Request For Proposal
Windsor Locks Downtown Master Plan
Purpose:
The Town of Windsor Locks is accepting proposals for the development of a master plan for the Main Street Area (Route 159) that addresses the long term development of a diverse residential and commercial Downtown. The concept plan will address approximately a one and a half mile stretch of Route 159 from the current Amtrak station north to the intersection of Main and Suffield Streets, as well as its adjoining side streets, the rail-line, the Windsor Lock Canal and the Connecticut River. The master plan will develop strategies for strengthening and diversifying the downtown, increasing pedestrian activity, enhancing public spaces, reusing vacant or underutilized structures, and initiating traffic improvements compatible with a pedestrian environment. Community involvement in the development of the final plan will be required. The final plan will include maps and drawings that can be utilized toward the implementation of the plan.
Scope of Work:
a. The study will evaluate current zoning requirements; private sector proposals; and regional planning documents (such as commuter rail) and make recommendations.
b. The study should evaluate the existing roadway and make recommendations as to improvements.
c. The study will look at the present land use patterns along Main Street and make suggestions for improvements.
d. The study will make recommendations for creating an inviting pedestrian and bicycle environment and slowing traffic.
e. The study will make recommendations regarding on-street and off-street parking in the area.
f. The study should address the needs of the Federal Post Office.
g. The study should look at opportunities to create a Town Green, and linking existing municipal uses such as Town Hall, the Library, Middle School and the Senior Center.
h. Market and economic data will be analyzed.
i. Sketches for façade improvements to three buildings.
j. The study should provide recommendations for the future development of Dexter Plaza.
k. The plan should address the Montgomery Building’s future role in the Downtown, as well as the historic train station.
l. Recommendations to ensure Ahlstrom remains a strong anchor in the Downtown should be considered.
m. The plan should evaluate the possibility of a pedestrian and bike connection from Route 159 to the Windsor Locks Canal Trail and over the Connecticut River to East Windsor.
n. The study should explore possible joint ventures with East Windsor to enhance business development on Windsor Locks Main Street and Bridge Street in East Windsor.
o. The plan should link Route 159 to its side streets through complementary streetscape treatments.
p. Recommendations should be geared to improving the quality of life of Downtown residents, as well as drawing visitors from outside the immediate area.
q. Drawings should provide a specific blue print of changes to be made, as well as provide a realistic vision of what future changes will look like from the street level.
r. The study will be limited to that area of Town as defined on the attached map. However, it is expected that the study will also include any influences of adjacent areas, land features, transportation systems and any other issues that have effect on any future development potential of the Main Street Area.
s. Improvement project cost estimates are to be provided along with recommendations.
t. Improvement project recommendations should be prioritized.
Description of the Work Plan:
The selected consultant will work with Town staff and Commissions, as well as private stakeholders, in the development of the concept plan. The consultant will be expected to tour the entire study area at various times of day in order to fully understand the dynamics in the Downtown. An initial site visit will be required, which will include interviews with local groups, interested individuals and representatives of public agencies. A public presentation will provide interested residents an opportunity to comment on the consultant’s preliminary drawings and recommendations. Following this public presentation, the consultant will then prepare a final master plan in bound form with text, photos and drawings. Full-size versions of the drawings will be provided the Town for future planning use, as well as electronic copies of all work product. The consultant also will be expected to present their final plan to the Town Planning & Zoning Commission for possible inclusion in the Town’s Plan of Conservation and Development. The points of contact for the Town are Patrick McMahon, Economic Development Consultant, at 860-654-8923 or and Mike O’Leary, Planning Consultant, at 860-745-3282.
Requirements for submittals and time completion of the Concept Plan:
The final master plan will be due 180 calendar days following the site visit.
Qualifications and Staff Assignments:
Include in the proposal the qualifications of your firm and each of the members who will be directly involved with the work. Please identify your team and the structure of who will be involved with the process of developing the plan. Please provide a client list and examples of similar work.
Fee Schedules and Costs:
The proposal should include a fee schedule inclusive of the site visit, public meetings, preliminary draft and completed master plan.
Selection Criteria:
The proposal selection will be based on the following:
· Experience and knowledge of urban planning and Downtown revitalization
· The firm’s approach to addressing the study
· Cost
· Availability and qualifications of staff directly working on the project
· Proven ability to develop practical, action oriented plans
Available Materials:
The selected consultant will be provided digital photos of the project area, GIS mapping, copies of site plans for major parcels, summary of public feedback, DOT traffic counts, copies of the Plan of Conservation and Development, list of businesses and space utilization, building sizes, and economic data at 1, 5 & 15 mile radii.
The Town reserves the right to reject any or all proposals submitted.
Town of Windsor Locks
Main Street Area Master Plan
RFP Submission Form
Proposal Due Date October 11, 2007
Firm:
Address:
Contact:
Telephone:
Email:
Attachments:
1. The firm’s approach to the study and plan; scope of services to be provided
2. Structure of team, tasks to be completed by each member
3. Resume of all study team members
4. Three references
5. Examples of previous work
6. Cost Proposal and fee schedule
Proposal Submission:
Proposals are due by 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 11, 2007. Any questions relating to the RFP process or the RFP should be directed to Patrick McMahon at (860) 654-8923 or .
All proposals must be submitted prior to the due date and time to:
First Selectman
Town of Windsor Locks
50 Church Street
Windsor Locks, CT 06096
The Town reserves the right to reject any or all proposals submitted.