Loganville DDA approves RFP to solicit developers for downtown parcel; sets July 1 publication and Sept. 30 deadline

The Loganville Downtown Development Authority on Monday approved a request for proposals to solicit developers for a downtown parcel, setting the RFP publication for July 1 and a submission deadline of Sept. 30 at 4 p.m., with a presubmitt conference about 30 days before the deadline.

The RFP vote carried unanimously; the board announced the motion passed “five to zero.” Tara, the board chair, said the package and timetable would be posted by staff and the city’s procurement portal once the board’s edits are finalized. Paul, the consultant who helped edit the RFP, told the board the document includes Exhibits A–D and an IGA that frames next steps and that the RFP is the first step toward negotiating a definitive development agreement with a chosen developer.

Why it matters: the RFP starts a formal process for soliciting proposals from private developers for a long‑vacant or underused downtown property. The board and staff will evaluate submissions using a scoring matrix, may conduct interviews or site visits that must comply with open‑meeting rules, and will take any proposed selection to the Loganville City Council per the IGA for final approval.

Paul advised a typical response window for this kind of downtown redevelopment solicitation is between 90 and 150 days and recommended a presubmitt conference roughly 30 days before the submission deadline so potential proposers can ask questions. “I would say 90 would be sort of the shortest,” Paul said when the board discussed timing. After members debated options, the board settled on a 90‑day posting window that begins July 1 and ends Sept. 30 at 4 p.m.; Tara said staff will publish the RFP on the city site and the state procurement database and will accept sealed submissions through the city’s designated receiver.

The board discussed whether to add firm design limitations (for example, a maximum building height or a minimum parking requirement) to the RFP. Paul said illustrations included in the packet were conceptual and that the DDA could include specific design metrics in the RFP if it wanted to limit proposals; he also cautioned that leaving some flexibility can reveal a wider array of concepts. The board agreed to leave key design parameters broadly stated in the initial RFP and to flesh out constraints later if needed once proposals are received.

Valuation and appraisal: board members noted widely differing informal estimates for the property value and agreed to obtain a commercial appraisal to provide a defensible market indicator before final sale/negotiation. During the conversation one participant estimated a small commercial appraisal could run “$3,500 to $5,000.” The board assigned a member to shop for an appraiser and to report back to the DDA.

Public comment: Resident Lee Phillips urged the DDA to involve local vocational and arts students in a design competition so younger residents have a voice in downtown planning. He also asked the board to flag potential construction risks to nearby historic houses, saying, “If our foundation sinks any more than what it has from the big trucks, we’re going to have some serious issues.” Board members said construction methods and any required safeguards are code and council matters but that the comments would be part of the public record and could be raised when proposals are forwarded to city council for final action.

Next steps: staff will post the finalized RFP on the city and state procurement sites, schedule a presubmitt conference about 30 days before Sept. 30, accept sealed submissions through the city’s process, and return a packet of proposals to the DDA for evaluation. Any developer the DDA selects will enter into negotiations on a development agreement, which will require city council approval under the IGA.