CITY OF FAIRFIELD
Quarterly Development Newsletter
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THRIVING IN 2020
Without question, the COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented challenges in 2020. Our business community showed ongoing innovation, continually adapting business practices to safely provide goods and services without compromising the health and safety of customers and employees. Fairfield citizens and businesses alike are pulling together to keep our community both healthy and economically vibrant.
Several of these efforts were highlighted by the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce through a video series created in lieu of an in-person 2020 Annual Meeting. The videos highlight the educational, financial institution, and healthcare partners that are working hard each and everyday to keep Fairfield thriving.
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Fairfield Thriving Together - HEALTHCARE |
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Fairfield Thriving Together - FINANCIAL PARTNERS |
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Fairfield Thriving Together - EDUCATION |
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Supporting our Business Community
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the city has worked to support the business community. This has included efforts to ensure businesses are aware of state and federal financial resources, providing some flexibility with zoning codes and requirements, and creating a grant program to directly support restaurant and retail businesses. The COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant program, offered in partnership with Butler County and the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, resulted in nearly $600,000 of direct financial relief to 86 Fairfield businesses.
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Although the full impact of COVID-19 and the timeline for economic recovery remain uncertain, the city will continue to support our local businesses. We encourage community members to do the same by shopping at Fairfield retailers, grabbing a meal or take-out from local restaurants, and telling friends and family about their favorite Fairfield businesses. |
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City Creates New TIF Districts
In early November, Fairfield City Council approved the creation of two Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts in targeted commercial and industrial areas of the city. The goal of these TIF districts is to foster new development and redevelopment by creating a funding source for public improvements such as upgrading roadways, extending utilities, or demolishing blighted structures.
TIF districts have been used as a community and economic development tool throughout Ohio and across the country. Long-term, these TIF districts will generate revenue that will be strategically leveraged to eliminate blight, attract new development, and grow jobs in the Town Center, Route 4 corridor, and industrial areas of the city. The two districts include:
South Town Center: This district encompasses the southern two quadrants of downtown (south of Nilles Road) and continues down Pleasant Avenue to John Gray Road. A TIF district was previously established north of Nilles Road.
Northeast Area: This district encompasses commercial properties on each side of Route 4 between Springdale and Hamilton, as well as much of the industrial areas of the city to the north and east of Route 4. See map below.
The creation of the TIF districts alone will not raise taxes on any included property now or in the future. The district generates funding by redirecting a portion of property taxes received on any increased value of property over the 30-year term of the district.
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Fairfield Commerce Park Construction
Construction is aggressively underway at Fairfield Commerce Park on Seward Road. Developed by Ambrose Property Group of Indianapolis, the park will span 137 acres and include more than a million square feet of new industrial space targeted for e-commerce, general distribution, and manufacturing firms.
The first two buildings front directly on Seward Road and will each contain roughly 250,000 to 300,000 square feet. Walls and roofs are taking shape on both buildings as crews work towards a later winter timeline for completion and occupancy. The city worked with Fairfield City Schools and Ambrose to established a performance-based tax abatement for the park in order to attract prospective tenants to the site.
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Paycheck Protection Program Reauthorized
The latest federal COVID-19 relief package includes reauthorization of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to assist businesses with less than 300 employees. $284.5 billion has been authorized for new loans, with a set-aside for small businesses with 10 or fewer employees. Businesses that received a PPP loan in 2020 may be eligible for a second loan if the business has experienced significant economic distress. The loan forgiveness process has also been streamlined for businesses receiving loans of $150,000 or less.
Business owners are encouraged to contact their bank or financial institution for questions and assistance applying for PPP funds.
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TechCred Application Round Open
Ohio's TechCred program provides funding for companies to build a stronger workforce by offering new skills training for employees. Many of these trainings can be completed online. All companies with W-2 employees in Ohio are eligible, and can receive up to $2,000 reimbursement per training or credential.
Applications are accepted during several periods throughout the year. The next application round is currently open and accepting applications through January 29, 2021. To learn more and apply, visit techcred.ohio.gov.
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Final Phase of Emerald Lake Underway
Street and utility work is underway on the final phase of the Emerald Lake subdivision located on Pleasant Avenue opposite Resor Road. At full build-out, the residential subdivision will contain 150 homes. The current phase, which includes construction of High Point Court off of Edmorr Way, will contain the final 30 lots.
Emerald Lake was approved as Planned Unit Development (PUD) with established standards for the neighborhood. For example, 85 percent of the houses are to have side-entry garages and all of the homes are to have brick, stone, or similar masonry on the front facade with a continuation of the same material on the first floor of the remaining sides. The Reserves, located on Casey and Edna Courts, is earmarked for custom-built homes. The homes in the final section are being constructed by Berkey Homes and are estimated to range from $375,000 to $450,000 in cost.
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The Fairfield Business Spotlight video series highlights new and expanding businesses, new development projects, and other economic development news across the city. Recently, Mayor Miller visited Taqueria Mercado on Route 4. To see past and future videos, follow the city on Facebook or YouTube, or visit the city website.
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Other Recent Openings & Projects Underway |
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PROPERTY HIGHLIGHT:
Union Centre Logistics Park
Located on Seward Road just north of Union Centre Boulevard, Union Centre Logistics Park has 78,430 square feet of industrial space currently available. Constructed in 2017 by Northpoint Development, the space has a clear height of 36 feet, 7 docks, 1 drive-in door, and 2,333 square feet of office space. Newmark Knight Frank has the building listed for lease.
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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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Follow #FairfieldOhioDevelopment
on the city's social media accounts:
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