A market study of the Ohio 4 corridor, which runs to the Fairfield limits from Nilles Road, is the basis on which the city will base its efforts to enhance the marketability of the area.
The intent of the study was to determine the present status of the area, and identify opportunities for growth.
The corridor itself is heavily commercial, but is surrounded by densely populated residential areas. This limits the city's options. Doug Harnish, who is the principal of Market Metrics, the company that did the study, suggests Fairfield can do one of two things to improve marketability of the corridor: either accept the oversaturation of the area with businesses in the service and retail sectors, mostly food service or automotive establishments, or work to bring different types of businesses to the locale.
Harnish said it might be necessary for Fairfield to intervene in the process, depending on which way the City Council wants the corridor to develop. Greg Kathman, the city's Development Services Director, said such intervention might mean assisting people in assembling properties, and razing obsolete buildings. Demolishing abandoned buildings would free up space for new users to enter the corridor, which would help revitalize the area.
Kathman said his department will incorporate the market study into a larger redevelopment plan. He believes his team will be able to present a comprehensive plan to the City Council soon. Print shops can help prepare the documents needed for presentations like this.
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