Redevelopment of 424 Van Duzee Street Watertown, New York. Submission Due Date: August 28, 2018 City of Watertown. Request for Proposals

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1 Request for Proposals Redevelopment of 424 Van Duzee Street Watertown, New York Submission Due Date: August 28, 2018 City of Watertown Request for Proposals

2 INTRODUCTION The City of Watertown is the owner of a 9.5 acre parcel of vacant land known as 424 Van Duzee Street, Parcel Number The parcel is located on the City s northwest side. The Black River is situated to the south of the property and Main Street West is located to the north. The parcel is bounded by Van Duzee Street on the west and the CSX railroad line to the east. See Attachment A for a copy of a map showing the parcel and the surrounding area. The City is seeking proposals from persons who will acquire and redevelop the property and put it back into productive use. INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPERTY As depicted in Attachments A and B, a number of structures were historically located on the property. It is believed that the site was first developed in the mid to late 1800 s by the Watertown Steam Engine Company. The company built several large factory and office buildings on the site. Other former owners of the property include the American Krupp Diesel Eng Co, Colonial Motor Coach Corp and Central Greyhound Lines, Inc. The New York State Department of Transportation (NYS DOT) purchased the eastern portion of the property in 1930 from Alfred M. and Amelia B. Burdick and the western portion of the site in 1947 from Central Greyhound Lines, Inc. NYSDOT used the buildings and site as a maintenance facility. NYS DOT sold the property in 1986 to a private owner, 48 Howard St. Inc., who, along with subsequent owners, used the property for various uses. The City of Watertown took title to the property on September 25, 2015 for failure to pay back taxes. The remaining buildings on the property were subsequently destroyed in a fire in November of ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS After the November 2015 fire, the City contracted with GYMO, D.P.C. to complete a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment. The assessment included a property and adjacent property reconnaissance, interviews with key personnel, a review of historical sources, and a review of regulatory agency records. A copy of the Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment is available in electronic format or can be reviewed at the City s Planning and Community Development Department during normal business hours. ZONING AND LAND USE The subject property is currently zoned Light Industrial. This designation allows a wide range of uses as detailed here: However, while zoning allows for a wide range of uses, the City is seeking proposals that propose uses that are less 2

3 intense and will be compatible with one of the City s prime riverfront parcels. The City has been working for several decades to revitalize the riverfront area throughout the City and therefore prioritizes water-enhanced uses in areas directly adjacent to or near the riverfront. The Black River waterfront area is a diverse and dynamic interface between the natural and built environments and priority will be given to proposed development that: Protects and showcases the natural, scenic and historic opportunities of the waterfront. Promotes recreational opportunities near the riverfront through green spaces, parks and trails. Connects to existing recreational areas along the riverfront. Provide opportunities, where feasible, for visual or physical access to the water. To advance the vision for the riverfront area, the City reserves the right to retain a portion of the subject property parallel to the Black River for future park, trail and recreational development if the developer s plan does not include these elements. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS Proposals for the redevelopment of the site must include the following information: 1. Name(s) of individual(s) and/or business entity. 2. Address. 3. Phone Number Purchase Price. 6. Detailed description of proposed use(s) for the site. 7. Description of proposed site design and layout of the site. 8. Project timeline. 9. Anticipated cost of project. Site plans and architectural drawings are not required elements of the proposal but can be submitted if they help to better illustrate the intended use and/or the design and layout proposed for the site. SUBMISSION DEADLINE Proposals must be received no later than 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 28, Proposals must be sent to: Robert J. Cleaver, Purchasing Manager 245 Washington Street, Suite 205 Watertown, NY rcleaver@watertown-ny.gov 3

4 REVIEW CRITERIA Proposals will be evaluated on the following criteria: 1. Planned use(s) of the property and whether that use is compatible with the City s vision for the Black River waterfront area. 2. Timeline for completion and whether or not the project will be phased. 3. Proposed purchase price. REVIEW PROCESS After submission, the proposals will be reviewed by a committee of City Staff. The review committee will forward the proposals and a summary of its review to the City Council. The City Council will then select a preferred developer. TRANSFER PROCESS After selection of a preferred developer, the City will enter into a formal purchase contract with the developer and will commit to transfer the property by quit claim deed. The City will schedule a closing within 60 days. The City shall retain the right to retain a strip of land on the subject property parallel to the Black River for future park, trail and recreational development. The City shall retain the right to reacquire the property if construction does not start within one year from the date of the closing. The reacquisition will be for the purchase price less any taxes, interest, and penalties payable at the time of reacquiring title. No credit will be given for taxes previously paid. A building permit for the approved proposal from the City s Code Enforcement Bureau and workers on site will be acceptable evidence that construction has begun. The above restrictions and conditions that will be in place after the sale of the property will be written into the deed. For Questions, please contact: Michael Lumbis, City of Watertown Planning and Community Development Director: mlumbis@watertown-ny.gov, (315)

5 City of Watertown GIS Division (315) F 1 inch = 200 feet

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7 City of Watertown GIS Division (315) F 1 inch = 200 feet