Title
Northwest Corner of Central Avenue and Broadway Road - Authorization to Issue Request for Interest - District 7
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to issue a Request for Interest (RFI) for the temporary activation of City-owned property located at the northwest corner of Central Avenue and Broadway Road.
Report
Summary
The City owns two federally funded parcels located at the northwest corner of Central Avenue and Broadway Road (Site) that are currently used for the Ed Pastor Transit Center. This Site is comprised of approximately 4.02 acres and is directly adjacent to the South Central Light Rail alignment. The Site has an historic building that houses the Public Transit Department Transit Center Customer Service staff in addition to Phoenix Police Department Transit Unit staff. The Site also has several bus bays which were developed to serve connecting bus lines in the area, but on-site transit needs have diminished over the years as the transit system has expanded and serves passengers on adjacent, major streets such as Central Avenue and Broadway Road.
With the opening of the South Central Light Rail Line, the site will no longer be necessary solely for transit operations. The Community and Economic Development Department (CEDD) and Public Transit Department (PTD) staff are working together to evaluate future use of the site. The Site has existing encumbrances held by the Federal Government and need to be cleared prior to permanent redevelopment of the Site. Staff is in the process of clearing these encumbrances and expect it will take approximately two more years before the process is complete. In the interim, the property can be used for temporary events and community activation, recognizing that Federal Transit Administration (FTA) requirements are in place relative to the use and maintenance of the site. The plaza and parking area are available for immediate activation, while the building will become available as existing operations transition off-site.
With Council approval, CEDD will issue a Request for Interest seeking information about potential temporary activation for the Site. Responders to the RFI will be asked to provide information about potential temporary uses for the building and/or the surrounding outdoor area. Details including information about potential funding sources and strategies to activate the site would also be included. The RFI should contemplate uses that:
- Activate the site, providing opportunities for the general public to visit and use the property.
- Bring new amenities for the community, such as healthy food options, health care services, or other retail options.
- Support City of Phoenix initiatives and long-term plans.
- Implement the recommendations and community vision outlined in the South Central Transit-Oriented Development Community Plan and other relevant City plans.
Procurement Information
Following acceptance of the RFI submissions, staff will present the information gathered through the process to the Economic Development and Housing Subcommittee for review and recommendation.
Financial Impact
This action will have no financial impact on the General Fund.
Location
Northwest corner of Central Avenue and Broadway Road. Assessor Parcel Numbers: 113-07-123 and 113-07-124.
Council District: 7
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Managers John Chan and Mario Paniagua and the Community and Economic Development and Public Transit departments.