New York state has reopened their request for proposals (RFP) to sell the former Wassaic Developmental Center to a mixed-use redeveloper. The initial round of RFPs was due on September 28 (as listed here earlier in REVITALIZATION), but Empire State Development Corporation has issued a new request with proposals due December 14, 2018.
The agency has not opened any submissions to the July RFP and said they would be returned and may be resubmitted as is or amended. “No negative inference will be made with regard to any respondent that did or did not submit a response to the July RFP,” the new document stateS.
The state is looking for proposals for the purchase and redevelopment of the remainder of the former Wassaic Developmental Center, also known as the Wassaic campus of the Taconic Developmental Disabilities Services Office.
On July 9, 2018, Empire State Development (ESD) issued the original RFP for the purchase and redevelopment of the remaining portion of the former Wassaic Developmental Center, also known as the Wassaic Campus of the Taconic Developmental Disabilities Services Office.
“The Wassaic Campus presents a tremendous development opportunity in the Harlem Valley,” said ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Howard Zemsky. “The site’s proximity to thriving tech and cultural resources, strong transit networks, and the Harlem Valley’s natural scenic beauty present exciting potential. We encourage respondents to submit creative responses that stimulate vibrant community and economic growth in the region.”
As part of the State’s ongoing initiative to support individuals with developmental disabilities within the community, the residential portion of the Taconic Developmental Disabilities Services Office campus was closed in 2014. The campus is currently used for administrative functions of the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, occupying four buildings on the Site as well as the on-site power plant. In March 2017, ESD issued a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) to generate ideas, responses and recommendations to inform a planned RFP process.
The site that is the subject of this RFP is located at 26 Center Circle. It consists of approximately 320 acres, including nine acres of ground floor area constituting approximately 740,000 built square feet. The site’s vast size, location and accessibility make it an exciting opportunity for creative, well-planned development.
The goal of this RFP is to advance public policy goals and maximize economic benefits to New York State while creating a premier destination in the scenic Harlem Valley. Respondents are invited to propose mixed-use development plans that may include, but are not limited to, lodging and event space; residential, commercial and cultural uses; and agricultural or other seasonal land uses.
ESD is seeking Proposals for a well-integrated, mixed-use development that meets the development objectives:
- Utilizes the Site as an economic engine for the Harlem Valley region and New York State;
- Maximizes economic benefit to the State while minimizing the State’s economic and environmental risk;
- Enhances and complements the area’s existing resources and amenities;
- Capitalizes on the proximity of rail transit at the Site by creating new workforce housing opportunities and/or jobs for New Yorkers;
- Maximizes green building and sustainable design practices; and
- Incorporates meaningful participation by Minority-Owned Business Enterprises (“MBE”), Women-Owned Business Enterprises (“WBE”), and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned-Businesses (“SDVOB”), per Articles 15-A and 17-B of the New York State Executive Law.
Responses are due by December 14, 2018
Image via ESD.