SUBJECT: Staff Report
Title
ULI TAP and RFP Next Steps Four Corners Area
Body
DEPARTMENT: Economic Development
PRESENTER: Ben Pratt, Economic Development Director
SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND OF SUBJECT MATTER:
We had a great experience with the Urban Land Institute’s Technical Advisory Panel! Thanks to DRCOG for the grant, we believe there is tremendous value in the insights provided by the Panel. The video of their presentation and presentation materials at this link <https://www.erieco.gov/1592/Technical-Advisory-Panel>. We encourage everyone to watch the presentation and the follow up questions from the audience when they have a moment.
In anticipation of action items from the ULI TAP, and intending to build on the results of the TAP, Ben Pratt presented to the Board of Trustees on May 30, 2019, with a request for direction from the Board to issue an RFP for consulting assistance on a Four Corners master plan development and Unified Development Code review. We have received two submissions. Staff has reviewed both proposals and contacted other communities where the firms have worked to confirm the consulting firm’s capability to deliver the scope of work and value of their products. These reviews indicate both firms are well qualified and have done good work in other Colorado communities.
Based on the submissions and evaluations, staff requests Board approval to negotiate and execute a contract with the top ranked firm, and if not successful in achieving a good cost/benefit, negotiate with the second ranked firm to execute a contract not to exceed $380,000, including all expenses. This funding is not currently included in the 2019 budget, so the Board would need to approve a budget amendment at a later date to appropriate the funding.
This contract would enable the Town implement the Urban Land Institute TAP’s recommendations summarized below.
1. Allow development proposals to move forward efficiently and coordinate with Lumry, Regency, and Ranchwood on public improvements and development cohesion
2. Conduct market analysis for uses
3. Set vision for town (provide information to facilitate subsequent update of the Town’s Comprehensive Plan)
4. Update development review process (update UDC)
5. Establish economic development policies (incentives)
6. Civic Investments: connectivity around town center, prioritizing bike and pedestrian improvements
Among the specific deliverables the Town expects the consultants to provide are:
1. Development Diagnostics and a detailed Marked Study
2. Conduct an intensive design Charrette with significant public engagement
3. Complete Four Corners Concept options and recommended Four Corners Overlay District Master Plan
4. Illustrative Detail Plans
5. Perspective drawings and 3D renderings
6. Four Corners Parking Plan
7. Schematic Prototype Building Floor Plans and Elevations
8. Regulatory Documents for
a. Land use, building use, density
b. Thoroughfare Standards
c. Design regulations on use, setbacks, heights, ancillary elements, parking, retail frontage, building entrances and encroachments, signage, storefront specifications.
d. Architectural Standards
9. Phasing/Implementation Documents
This information will help the Town create, given current and likely market conditions in Erie, a unique sense of place and an economically thriving center around Erie’s Four Corners (the intersection of Erie Parkway and County Line Road). It will also help ensure the individual developments in this area are complementary and all contribute to creating an attractive community center with the right mix of retail, office, residential, park and open space uses that will thrive in Erie’s market. Finally, we want to achieve the goal of an attractive community center while also strengthening Erie’s existing historic Downtown. In summary, this information and assistance will enable the Town to build on the ULI TAP’s work to help develop the framework for a clear and realistic vision for the center of Erie, and provide additional information that will help the Town update both the Town’s UDC and Comprehensive Plan.