 meeting, will be able to review the different costs of redeveloping the site, which city officials said were necessary.