Village board approves RFP for available lower-level Village Center space

The Village Board approved a request-for-proposals (RFP) to solicit responses for the lower-level space in the Village Center vacated by the North Shore Health Department.

Trustees said the RFP is intended to cast a wide net: proposals may include office leases, community programming, meeting-space uses or other options. The motion passed after trustees discussed budget constraints and the absence of earmarked capital within the long-range plan to add staffing or significant space improvements. The board said proposals that require tenant-funded build-out or revenue-generating leases would be considered alongside options to reserve space for municipal programming if no acceptable commercial proposals are received.

Trustees asked staff to distribute the RFP broadly, including village organizations and outside parties, to identify potential tenants or programming partners. The board noted the item seeks options and not a predetermined outcome; trustees may consider specific lease or operational proposals after they are received and reviewed by staff and committees.

The RFP language was prepared by the Strategic Initiatives Committee and was advanced to the board for authorization; motion carried on a voice vote.