Title
Update on Request for Proposals for Redevelopment of Parcels Near Central and Columbus Avenues
Description
This report provides the Economic Development and Equity Subcommittee (EDE) an update on the community outreach conducted in addition to a project timeline and scope towards issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the redevelopment of City-owned property located east of Central Avenue between Columbus and Weldon avenues.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION.
Report
Summary
The City owns approximately 3.2 acres located east of Central Avenue between Columbus and Weldon avenues (Site). The Site was acquired by the City in 2004 and is currently vacant.
The Housing Phoenix Plan includes a vision to create a stronger and more vibrant Phoenix through increased housing options for residents at all income levels and family sizes. As part of the third initiative of the Plan, Redevelop City-Owned Land with Mixed-Income Housing, City Council approved a list of City-owned parcels ideal for affordable or mixed-income housing development in 2020, with an updated list approved in 2022. The subject Site is included on this list.
On April 26, 2023, the EDE approved staff to issue an RFP for the redevelopment of the Site. Staff was to return to a future EDE meeting with information on the community outreach conducted and specific details for the RFP scope.
Community Outreach
Housing and Community and Economic Development staff engaged with community stakeholders this spring. Stakeholders included the Midtown Neighborhood Association, the Encanto Village Planning Committee, and neighboring property owners.
Input received included ensuring the mixed-use component of a potential project is comprised of amenities that support the development’s residents, is available to the community/public, and consists of appropriately scaled non-residential uses.
RFP Scope
Staff intends to issue an RFP seeking proposals for a mixed-use and mixed-income housing project with a focus on affordable housing. The following goals are proposed for the RFP:
- Minimum of 50 percent of the total units are affordable, that is rent is at or below 80 percent Area Median Income (AMI), as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) annually.
- Utilize 75 project-based vouchers to serve as Choice Neighborhoods off-site replacement units.
- The remainder of the units can be a combination of workforce and market rate units, as best determined by a proposer. There shall be no difference in, demarcation between, or segregation of the proposed unit type classifications.
- Integration of ground floor commercial and/or amenity space that serves the community and is consistent with the Midtown TOD Policy Plan.
- The City will enter into a ground lease and/or a co-development agreement with the selected proposer, and affordability requirements will be secured through a Declaration of Affirmative Land Use Restrictive Covenant.
The RFP will include standard terms, conditions and other necessary requirements, and will be evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria (1,000 possible points):
1. Concept to Redevelop the Site (0-375 points)
2. Return to the City (0-325 points)
3. Proposer's Qualifications and Experience (0-300 points)
Staff anticipates the RFP will be issued in fall of 2023 and be open for at least 60 days. Responsive proposals will be evaluated by a panel that includes City staff and community representatives.
Financial Impact
There is no impact to the General Fund.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
On April 26, 2023, the EDE approved the request to issue a RFP for the Site.
Public Outreach
Staff conducted outreach to the neighborhood and adjacent residents in the spring and provided the timeline for issuing the RFP. Presentations were given to the Midtown Neighborhood Association on May 18, 2023, and the Encanto Village Planning Committee on June 5, 2023.
Location
25, 29, 33, 37, 45, 49, 51 and 55 E. Weldon Ave. and 26, 28, 32, 42, 46, 50, 52, 54 and 64 E. Columbus Ave.
Council District: 4
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Gina Montes and Interim Deputy City Manager John Chan, and the Housing and Community and Economic Development departments.