Earlier this summer, the Post asked our readers what issues you wanted to hear candidates running for Fairway City Council to address leading up to the Nov. 4 election.
Based on that feedback, we developed a five-item questionnaire centering the issues most important to Fairway residents.
Each day this week, we’re publishing the candidates’ responses to one question.
Today, we’re publishing candidates’ responses to the following question:
Fairway Shops: There has been changeover at the Fairway Shops and the former Houlihan’s remains vacant, frustrating some residents who look at improvements and growth at shopping centers in neighboring cities and would like to see something similar happen in Fairway. What is your vision for the Fairway Shops? And what can the city do to encourage the complex to be fully occupied and up to date?
Below are the answers the Post received from candidates on this issue:
Ward 2
Dan Bailey (incumbent)
Ultimately the Fairway Shops are owned by a private developer. The Former Houlihan’s is actually not part of that development and owned by a private group. The City and the Chamber of Commerce should work hand in hand with these developers / owners to keep the area updated and desirable for both residents and business owners. The former Houlihan’s property is particularly challenging for a variety of reasons, it has not been the fault of the city that it is not yet occupied. I am encouraged with the developments over the past few months and am hopeful that a tenant can be in that space in 2026.
Emily Snyder
My vision for the Fairway Shops is a refreshed, neighborhood scaled center with local dining, small retail, and spaces that invite people to linger. I have fond memories of Lucy Lynn Bakery and would love to see another similar shop or even a place to grab a pint. With the closings of Houlihan’s and Stroud’s and without the addition of a lunch and dinner restaurant I feel we are missing an element that most residents would enjoy. I believe the city could do more in the way of outreach with ownership groups and developers while maintaining flexible zoning and permitting to make redevelopment easier.
Ward 3
James Hafner
The vacant Houlihan’s site should be prioritized for redevelopment—ideally as a restaurant or social space that enhances tax revenue and community gathering. Other nearby commercial or social space opportunities should reflect Fairway’s character and needs.
Bill Stafford
First Washington, which owns most of the Fairway Shops, is a company I am familiar with from my years working in the Washington, D.C. area. I understand how firms like this operate and how to work productively with property owners, developers, architects, and engineers to move projects forward. That experience would be an asset to the city as we seek to maximize the potential of this important commercial space.
My vision for the Fairway Shops is a vibrant, fully occupied center that reflects the character of our community rather than trying to replicate larger retail developments in neighboring cities. Fairway should focus on attracting businesses that fit our scale and values: locally supported dining, neighborhood services, and gathering spaces that bring people together.
The city can play a proactive role by maintaining communication with property owners, exploring incentives when appropriate, and removing unnecessary barriers to thoughtful redevelopment. With collaboration and persistence, I believe the former Houlihan’s, and vacancies can be turned into assets that strengthen Fairway.
Ward 4
Kiel Corkran
I think our first priority when considering any development should always be our residents’ wants and needs. I think a large family restaurant such as the one proposed for the old Houlihan’s building is a good idea, but I’ve heard from a lot of residents who are also just looking for “a nice place to chill” with easy affordable food, such as another cafe or a small deli/sandwich shop. I think we need a variety of businesses that can provide good services to our residents and boost Fairway’s economic development without pricing people out. My own personal vision for the Fairway shops area would include some type of community recreation center with an indoor play area for children. As a dad, I know I would personally appreciate having an option for my toddler to play indoors when the outside playground isn’t ideal, and there are many other parents of small children here in Fairway who would love to have another local place to bring their kids aside from our wonderful Fairway parks. I support the idea of a community improvement sales tax for purchases made at the Fairway shops to go back into developing the area and supporting our community’s needs.
Tanya Keys (incumbent)
The city administrator keeps in close contact with the owner of the shops and former Houlihans space to keep connected on possible interested tenants. We have been hearing from a Restuarant company on their plans to open in the former Houlihans. The vision for the shops is meaningful resources and amenities for residents and other visitors. We are excited about Zen Donkey and look forward to any other happenings.
