Story by AnnaKate Freeland Correspondent

Fort Payne Mayor Brian Baine announced Tuesday at the city council meeting that a Five Below will be coming to the DeKalb Plaza. 

Baine said he found out about the new retail location shortly before the city council meeting and had no additional details. Baine said the project would probably not be completed until the middle of 2026. 

Along with Five Below, a Marshalls store will be going into the plaza, which was announced in March. In October, the city council approved two memorandums of understanding aimed at bringing new retail development to DeKalb Plaza and an expansion to The Children’s Place Services Company. In approving the memoranda, the city agreed to provide $2.6 million for the redevelopment of the plaza.

Also in the mayor’s report, Baine said the city’s 4th of July celebration will be on July 3 at the Sports Complex. DJ Snake will take the stage starting at 5:30 p.m. The Locals perform next, and the night will end with the fireworks show at 8:45 p.m. Concession stands will be open for the event. 

The city council also:

 Authorized the demolition of the old school building on Forrest Avenue. 

 Authorized a vote on members of the DC Gas Board at the city council meeting on July 1. 

 Authorized the signing of a contract with Motorola for fire department radios. 

 Approved pavilion use for Altrusa International of DeKalb County on July 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.