By Erica Solvig
The Cincinnati Enquirer

MASON - About 60 people came out to a special town hall meeting Tuesday to address suburban growth and its effect on Mason and Deerfield Township, from schools to traffic congestion.

The meeting was held in conjunction with the Enquirer's special section profiling the southern Warren County communities. The section, in Tuesday's paper, was the second in the monthly Great Neighborhoods series.

"I guess the biggest thing for everybody is the evolution and the growth of this area," said Bill Morand, Deerfield Township trustee.

Enquirer editors, columnists, reporters and publisher Harry Whipple answered questions and listened to suggestions about how to better cover the news in the area.

"You go back not too many years, and you never knew what boys and girls soccer - and some of the other sports - were up to. Now it seems like a much more comprehensive coverage," Mason Councilman Jim Fox said about the paper's prep sports coverage. "I really appreciate that. The older I get, and as my peers have kids, I want to know how they're doing."

Audience members said some of the major issues facing the community in the next few years will be growth in Mason and Kings Local school districts.

"It gives our kids a chance to shine, and we always love it when our kids get out there and get recognized," said Shelly Benesh Hausman, Mason schools spokeswoman.

Next month, the Great Neighborhoods series will focus on Lebanon.

"It is a way for us to better understand your communities and what is going on there," said Enquirer editor Ward Bushee.

E-mail esolvig@enquirer.com