Site work for a mixed-use development in Bluffton, South Carolina. Working plans call for site work for a playground / park / athletic field.

This project was cancelled by the Owner. This will be re advertised at a later date. Oscar Frazier Park Splash Pad Landscape, Hardscape Development https://www.blufftontoday.com/story/opinion/columns/2024/07/05/bluffton-mayor-larry-toomer-discusses-the-town-budget/74044861007/ Town leaders know that many residents eyes glaze over when we speak of the three main ingredients to the Town's annual workplan. It may sound like "government speak" when budgets, strategic plans and action items are mentioned. While the terms may seem boring, the projects which the Town's workplan produces may excite you. Let me break down the new fiscal budget, which began July 1, and how it may relate to you. The new approximate $90.6 million dollars budget aims to enhance various public services and infrastructure projects, reflecting the town's commitment to maintaining its charm and improving the quality of life for its residents. One of the most notable aspects of the new budget is the stability in property taxes. Since 2014, Bluffton has managed to keep property taxes steady, even reducing the millage rate in 2019 and 2023. For a typical house appraised at around $390,500, the town portion of the tax bill will remain approximately $677.32. This consistency provides financial predictability for homeowners, ensuring that the costs associated with property taxes do not increase unexpectedly. The budget supports new projects such as the Town's new Welcome Center, which will be located at the Squire Pope Carriage House in Wright Family Park. The new Welcome Center is expected to open in early 2025. The Center will give residents and visitors an overview of Bluffton's history, culture, spirit, natural resources and attractions. The Squire Pope Carriage House is among Bluffton's "contributing resources" with its historic significance of being one of the few structures which survived the 1863 "Burning of Bluffton." Thanks to a $1.35 million-dollar federal grant and town funds, the Bluffton Police Department will replace its aging equipment, which will further equip the police department to provide safety, security, and more partnerships/events with the community. Residents will also see significant investments in public infrastructure. The Capital Improvements Program (CIP) Fund, totaling $32.3 million, prioritizes parks, stormwater, and sewer projects. This includes the Historic District sewer projects, Pritchard Street Drainage and Bridge Street Streetscape Improvement projects. Stormwater and sewer infrastructure projects, especially for the few Town neighborhoods which weren't pre-planned communities, protect the town's and region's natural resources. The Riverside Barn Park, the town's largest park with more than 37 acres, is expected to open in late 2024, with the barn opening for events the following year. A much-anticipated splash pad will be installed at Oscar Frazier Park this summer. The New River Linear Trail will also receive a multi-million-dollar upgrade to pave half the width of the trail, making it more accessible to walkers, bikers, and those with mobility issues. The new budget also underscores Bluffton's dedication to affordable housing. Projects like the Housing Assistance Program will continue to receive support, assisting income-qualified residents with necessary "safe and dry" home repairs. This program combats the compounding housing crisis, prevents blight and keeps residents in safe homes. Economic development is another key focus, with incentives available for businesses to locate in the fastest growing areas of Bluffton and the ongoing support for the Don Ryan Center for Innovation, the town's economic development department and business incubator. The Town's Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP) provides a reduction in fees and utility costs for businesses which are relocating or locating west of Buckwalter Parkway, in an effort to bring more services to Bluffton's fastest growing areas. As a reminder, the Town is among five municipalities in the state with the highest bond rating for a town or city. This means the Town can borrow money, if needed, at lower rates and this status gives credence to the Town's healthy financial status. The Town thanks each resident it serves as the town strives to always increase its high quality of life, we all enjoy projects that protect our natural resources, create parks and open spaces for neighbors to gather, and help each other when needed. ----------------------------------------------------------- The Town of Bluffton is soliciting competitive sealed bids from experienced and qualified landscape contractors ("Offerors") to provide hardscape, drainage and landscape improvements to support a proposed splash pad at Oscar Frazier Park, located at 5 Recreation Court, Bluffton, South Carolina. Work is anticipated to begin May, 2024 and be completed by the end of June, 2024. The general scope of work will include but not limited to: 1. Demolition of concrete curb and reinstallation to accommodate curb drains. 2. Fine grading and fill to accomplish grades shown on plans. 3. Storm drainage including yard inlets, HDPE pipe, connect to roof drain and/or daylight through curbs. 4. Erosion and sediment control including construction driveway, silt fencing, tree protection fencing. 5. Tabby concrete sidewalk extension adjacent to Recreation Court. 6. Brick columns, metal picket fencing and gates. 7. Site furnishings. 8. Trees, shrubs, groundcovers, and annual plantings. 9. Irrigation design and installation. No bid bond is required for this opportunity.No Payment Bond and Performance Bonds are required for this opportunity but see warranty language under Cost Schedule. Questions and Inquiries Offerors are required to submit questions no later than: 2:00 pm, Wednesday, March 20, 2024 Online via Vendor Registry LICENSING No bid will be considered unless the Offeror is legally qualified under the provisions of the South Carolina Contractor's Law (South Carolina Code of Laws, Chapter 11, Sections 40-11-5 through 40-11-570) as may be applicable to landscapers. If the contractor does not already have a Town of Bluffton business license, one must be obtained before a contract will be executed. IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE Offeror must attach a schedule of major milestones by date and tasks by duration not to exceed June 30, 2024. This schedule must address time to acquire materials. No change orders for cost or time will be made for delay of materials without prior approval of the Town Project Manager See bid sheet for projects that contain financial bonus for schedule adherence. Schedule may either be in MS Project or Excel format. The Town reserves the right to waive any irregularities, informalities or technicalities and may, at its discretion, request a new solicitation. The Town may cancel this solicitation in part or in its entirety if it is in the Town's best interest to do so. Question Deadline 08/28/2024 at 2:00 PM ET Offerors are required to submit questions no later than Online via Vendor Registry.