Over a week ago I suggested that the town issue another RFP for Frank's nursery. Both House of Sports and Game On, the two companies interested in building a sports facility at Frank's, have threatened litigation if we sell to the other. We don't want the property tied up in litigation for years. We want the property to be cleaned up--at the new owners expense. The town is responsible for paying the taxes to the school district so the delays have financial ramifications to the town. Although I would personally like to see Frank's redeveloped for recreation uses I'd like to solicit your thoughts.
My suggestion: The RFP should be prepared this summer. A new sign should be placed outside of Frank's inviting potential property owners to inquire about the RFP process and to look at the property. The town should invite all potential applicants to meet with our environmental consultants - the consultant who investigated the contamination problems at Frank's. The goal: to generate maximum interest, maximum revenue from the property.
The town will be releasing the proposed comprehensive plan in the fall of 2013. This plan, which has been worked on by planners and civic leaders for five years, will outline some recommendations for properties throughout the town. Some Town Board members believe that the RFP should limit proposals to uses included in the comprehensive plan. And, that we should wait until the plan is presented to the public before issuing an RFP. A realistic time table for the town to sell the property: winter, 2014.
Finally - I have been receiving calls from developers (in addition to Game On and House of Sports--both are interested in the property) who want to be added to the bid list. If you know of businesses that should be invited to submit proposals for the property, please let us know.
All the responses will be shared with the Town Board. You should e mail townboard@greenburghny.com. The thoughts represented in the above paragraphs are my own. The Town Board will be discussing the RFP proposal at our work session on Tuesday and may or may not have different thoughts on how to sell the property.
PAUL FEINER
greenburgh Town Supervisor
PLEASE COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONNAIRE AND RETURN TO TOWNBOARD@GREENBURGHNY.COM
( ) yes ( )NO The town should let anyone bid on the property (commercial, residential, retail, big box stores, car dealerships, sports facilities). Get the most money.
( )YES ( )NO The town should limit the RFP to those who will develop the property for specific limited uses that may not generate as much money but could generate less traffic. The uses I support are:
( )Residential ( )Sports and recreation facility ( )Big Box store ( )apartments? How many stories?___( )Car dealership. ( )Supermarket ( ) Condominums ( )Nursery ( )Movie Theater ( )Other...
Should there be a minimum bid on the property? The land is currently appraised at $1.6 million but would be worth more if it is rezoned for other uses.
If the town sells the property for a recreation use (and if we amend the zoning to allow recreation on the Dobbs Ferry Road corridor - should in kind donations to the community be a factor in the decision as to who the town will sell the property to? Examples: The Sports facility may offer the town free access to the facility for programs being offered to young people or senior citizens. ( )YES ( )NO
Should the new owners be responsible for the cleanup? ( )Yes ( )No
What other conditions and term should be included in the RFP?
How much time should bidders have from the time the RFP is posted to the time bidding takes place? ________number of months.
What steps should the town take to make sure that the RFP is fair?
If a citizens panel is created to help oversee the RFP process, would you be interested in joining? ( )YES ( )No
Are there any businesses that you think we should send the RFP out to? Who? Your help in enlarging the list of potential bidders is appreciated.
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