Fairfield's Advantage In Attracting Businesses To Town

FAIRFIELD, CT — As a way to help businesses learn what's available, and ultimately decide to move or open a new location in town, Fairfield's Office of Community and Economic Development has a simple and effective tool to help with the decision.

On its ChooseFairfieldCT.org website, the economic development office offers the Real Estate Finder, a comprehensive listing of available commercial space throughout town.

The page is updated regularly, according to Economic Development Director Mark Barnhart, and offers a description and photo of the listing, and a small map of where the building is located.

"The intent is to help businesses looking for space in Fairfield to find it in one convenient location," Barnhart told Patch. "We also try to make it as comprehensive a list as possible and include small and shared spaces as well as owner-listed properties that may not be found elsewhere."

Listings are updated at least quarterly, if not more often, and users can also download a free PDF of the most recent listings by submitting a name and email address.

"Many businesses find it to be a very useful tool, as do commercial property owners," Barnhart said. "We do not charge a fee to list a property or to access our database."

Barnhart admits that keeping the listings updated is a lot of work for the office, but based on the positive feedback he's received from businesses, the town will keep providing the information.

"I feel that it continues to be a worthwhile use of our time/resources and an important service for us to provide the business community," Barnhart said, adding that it helps him maintain relationships with brokers and commercial property owners, and keep tabs on the market. "I often get questions from businesses looking for space in Fairfield, and this allows me to respond more effectively to their inquiries. I can often provide additional background on individual properties, as well as guidance on zoning or other local permitting requirements. I also provide referrals as well as introductions to others that can assist the business in their search process."

Click here to view the Real Estate Finder tool on ChooseFairfieldCT.org.