The Fountains of Fairfield Twp. will begin development once Menards decides to build. The home improvement store is planned to be the first in the shopping facility.
“Everyone’s waiting for Menards,” said Fairfield Twp. Administrator Mike Rahall. “Once Menards is in place, I think it’s going to be a domino effect.”
The development in this area of the county, not only helps the township but the rest of the county, said Butler County development director Mike Juengling. It brings in tax dollars and increases real estate values.
He also said companies with relocation plans are attracted to areas with a good mix of development and growth.
“It shows that the area is prospering and that we’ve got residents that support these retail-type uses,” Juengling said.
Rahall said the plans for the area designated as the township’s downtown is driven by the economy.
“We put in the roads, and the improvements based on requests from Fiehrer Pontiac and Menards and some other companies that were coming in, and we usually wait till they are in for sure before we build anything,” he said.
Rahall said business retention is high, as companies generally haven’t left the area.
“Everything seems to be staying and healthy,” he said.
Fairfield Twp. and Fairfield city boards have both OK’ed a joint economic development district in three geographic areas of the township. It’s pending approval by the Hamilton and Butler county commissions. There are already two JEDDs with the township and Hamilton in the area.
“It helps us provide additional services with the additional income that will be generated,” Rahall said. “We’re trying to provide as many amenities to the community as possible in this area.”
Juengling said relocating businesses see JEDDs as a plus.
“The JEDD spreads all those tax dollars around, and again, that builds up the community and the quality of life and it makes those areas more attractive for businesses,” Juengling said. “It supports the entire community.”
About the Author
