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Trustees discuss RFQ/RFP options for Main Street properties; ask staff to pilot an RFQ for the Liberty site
Summary
After reviewing prior solicitation results and Place Foundry guidance, trustees directed staff to explore an RFQ-based approach for the Liberty/Main Street properties rather than relaunching the prior RFP process; staff will prepare an RFQ and consider temporary public uses for newly acquired parcel(s).
The Committee of the Whole discussed strategy for disposition or development of village-owned parcels on Main Street and a separate Liberty Street property. Trustees reviewed earlier solicitation efforts (an RFP that produced no responsive proposals for one parcel) and discussed whether to pursue a looser request-for-qualifications (RFQ) approach to solicit ideas from developers and business owners.
Several trustees recommended piloting an RFQ for the Liberty property to invite a broader range of concept proposals (for example retail with housing above, small-restaurant concepts and mixed-use ideas) instead of repeating the stricter RFP that previously produced no viable responses. Trustee comments emphasized preserving momentum on Main Street implementation and using the properties for events or temporary parking until a permanent use is determined.
Staff and trustees discussed legal and public-purpose constraints; counsel advised that when the municipality acquires property its public purpose for acquisition should be documented (e.g., public use, redevelopment consistent with adopted downtown plans) and that some statutory programs permit discounted or incentive-based transfers for public-purpose redevelopment. Trustees discussed signage, outreach to potential developers and the need for an approved plan (Place Foundry implementation materials) to make the site attractive to builders.
The committee asked staff to prepare an RFQ and supporting materials for the Liberty property as a pilot, to keep the corner parcel available for temporary public uses (events, parking), and to return with a recommended outreach and procurement timeline.
Why it matters: The approach chosen (RFQ vs. RFP vs. direct sale) will determine the mix of respondents and the type of proposals the village receives; the Liberty parcel was identified as well-suited to Main Street implementation plans and could catalyze downtown redevelopment.
What’s next: Staff will draft an RFQ for Liberty, develop outreach materials and a timeline, and return to committee with the draft RFQ and recommended disposition approach. The corner parcel will remain available for temporary public uses pending a longer-term development plan.
