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Menards waiting to start building

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By Michael D. Pitman, Staff Writer 7:08 PM Friday, June 19, 2009

FAIRFIELD TWP. — Officials at a proposed home improvement super store had hoped their latest facility would have opened in 2010, but the construction time line is at a standstill.

Tom O’Neil, real estate acquisitions manager for Menards, said the company is still committed to the township and “it’s a question of when, not if.”

Menards purchased the 53-acre property on the southwest corner of Princeton and Gilmore roads in late 2008.

“We own our property, so we are certainly vested in the development and in the community,” O’Neil said. “We’ve been working with the developer in conjunction with him throughout that process. With the economy being what it is now, we haven’t set a definite date to start construction.”

It was reported the home improvement super store had planned to open as early as spring 2010.

Fairfield Twp. trustees approved the Menards plan in June 2008. The plans show a 144,107-square-foot facility that would anchor a 53-acre tract dubbed the Fountains of Fairfield Township. Also, planned are nine outlots — five along Princeton Road, three along Gilmore Road and one along Ohio 129.

“If the economy had been better, then perhaps we would have commenced to open late in the year, but that’s not the hand anybody’s been dealt right now,” O’Neil said.

All three Fairfield Twp. trustees said they were disappointed Menards had to delay its plans, but they understand.

“Like most of our residents, I think I’m anxious to see them open up. I think it means jobs and revenue for the township,” said Trustee Terry Scharnhorst. “However, in these economic times, I can understand them wanting to wait for things to look a little brighter.”

Trustee Steve Morgan said he’d rather have the company wait until conditions are better.

“If they have to wait six months or a year, and they’re going to stay here, I’d rather them wait and build instead of opening and close,” he said. “On hold is better than not doing it at all. We want them to be there, it’s a perfect place.”

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

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