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Staff outlines rebid plan for downtown opportunity site, debates parking vs. green space
Summary
City staff presented a refined RFQ plan for the downtown opportunity site — including a Passapark design and options for the millings lot — prompting commissioners to debate whether to prioritize a parking structure or preserve green/passive park space and to seek a January work session before rebidding.
City staff presented an update on the downtown "opportunity site" during the Dec. 8 Sanford commission work session, outlining next steps for a revised request for proposals and soliciting commissioner feedback on desired uses of two priority lots.
Craig (Speaker 5) told commissioners the initial RFQ attracted proposals heavily weighted to residential development, so the RFQ committee recommended a rebid with a refined scope. He said the Community Redevelopment Agency funded the Passapark design, which is approximately 90% complete, and staff intends to include those construction documents in the next bid package.
The staff recommendation prioritizes two lots: the grassy lot north of the Civic Center (to host the Passapark and shaded gathering structures) and the millings lot between the library and Monroe Hall. For the millings lot, Craig proposed options including a parking structure with mixed-use development — first-floor retail or restaurants with upper-floor residential and possible office space — and suggested staff pre-market the refined scope to development groups before issuing a new RFQ in January.
Commissioners questioned the market case for a public multi-story parking garage and whether developers would finance public parking. Several commissioners said they prefer keeping part of the downtown site as green space to support civic events (the grassy block is used for MLK and other events) and to provide a visible passive park across from the Civic Center. Others suggested that if additional parking is required, any garage would likely need multiple stories, which could negatively affect views and require additional design consideration.
Staff identified the core project team working the RFQ as planning and economic development staff (Eileen, Chris, Pamela Lynch and Brady) and said they will return with a draft RFQ and work session in January so the commission can review the refined scope before reissuing the solicitation.
No formal decision was made that evening; commissioners agreed to rework the RFQ, consider pre-marketing to test market appetite, and prioritize flexibility on the millings lot to balance downtown activation, event space and parking needs.
