RDA to refine RFP for 700 block S. Main; DNR brownfield language to be included

Staff presented a proposed request-for-proposals (RFP) for the 700 block of South Main Street and told the Redevelopment Authority they will add language requiring developers to coordinate with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on any open environmental cases.

The staff report summarized previous outreach and proposals for the site dating back several years. Economic development staff said the DNR contacted the city and reminded staff that the site is associated with a "Burt site" (a previously reported environmental case), so the RFP must require respondents to work with DNR to close any outstanding cases or address remediation requirements.

Why it matters: The 700 block is a city-owned redevelopment parcel in a corridor the RDA has sought to reactivate for mixed-use development. Staff recommended the RFP encourage creatively designed mixed-use commercial and multifamily proposals but the RDA directed staff to keep the solicitation broad to attract multiple concepts while signaling a preference for mixed-use.

Timing and process: Staff said they will insert clearer environmental language referencing DNR coordination and may adjust the solicitation's priority wording by placing mixed-use preference first in the description. Because economic development is short-staffed, staff asked to delay release of the RFP by about a month to ensure proper follow-up with respondents; commissioners agreed.

What was decided: The RDA did not adopt the RFP text at the meeting but instructed staff to add environmental/DNR language, keep the RFP broadly framed to solicit mixed-use or multifamily concepts, and delay release until staffing allows. Staff said they anticipate releasing the RFP in July after a short delay and after making minor text adjustments.