CITY OF FAIRFIELD
Quarterly Development Newsletter
Second Quarter 2022

DORA Approved for Fairfield's Town Center
City Council has authorized creation of a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) in a portion of Fairfield’s Town Center. Establishment of a DORA permits open container carry for beer, wine, and other intoxicating liquor within the specified boundaries of the district. Participants need to purchase a drink in an officially designated DORA cup from a bar or restaurant located within the DORA boundaries.

Fairfield’s DORA will operate from 12:00 noon to 12:00 midnight, seven days a week. Confirmed participating establishments that will be selling alcohol in DORA cups includes Applebee’s, Berds Grill & Bar, Fairfield Pub, and Richards Pizza. The Fairfield Community Arts Center will also offer DORA beverages at select events.

The public launch of Fairfield’s DORA is scheduled for July 14th, concurrent with a Groovin’ on the Green concert at Village Green park featuring the Naked Karate Girls. Concert attendees can purchase drinks at the event or any DORA establishment and enjoy in the park.

For more information and a map of the DORA boundaries, visit www.fairfield-city.org/dora
Career Fest Connects Students and Companies
Before the end of the 2021-22 school year, multiple community partners came together to expose Fairfield High School students to career opportunities in the Fairfield area. Known as “Fairfield Career Fest,” the inaugural one-day event featured nearly 50 area companies with interactive exhibits in the Fairfield High School Arena. Approximately 1,500 juniors and seniors visited with companies throughout periods of the school day.

Companies highlighted both near-term job opportunities that students could seek for the summer or immediately upon graduation, as well as future career opportunities that may require additional training, education, or experience to attain.

The event was presented by the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Fairfield City Schools, the City of Fairfield, the Fairfield Community Foundation, and Ohio Means Jobs Butler County. 

Learn more about the event in our one-minute video: 
BCRTA Seeking Business Feedback
The Butler County Regional Transit Authority (BCRTA) is developing its first ever transit plan. The transit plan will outline recommendations to grow and improve BCRTA’s system based on the changing demographics and transportation needs within Butler County.

A large portion of the study relies on public input from the business sector. BCRTA is asking local businesses to take a quick survey to help them understand the transportation needs of each business.

Please take the survey by clicking here before July 20, 2022.
Fairfield FYI App Launched
The city has launched a new tool for residents and businesses to connect with the city. Known as Fairfield FYI, the app allows users to report non-emergency items to the city—everything from property maintenance issues to drainage or roadway issues. Users can then track responses from city staff and see how issues are addressed. The app is available for download via the App Store and Google Play. 
South Gilmore Development Planned
Several new developments have recently been approved for the South Gilmore Road corridor. On the northeast corner of Gilmore and Mack Roads, Bon Secours Mercy Health has proposed a nine-acre mixed-use development that would include a 30,000 square foot medical office building, a free-standing restaurant, and a multi-tenant retail building. Located directly adjacent to Mercy Health – Fairfield Hospital, the project is intended to complement the existing medical campus.
To the north of the mixed-use development, developers have received conceptual approval for a new residential subdivision to be known as Benzing Estates. This 20-acre site would have access from South Gilmore Road and include 24 patio homes and 20 duplex units. The city is coordinating an already-planned road widening project on South Gilmore between Mack and Resor Roads to safely facilitate these projects.

Finally, plans have been approved for a new Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers restaurant that will be located in the parking lot in front of the Meijer store. The restaurant will have a brick exterior and feature a drive-thru and outdoor seating. Freddy’s is a rapidly growing fast-casual restaurant chain that serves steakburgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, and frozen custard. The Fairfield location would be the second in Butler County. 
Route 4 and Michael/Camelot Improvements Underway
Construction is now underway on the Route 4 & Michael/Camelot intersection project. The project will better align Michael Lane and Camelot Drive across Route 4 to improve safety and efficiency of the intersection. The project will include new curb, sidewalk, storm sewer, pavement, and a rebuilt traffic signal that will feature Fairfield’s first flashing yellow arrow.

During construction, traffic will be able to turn off of Route 4 onto both Michael Lane and Camelot Drive. During certain phases, motorists on either street will be required to follow a detour to return to Route 4. 

Construction is expected to be substantially completed by November. The project is funded through an ODOT Highway Safety Improvement Program grant, Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), and City of Fairfield funds.
Partnership Results in Fairfield Logistics Park
A new speculative industrial park is coming to Seward Road thanks to a partnership between the City of Fairfield and Fairfield Township. The development will be located on a 146-acre site south of the United Dairy Farmers at Seward and Tylersville Roads. The property is located within Fairfield Township, but served by Seward Road, which is a city-owned street.

The city and township are collaborating to create a Joint Economic Development District (JEDD) which will allow for the city’s income tax to be collected at the project site. This revenue will be shared between both governmental entities to provide services to the property in the future, and to support road improvements to serve the development. Several roadway improvements are planned, including widening and straightening Seward Road, and improving the intersection of Seward and Tylersville Roads.

The first phase of the project represents an investment of greater than $60 million and will result in the construction of up to 1.4 million square feet of industrial space on what is currently unbuildable flood zone land. The project is estimated to create as many as 725 new jobs. The city will benefit from new revenues and upgrades to city-owned roadways. The Fairfield City School District also stands to benefit from increased property tax revenue. 
Cincinnati Financial Ranks on Fortune 500
Congratulations to Fairfield-based Cincinnati Financial Corporation for maintaining its distinction in the 2022 Fortune 500 list. Cincinnati Financial clocked in at 367th, one rank higher than in 2021. The company is the parent to the Cincinnati Insurance Companies and offers property and casualty insurance products.

Other Recent Openings & Projects Underway
PROPERTY HIGHLIGHT:

4981 Factory Drive

Located just off Route 4, the industrial property at 4981 Factory Drive offers 17,023 square feet on a 1.4 acre site. Constructed in 1978, the building includes 1,500 square feet of office space, 20’ clear height ceilings, two docks, and one drive-in door. Curo Brkg has the building listed for sale.

Learn more by clicking here.
How can we help?

The Development Services Department is here to support both new and existing businesses in the City of Fairfield. If we can be of assistance, please contact Nathaniel Kaelin, Economic Development Manager, at 513-867-5345 or [email protected].
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