Fairfield launches planning initiative

Fairfield Town Manager Michelle Flewelling.

The Town of Fairfield’s Economic and Community Development Committee (FECDC), in collaboration with the Central Maine Growth Council (CMGC), has launched a planning initiative focused on the redevelopment and revitalization of Fairfield’s downtown area. A key phase of the planning efforts include participation from Fairfield residents and business owners to collect public input, which will inform the downtown plan. Included in the public input strategy is a digital survey, and public workshop.

Fairfield’s Downtown Plan Public Workshop was held on Tuesday, April 15, at the Fairfield Community Center, located at 61 Water St. Presented by CMGC, the workshop featured interactive and informational boards that highlight progress on the Downtown Plan, allowing residents and business owners to visualize proposed concepts and provide valuable input. CMGC presented an overview of what the town has accomplished from the previous plan, and provide updates on the proposed and planned timeline for developing a new set of goals and priorities. This hands-on opportunity for the public to interact with committee members and Town leadership ensured that community members can engage directly with the planning process and influence the next stages of downtown development.

The survey is designed to solicit feedback on various aspects of downtown development, including land use, housing, transportation, waterfront enhancements, economic growth, and community amenities. The results will provide the FECDC, CMGC, and Fairfield Town Council with critical insights to guide the allocation of resources, prioritize capital investments, and create a vibrant, thriving downtown that meets the evolving needs of residents and business owners.

“Our goal is to engage the community and ensure that the future of Fairfield reflects the needs and values of our residents,” said Fairfield Town Manager Michelle Flewelling. “This survey, combined with the interactive public workshop, is an important opportunity for community members to directly influence how we shape the growth and development of our downtown. Their input will help us create a stronger local economy, increase job opportunities, and improve the quality of life for everyone in Fairfield.”

The survey invites participants to provide input on a wide range of topics, including:

Prioritizing new business development, public green spaces, and housing opportunities.

Evaluating opportunities for enhancing the downtown waterfront with parks, trails, and gathering spaces.

Identifying transportation improvements, such as cycling infrastructure, public transit options, and enhanced walkability.

Assessing the types of housing and business developments that should be encouraged in various zones of the downtown area.

CMGC is providing technical support and expertise throughout the planning process, leveraging its regional development knowledge to help shape a sustainable and dynamic future for Fairfield. The FECDC and CMGC will use the survey results, along with the feedback gathered during the public workshop, to prioritize investments, support business growth, and ultimately, craft a plan that is reflective of the shared needs and vision for growth of Fairfield’s residents and businesses.

Gabe Gauvin

“These proactive planning activities Fairfield has initiated, establish the foundation that future municipal initiatives will be built upon” stated CMGC Assistant Director of Economic Development and Strategic Projects, Gabe Gauvin. “Gathering public input is a vital stepping stone to developing the policy, investment, and operational priorities which will reinvigorate the downtown. We look forward to discussing the community’s needs and vision for the downtown at our upcoming workshop.”

All residents and business owners are encouraged to participate in the survey, which is available online through the Town of Fairfield’s website.

The FECDC is a citizen advisory committee comprised of residents, business owners, and educators who are dedicated to fostering community growth and development in Fairfield. The committee holds monthly public meetings at the Fairfield Community Center. More information on the committee can be found at Fairfieldme.com.

Central Maine Growth Council (CMGC), located in Waterville, Maine, is a public-private collaborative regional economic development partnership funded by municipalities and businesses who share a common vision of economic prosperity for our region. CMGC is committed to fostering a robust regional economy. Our belief is that the standard of living and quality of life of our citizens is best served by a vibrant, healthy economy. This is accomplished with a strong successful business community. To find out more about how CMGC can help your business succeed, give us a call at (207) 680-7300 or visit centralmaine.org.