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Lovington moves toward RFP for seven North Chavez parcels to encourage housing
Summary
After appraisals and surveys, the procurement officer recommended an RFP to prioritize redevelopment and housing on seven North Chavez parcels; commissioners directed staff to draft an RFP for review at the next meeting and noted a minimum 21‑day advertisement requirement.
Lesie Bolt, Lovington's procurement officer, told the commission that appraisal and survey work on seven North Chavez parcels is complete and that an RFP (request for proposals) would give the city flexibility to evaluate proposals on redevelopment goals rather than awarding to the highest bidder.
"If the commission's goal is redevelopment, housing, mixed‑use development or economic impact, an RFP would allow evaluations of factors beyond price," Bolt said, describing statutory requirements (appraisals required when market value exceeds the statutory threshold) and options for reversion clauses, construction deadlines and minimum investment requirements.
Commissioners and Economic Development staff argued the properties should be steered toward housing to raise neighborhood values and move trucking yards away from residential areas. One commissioner noted contractors and manufacturers have expressed interest in individual lots but emphasized fairness: "everyone has to get a fair shot," she said, urging a transparent RFP process.
Procurement staff said an RFP could be drafted and ready for commission review by the next meeting and that state procurement rules require at least a 21‑day advertisement period for proposals; the commission asked staff to prepare a draft scope based on a housing emphasis and return for formal action.
The commission did not adopt a sale method at the meeting; the direction was to prepare an RFP that prioritizes housing outcomes and includes timelines and deliverables for developer performance.
