This is a service / maintenance or supply contract in Essex Junction, Vermont. Contact the soliciting agency for additional information.

The Town of Essex ("Town") seeks qualifications and proposals from consultants to create a master plan and concept plans for two adjacent parcels, 80 and 90 Upper Main Street ("Upper Main" or "Site"), which were recently acquired by the Town using federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The 32-acre site presents an excellent development opportunity for multi-use development, including the Town's municipal office building, fire station, library, and community space, as well as potential housing, commercial uses, and outdoor recreational opportunities. The Town now wishes to move forward with the next phase of site planning. Background In 2022, the City of Essex Junction separated from the Town of Essex, leaving the Town's municipal offices located within a different municipality. In November 2023, using a portion of the Town's ARPA funds, the Town acquired two adjacent vacant parcels in the Essex Town Center ("ETC") area. The purchase gives the Town a location where it can site future municipal facilities and support additional development in the ETC. The purchase of the site came after the Town underwent due diligence of the parcels' development constraints and potential. This included a Phase I Environmental Assessment, a Natural Resources Assessment, and a Preliminary Traffic and Access Evaluation. The Phase I Environmental Assessment flagged a potential contamination concern that was ruled out with further investigation. The Natural Resources Assessment identified floodways, two streams, wetlands, and primary agricultural soils. Subtracting the stream, wetlands, and floodway area, the remaining approximately 18 acres is considered developable. The Site has VT Route 15 frontage, but currently does not have a formal curb-cut. The Town has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with an adjacent parcel owner to gain access at an existing signalized intersection. The Town also received preliminary approval from VTrans to access VT Route 15 from the midpoint of the Site. As part of the due diligence phase, the Town retained Wiemann Lamphere Architects, who prepared several concepts of site layout to accommodate the proposed Town development and other potential development. These concepts will be available for the selected consultant. Project Description and Scope of Work The Town now wishes to move forward with the next phase of site planning. This will include creating a master site development plan that will include the Town's proposed buildings and uses and other complementary development and concept plans that best promote the Town's goals for the municipal buildings and the site. The vision for this site is to have a dense, walkable town center with multi-story buildings, mixed uses, and pedestrian and streetscape amenities. Separate Contracted Consultant Gail Henderson-King from White + Burke Real Estate Advisors, Inc. (W+B) will assist during this conceptual planning phase and will coordinate with the selected consultant team and the Town. Their work will include the following 1) Provide overall project management services including managing the work of the selected consultant team and managing the project timeline. 2) Identify potential financing / funding mechanism and options for the buildout of the site. This will involve working with the selected consultant team and the Town on potential phasing along with identifying local and state grants/loans, TIF option, etc. 3) Identify private development options for the buildout of the site. Where areas have been identified for future development beyond what the Town will need, identify options for how the site could be made available to other entities through such mechanisms as public private partnerships, subdivision / sale of lots, lease, etc. This Scope of Work shall include the master planning and conceptual design including architectural and landscape architectural design, civil engineering, cost estimating, recommended zoning changes, and schedule for implementation. The master planning work shall be for the entire site and include both public (Town) and private uses. The conceptual design work shall be for the public (Town) development only. Throughout this phase of work, there shall be regular team meetings (i.e., weekly or biweekly) with the Project Team (e.g., W+B, Town staff) throughout this work to provide updates, review materials, discuss and resolve outstanding issues, and revise plans as necessary. Work during this phase shall include but is not limited to the following. Expect a confirmation email following receipt of the proposal. If you have any questions about this project or the RFP, please address them in writing via email to the point of contact no later than February 16, 2024. Other than very routine questions, all questions will be answered in writing and posted on the Town's website. Contact Information Katherine Sonnick Community Development Director 81 Main Street Essex Junction, VT 05452 (802)-878-1343 ksonnick@essex.org