Committee narrows 115 Love and Grow RFP to four finalists; oral presentations set for week of July 20

Town of Bluffton staff told the Affordable Housing Committee that the request for proposals for the 115 Love and Grow affordable housing site closed on June 11 and drew seven submissions.

"The RFP closed on June 11. We have 7 proposals and 7 really, really highly intense, highly knowledgeable people that know what they're doing when it comes to affordable housing," the staff member said.

Staff said two local firms — CCDC and Surge Group (based in Hilton Head) — submitted proposals and several other firms with regional experience also applied. Staff plans to identify a top four, invite those proposers to give oral presentations the week of July 20, and bring materials back to the committee in August. The committee may hold a closed workshop or limited public session for questioning; staff warned that some sessions "might not be televised" and could be run as a closed workshop.

Committee members discussed receiving full proposal packets in advance, the value of asking direct questions during presentations, and a potential site visit to view comparable completed work. One committee member suggested a field trip to projects by a referenced local developer; staff said she would contact the developer and coordinate tours, noting the town lawyer has sent agreements that still require signatures.

What’s next: staff will circulate proposal packets to the committee, schedule oral presentations for the top four during the week of July 20, and expects to present a recommendation to Town Council in September. The committee discussed the logistics of an in-person site visit and agreed to coordinate timing outside the meeting.

Ending: after the RFP discussion the committee moved to other business and adjourned.