Roscoe trustees encourage developer outreach after RFP for 11243 Main Street draws few inquiries

Trustee discussion on the RFP for development of 11243 Main Street focused on outreach and reducing barriers for initial conversations, trustees said.

The board heard that only a few requests for copies of the RFP had been received and that no prospective developers had come in for substantive conversations. Trustee Wright asked that the RFP be put on the agenda for discussion; in the meeting trustees agreed to invite interested parties to make appointments to meet with staff and trustees to review the RFP and the village’s expectations. “We’re not requiring architectural plans or you hire all your consultants,” a staff member said, noting the village seeks a concept-level response to show interest and capability.

Trustees discussed whether to convert the RFP to a request for qualifications (RFQ) or publish a simplified short form to make initial outreach less burdensome. Several trustees recommended waiting to see whether the current RFP produces any inquiries by the May deadline; if there are zero responses, trustees said they would revisit the format or pursue alternative outreach channels, including regional development networks and trade groups. The board directed staff to invite individuals who had expressed interest to schedule appointments and to report back on the number of appointments and any substantive feedback.

The discussion was procedural and did not include a formal board vote on changing the RFP. The action recorded was direction to staff and trustees to actively invite and meet with potential respondents and to return to the board if responses are insufficient.