FAIRFIELD — Long-time merchants along Ohio 4 urged city leaders Thursday to lower the speed limit from 50 to 35 mph to slow down potential customers.

        “Route 4 is turning gray,” warned Jack Hern, owner of Hern Marine. “There are many, many vacancies and we're moving traffic out of the city when we want to be called the market center of Butler County.”

Merchants along Ohio 4 in Fairfield have asked city officials to lower the speed limit from 50 to 35 mph. (Michael Snyder photo) | ZOOM |

        As part of a project to revitalize the city's oldest and most traveled strip, Fairfield officials and consultants met twice Thursday with separate groups of business and property owners.

        A third meeting will be held this morning..

        The four-lane road with a 50-mph speed limit stretches 5 miles through Fairfield north to Hamilton. City fathers have earmarked $2 million to spend on the project over the next four years and may seek federal and state funding and grants.

        The roadway carries about 42,000 cars daily, is dotted with about 350 businesses and has dozens of vacancies, especially as it gets close to Hamilton.

        A high number of accidents for a road its size, 1,300, occurred on Ohio 4 between 1998 and 2000, according to consultants working on the project. That's partly because of the road having many curb cuts, including some with short entrances.

        Preliminary suggestions include widening the road to six lanes in certain areas.

        Other suggestions involve improving signage, adding trees and combining entrances into businesses.

        City officials also want to form districts along the artery for entertainment, shopping, offices and homes.

        A few of the ideas — widening the road to six lanes and planting trees — received lukewarm reaction. Some merchants worry widening the road would carry cars out of the district even faster and fear the trees would block their signs or buildings.

        “It doesn't do any good to come along and beautify Route 4 if in 10 years it hinders businesses,” said Harold Maggard, owner of Dixie Deli.

        “I realize things have to change over the years, but I hope they change for the better.”

        “We do care about you guys as business people,” Fairfield Planning Director Tim Bachman responded.

        Officials hope to reach an agreement on solutions by fall and present them to City Council by year's end. Work could begin as early as next year.
       

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