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Fairfield working on ways to retain citizens

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By Michael D. Pitman, Staff Writer Updated 7:32 AM Tuesday, February 9, 2010

FAIRFIELD — City Council was given a big picture look at the city’s economic and development goal Monday night, Feb. 8.

The goal presented during the council-manager briefing Monday is to retain residents and be able to measure and monitor a residential retention plan.

Council outlined a series of goals in August to accomplish in 2010. Over the past few and for the next several weeks, city department heads will give updates on those goals.

Development Services Director Tim Bachman posed the question, “How do you retain citizens who have a choice?”

“I think there’s some salient issues and very poignant issues on how we retain, as well as how is the city on the short list for those who are looking at the Cincinnati area,” he said.

There are some issues that are controlled by the city, such quality of life, private property maintenance and economic development.

Over the past 10 years, Fairfield has improved quality of life with projects like Village Green and parks events. The city also has maintained and improved its aging infrastructure.

More recently, city officials are curbing property maintenance violations. The Neighborhood Enhancement Action Team is in its second of a four-year citywide property inspection program.

Some of the uncontrollable issues by the city administration include the schools and job market.

Bachman said some capital projects will help keep the city moving forward, which enhances the quality of life for residents and businesses.

He said the city needs to address housing needs for baby boomers, who have and will continue to downsize homes. It also needs to look at the future needs of businesses, as wants of citizens and businesses.

“A lot of cities stop reinvesting and that’s what gets them into trouble,” said City Manager Art Pizzano. “The goal here is to raise the stature so we’re still relevant in the market place.”

Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5112 or mpitman@coxohio.com.

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