Miller said he was told by company officials the project is slated to start this spring or summer and likely open in early 2011. He received a phone call from Menards officials indicating the project is to be presented to their board for approval, he said.
Menards spokesman Tom O’Neil could not be reached for comment.
“I haven’t seen anything official,” Miller said. “Until it’s in my office, it’s not official as far as I’m concerned.”
Menards was approved for its final planned unit development document in June 2008. Miller said that approval is still valid.
In a June 2009 interview, O’Neil said the project was to be put on hold due to the struggling economy, and said, “It’s not a matter of if, but when.”
Menards purchased a 53-acre tract of land on the southwest corner of Princeton and Gilmore roads in late 2008. The home improvement super store planned initially to open as early as this spring.
Plans show a 144,107-square-foot facility that would anchor the property named the Fountains of Fairfield Township. Also planned are nine outlots — five along Princeton Road, three along Gilmore Road and one along Ohio 129.
Trustee Mark Sutton said hopefully when dirt starts moving other activity will begin.
“I don’t know if it’s a sign the economy is turning around, but it’s a positive sign,” he said. “It’s just another choice for our residents.”
Fairfield Twp. Administrator Mike Rahall said the project will be exciting when it happens.
“It will be the first one in the area, so it should help stimulate the business in the area,” he said.
An effect of a stimulated economy also could mean jobs, said Steve Morgan, president of the Fairfield Twp. trustees.
“How many Menards are around the United States? There’s not a lot, and they picked Fairfield Twp.,” Morgan said.
Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5112 or mpitman@coxohio.com.
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