DDA staff recommends interviewing top bidders for TIF/street‑scape update; bids come in well under budget

DDA staff reported eight responses to a request for proposals to update the downtown TIF plan and streetscape vision and recommended bringing the top two or three firms in for interviews before awarding the work.

Ross (DDA staff) said OHM (teaming with CIB Planners) and Wade Trim ranked highest based on cost, experience and prior work in Grosse Ile; Ross noted both firms have relevant streetscape and TIF experience. "OHM and Wade Trim were at the top not only because of their price but because of their experience developing streetscape plans," Ross said.

Staff estimated the TIF/street‑scape work was coming in at roughly $36,000 to $38,000 for the TIF plan portion. Ross told the board that the DDA had budgeted $70,000 to cover the TIF plan, streetscape planning and subsequent zoning updates, and that the lower bid range would leave funds available for the zoning update. He noted that typical zoning updates for Macomb Street were estimated in the $10,000–$15,000 range.

Board members said they preferred interviewing the top firms so the board could assess firms' personalities, references and proposed approaches; one commissioner recommended selecting two or three firms for interviews and then choosing the firm that stood out in person. The board did not take a final vote on the contract award at the meeting; staff said the item will return as an action item for a future meeting.

Ross also said some out‑of‑area firms submitted proposals and those firms’ downtown renderings could be useful for future grant applications, while firms with existing experience in Grosse Ile would reduce onboarding time.

The board signaled support for interviews and for returning the item under action items at a future meeting for a formal decision.