Consulting Services: Neighborhood Vision Plan & Zoning Ordinance Revisions

Category:

RFQ

Location: South Kingstown, RI

Consulting Services: Neighborhood Vision Plan & Zoning Ordinance Revisions

Closing: June 29, 2023

Full RFQ: https://www.bidnetdirect.com/rhode- island/southkingstown

Description
The Town of South Kingstown, RI, requests Statements of Qualifications/Proposals for consulting services for a Neighborhood Vision Plan & Zoning Ordinance Revisions for the area of Old Tower Hill Road and Main Street (Eastern Portion).

Increased development pressure for new housing and business opportunities in the area to the east of Wakefield’s village/downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods has prompted the need for updated zoning to guide future development in a manner that is consistent with the community’s vision. The Town is interested in exploring the possibilities for new housing types that respond to changing demographics (millennials, empty nesters, retirees, etc.), offer more affordable housing options and satisfy demand for walkable central core living at an appropriate scale. The Town has a traditional use-based zoning code (Euclidian) but is interested in exploring form-based/hybrid zoning for the mixed use and commercial areas on Old Tower Hill Road and Main Street coupled with architectural design standards. At the present time, the Town does not have specific architectural design standards and/or a design review process for new development within its traditional highway commercial districts, commercial downtown, and surrounding village/downtown areas. The Town has recently completed a Missing Middle housing analysis (Horsley Witten/Union Studio).

Over the last 30 years, the town has witnessed significant amount of growth and some redevelopment in its commercial corridors, much of which was accomplished through traditional zoning and over the past decade, some of the recent growth has challenged community perceptions. Consequently, the Town is looking for a qualified consulting firm(s) with a unique track record of effective, intensive town/neighborhood involvement to lead the effort to develop and “visually articulate” a detailed plan (bulk/density/uses) for the redevelopment of the Town’s existing Commercial Downtown and Commercial Highway District. The team will be tasked with helping the town do something really difficult – develop consensus on the mix of office; retail and housing; building heights and density; automobile, bicycle, pedestrian and mass transit strategies; open space; and other issues for the vibrancy of a portion of Main Street (east side) and the Old Tower Hill Road Area that encourages arts & culture and small, local businesses that would complement the Town’s historic downtown. Redevelopment plans must include the use of sound planning principles to generate balanced redevelopment that catalyzes revitalization and economic growth while preserving population diversity, equity and neighborhood affordability. The selected consultant must employ professional research and analysis methods to comprehensively study conditions, trends and markets within the redevelopment areas and provide effective redevelopment solutions and strategies. The selected consulting team must use highly engaging stakeholder outreach and input strategies during the planning process to maximize inclusion of the community’s goals, objectives and insight into the final product. The study shall develop the framework necessary to revise the Town’s existing zoning ordinance for the Main Street and Old Tower Hill Road areas utilizing modern zoning techniques such as design guidelines, form-based or hybrid form-based codes alongside updated use classifications. These new elements shall form the basis for proposed revisions to the Town’s Zoning Ordinance.

In addition, the study shall also include a financial analysis of the potential for additional gross leasable area as it relates to market conditions within Rhode Island, and South County. The study shall include the Town’s Commercial Downtown (CD) Zoning District in Wakefield and areas to the east that transition into the town’s more traditional residential neighborhoods. The study area shall also include the commercial corridors and areas immediately north and south of the intersection of Kingstown Road (RI. Rte. 138), Main Street and Old Tower Hill Road (a/k/a Dale Carlia Corner). Minor adjustments may be made to the study area based on guidance from the consultant and input from the Town’ Planning Board during goal setting for the project. This effort will serve as a demonstration project that may prompt similar visioning and zoning code updates in the future for other areas of the Town. It is envisioned that throughout the planning process the consultant team will engage with the public in an interactive design process including activities, workshops, and community gatherings to learn more about the study area, public preferences and educate citizens about zoning techniques and form-based codes. Based on known redevelopment opportunities and its desirable location and real estate market, the commercial areas are expected to see continued redevelopment. It is hoped that well- designed revisions to the Town’s Zoning Ordinance will foster predictable improvements that are compatible with existing context and aligned with community expectations.

The Town’s Comprehensive Community Plan shall serve as a starting point, but incorporation of additional “best practice” form-based elements are expected. The consultant will work with the Planning Director, Planning Board, and the Town Council to review the existing code(s) and the built environment, facilitate public engagement, and draft the proposed updates to the Zoning Ordinance for consideration by the Planning Board and Town Council. We have included a draft/example of a potential/possible scope of services as a basis of the study.

Consultant Requirements

Lead a comprehensive corridor planning process with the Town of South Kingstown to proactively plan for the eastern portion of Main Street and Old Tower Hill Road’s future;
Analyze and evaluate the potential development of its Commercial Downtown and Commercial Highway (CH) Zoning District in Wakefield;
Articulate a vision for the future redevelopment of the area and;
Design the framework for potential revisions to the Town’s existing zoning code utilizing traditional Zoning with design elements, Form Based Code or Hybrid Form- Based Code Zoning.

How to Apply
Firms interested in submitting their qualifications must register on-line to download and print the requirements. For further details please visit: https://www.bidnetdirect.com/rhode- island/southkingstown.

This is a request for qualification, not a request for bid. Responses will be evaluated on the basis of their qualifications; there will be no public opening or reading of the qualification statements received pursuant to this request. Interested parties must provide a qualification package on or before June 29, 2023 by 4:00 pm.

For questions related to this request, please contact Julie A. Mason, Procurement Administrator by email: jmason@southkingstownri.com