Fairfield seeks public input on downtown development opportunities

A view of a downtown area includes old brick buildings and a street.

Mainebiz FILE PHOTO Fairfield is gathering public input on the redevelopment and revitalization of its downtown.

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Downtown land use, housing, transportation, waterfront enhancements, economic growth and community amenities are all on the agenda for potential redevelopment opportunities in Fairfield, a Somerset County town of 6,500.

To kick off the process, the town's economic and community development committee and the Central Maine Growth Council are seeking public input via a digital survey and community workshop.

“Gathering public input is a vital stepping stone to developing the policy, investment and operational priorities which will reinvigorate the downtown,” said Gabe Gauvin, the council’s assistant director of economic development and strategic projects.

For the survey, click here.

Riverfront development

The downtown planning process follows a development plan approved last year by the town council to develop a 5.5-acre park east of downtown, with a goal of attracting tourists, residents and local visitors.

The Mill Island Park Development Plan provides strategies for future development within the park and along its eastern and western waterfronts on the Kennebec River.

That plan included the potential to implement strategies such as expanding a regional hub-and-spoke trail system, enhancing downtown connection opportunities, preserving historical infrastructure, addressing parking and traffic concerns and incorporating sustainable maintenance practices along the waterfronts.

The plan aligns with a broader goal of fostering growth in Fairfield's downtown corridor.

A public workshop, scheduled for April 15, will feature interactive and informational boards that highlight progress on the Downtown Plan, allowing residents and business owners to visualize proposed concepts and provide input.

“Our goal is to engage the community and ensure that the future of Fairfield reflects the needs and values of our residents,” said Michelle Flewelling, town manager.

The council will offer 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.

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 guide the allocation of resources and prioritize capital investment.

Survey results and workshop feedback will be used to prioritize investments, support business growth and craft a development plan.