Planning board tables RFQ for 30 Federal Street after site and funding concerns; zoning could allow up to 31 units

The Presque Isle Planning Board on Dec. 19 reviewed a draft Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to solicit developers for a proposed project at 30 Federal Street and tabled the matter until its January 2025 meeting to allow staff to revise the document. Planning staff reported a site visit that identified swampy ground and some flooded basements; board members discussed whether proposed structures should be placed on slabs and requested a copy of the property deed, which staff provided at a member’s earlier request.

Tim St. Peter, Deputy Director, told the board the RFQ is intended to collect developer qualifications before issuing a request for proposals; he asked whether the board wanted the RFQ to target specific housing types. Board members said the city needs “all types of housing” and favored generalized wording to let developers propose solutions. Chair Bruce Roope argued the RFQ should not promise city assistance on utilities, roads or tax-increment financing up front and that such items should be negotiated after a developer expresses interest.

Board members also discussed who would pay for utilities; Alternate Tim Vernon specifically asked whether the developer or the City would cover those costs and referenced a recent Elm Street project that was privately developed and partially funded by Maine State Housing. Audience member Andy Flewelling, who said he has experience with RFQs, told the board that most developers do not object to longer RFQs and will move forward if they are interested in a project.

Under existing zoning the site could accommodate up to 31 housing units; staff asked the board to provide a target unit count to include in the RFQ text. Rather than set a specific number at the meeting, the board voted to table the item so staff could update the draft and circulate it by email ahead of the January 2025 meeting (motion by Jayne Farrin; seconded by Ward Gerow).