Red Bank holds public hearing on RFP to sell two city-owned parcels off Goodson Avenue

The Red Bank Board of Commissioners held a public hearing to present a draft request for proposals (RFP) to sell and develop two city-owned parcels located off Goodson Avenue. Director Slay outlined the city's due-diligence process and said the RFP would be posted for at least 30 days if the commission directs staff to proceed; proposals will be evaluated and publicly posted within 15 days of receipt.

The RFP, Slay said, is guided by Ordinance 21-1188, which defines the protocols the city uses when disposing of real property. Slay said the parcels have been under city ownership ‘‘for an extensive amount of time’’ and staff concluded the city does not need to retain them. The stated goal is to return the parcels to private ownership, align any new development with the surrounding subdivision and put the properties back on the tax rolls.

Slay said the RFP will require developers to show financial capacity, provide a development timeline, and submit a concept for likely housing styles and a proposed median sale price. The city will require the two parcels to be sold together rather than separately, he said. Slay also said the city has a baseline appraisal and county assessment information that will be shared with commissioners when proposals arrive; commissioners may reject any or all proposals and reissue the solicitation.

Mayor Dalton opened and closed the public hearing after no members of the public came forward to speak. No formal vote to release the RFP was recorded at the meeting; Director Slay said the RFP would be released if the commission moves it forward in a subsequent action.

The commission heard questions about the price-setting process and next steps; Slay reiterated that pricing will be evaluated in the context of competitive proposals and that the commission retains discretion to accept, reject or reissue the RFP.