(2/27) At its February 22 meeting, the Fairfield Borough Council heard resident input as development and infrastructure requests were brought to attention Tuesday.
Kelli Maze of West Main Street expressed frustration at the lack of grocery and gas station options in Fairfield. Although "extremely enchanted by the quaint little town," when she moved to Fairfield in 2013, Maze has now become concerned with lack of economic development.
Noting especially for the number of older folks in town, groceries and gas should be more readily accessible. "I know this town has a lot of retired people who depend on those services, and it concerns me that we don’t have them," she said.
Coming from Frederick County, Maze said she was used to a more populated area with economic development liaisons. "There’s just a whole bunch of little things I think would make it a little better, and that’s all you need, a little better," Maze said.
Maze also brought up issues with infrastructure at the end of Stevens Street, noting water that freezes on the roadway.
Council President Patricia Smith noted it has been an ongoing frustration faced by the rest of the town as well. "You really do run into roadblocks when you’re dealing with private property, there’s only so much we can do," she said.
Borough solicitor Matthew Battersby recommended having the storm drain culvert at Stevens Street reviewed by the borough engineer and identified if its exact location was in the borough or Hamiltonban Township.
New business and roadway infrastructure often takes a considerable amount of red tape to cut through, councilmember Nate McNeill said.
In other business, the council announced that patrons of the Fairfield Borough community mailbox, located at Fourth and East Main Street, won’t have to scrounge in the dark anymore with the installation of a new solar lamp post coming soon.
The community cluster mailbox provides for free mail delivery for several borough locations including Water, Main, and Centennial Street. The area is so poorly lit that residents claim flashlights were needed after hours to find boxes. The total installation price for the new lights was $711, according to Councilmember Dean Thomas.
The Fairfield Borough Council also renewed the borough’s annual Civil War Trails sponsorship. An interpretive sign located in front of the Mansion House restaurant on Main St. provides visitors a glimpse into history as a part of over 1,400 historic stops across six states. The borough pays $200 yearly as a member of Civil War Trails.
The Council also approved the spending of $420 for the purchase of a new truck cargo carrier and ramp, contingent on maintenance department confirmation that it is the right size.
