Request for Hamlet Planner Proposal

Town of Hillsdale

Request for Proposal





Design and Development Plan for the
Hamlet of Hillsdale
[March 26, 2008]

Table of Contents

1. PURPOSE 3
2. BACKGROUND 3
3. PLAN DELIVERABLES 4
4. AREAS TO BE STUDIED 5
5. PROPOSALS 9
6. GENERAL INFORMATION 11
1. Purpose
The Town of Hillsdale seeks proposals from a qualified Planning Consultant (“the Consultant”) to develop a Design and Development Plan (“the Plan”) for the Hamlet of Hillsdale.
The purpose of the Plan is to: a) develop a framework for the Hamlet’s future growth and development, consistent with the needs and desires of the people and with best environmental practices; b) help residents, businesses and town officials to anticipate and meet the challenges of developmental pressures; c) maintain the Hamlet’s unique character and safeguard its environmental, architectural and historic resources.
The overall goal of the Plan is to develop a town center that attracts new business and residential opportunities; is inviting, viable and pedestrian friendly; and exhibits a cohesive look and feel.

2. Background
The Hamlet of Hillsdale (“the Hamlet”) is located within the boundaries of the Town of Hillsdale (“the Town”) in eastern Columbia County. The City of Hudson is approximately 15 miles to the west, and Albany, the state Capital, is 30 miles to the northwest.
The Hamlet is the Town’s business and civic center as well as a residential enclave.
Until recently, the lack of a sewer system in the Hamlet has prevented significant business and residential development; its anticipated completion in 2008 will present both challenges and opportunities that the Design Pan must address.
For more detailed information about the Town, please consult the ”Town of Hillsdale Comprehensive Plan” and/or direct questions to David Ruede, Chair of the Hamlet Committee, at davidruede@gmail.com or (917) 923-0391.





3. Plan Deliverables
A. General Considerations
The Town’s existing Comprehensive Plan should be used for guidance, but not limit the design itself i.
The Consultant shall, to the maximum extent feasible, utilize existing information, reports, and studies on file with the Town.

B. Deliverables
1. A comprehensive Plan, with appropriate concept plan alternatives.
2. Detailed specifications
3. Renderings
4. Cost estimates for implementation of the Plan
5. Recommended scheduling and sequencing of the various elements
6. Maps, drawings and/or photographs depicting preferred alternatives, adjoining land uses, needed improvements, opportunities and constraints, and sensitive areas
7. Identification of changes to the existing Comprehensive Plan and to the Zoning Code that the Plan may necessitate

4. Areas to be Studied (listed in alphabetical order)
The final Design Plan should incorporate the following:
A. Business and Economic Development
1. The Plan shouldshould help to achieve the following:
a. a. Revitalize the hamlet and help existing local businesses prosper

b.b. Attract new commercial and retail businesses that are in keeping with the Hamlet’s character
c. Attract cultural endeavors by (aArtists, mMusicians, cCraftspeople

B. Community spaces and activities
1. Recommend improvements to the design of the Hamlet Park and other public spaces that will stimulate:
a. Greater recreational and community use
b. Greater participation in various community programs, including the Farmer’s Market, Community Day, Easter Egg Hunt, Holiday Tree lighting, Memorial Day Parade
2. Consider the opportunities resulting from the possible redevelopment of the potential redevelopment of the defunct rail bed and the Hamlet linkage to into the Harlem Valley Rail Trail & Bike Path, identifying ; its users’ needst of this.

C. Environmental Beautification
1. Recommend design strategies that will create a cohesive look and feel to the Hamlet through landscape and garden design, street trees/plantings, tree wells, screening and fencing, with an emphasis on native plant species

2. Make specific recommendations for improvements to the central square (triangle)









D. Existing Buildings
Working with Fisher/Larson Consultants, the Historic Preservation Committee has undertaken an inventory of the Hamlet’s historic and architecturally significant structures. With input from the Committee and/or Fisher/Larson, the Consultant should:
1. Recommend alternative sites and/or buildings to house a new Town Hall.
2. Explore and recommend possible alternative uses for the existing Library building if the Town were to acquire the building.
3. Recommend strategies for the possible restoration, rehabilitation, enhancement and/or reuse of older existing structures.

E. Grants
Provide direction and assistance with grant applications to help fund implementation of the Plan.


F. Hamlet Boundaries Review
Suggest possible expansions to the Hamlet boundaries that would help achieve the Plan’s objectives.

G. Housing
The Plan should work to ensure that the Hamlet attracts rental and owner-occupied housing for a range of income levels.
The Consultant should also contribute to the ongoing efforts of both the Preservation Committee and the Affordable Housing Committee.









H. Public Participation
To ensure the widest possible participation, the Consultant should explain the methods and procedures for:
1. Public involvement in shaping the content of the Plan
2. Building consensus, including meetings/forums/workshops on specific topics or issues, and consulting with local officials, Town Board, Planning Board, the Comprehensive Plan Review Committee and community organizations, as appropriate

I. Signage
1. Develop design options and locations for directional signage to local businesses, Town Hall and other attractions
2. Suggest improvements/additions to existing Town gateway signage at strategic entry points

J. Streetscape Design
1.The Plan should include recommendations, plans and specifications to:
1. Design should Iimprove pedestrian circulation and safety
2.2. Create a design plan and specification for sidewalks and curbing, including the Eextend, improvesion and/or replace ement of the existing sidewalk and curbing network
3.3. Provide a design plan and specifications for appropriate Create sstreet lighting , consistent with the Plan’s overall look and feel, and that are compliant with Dark-Sky guidelines
4.4. Specify outdoor furniture options, including, for example, benches, bike racks, and trash receptacles
5.5. Suggest possible Capital Improvement Projects that will help create a distinct Hamlet center and identify the Hamlet as a desirable venue for residents and visitors (for example, a , like a clock, fountain, public art)
6.6. Assess existing pedestrian footpaths and recommend logical ways to connect them
7.7. Suggest possible venues for the installation of public art



K. Transportation.
1. Conduct a traffic flow / circulation analysis
2. Recommend roadway improvements consistent with the framework for future growth and development, including crosswalks
3. Suggest ways to calm the flow of traffic along Routes 22 and 23.
4. Recommend locations for, and the design of, Municipal parking facilities. Extensive review and various alternatives are requested.

L. Utilities
Recommend strategies for moving power and telephone lines below ground


5. Proposals
A. Timing
Sealed bid proposals are due by April 17, 2008. Proposals must be valid for at least one hundred twenty days from the date of submission. Send 15 copies of the proposal to:

David Ruede,
Chair, Hillsdale Hamlet Committee
Hillsdale Town Hall
2784 State Route 23
Hillsdale, NY 12529
[Insert address]

B. RFP Format and Content
1. Title Page
Show the name of your firm, address, telephone number, name of contact and date
2. Table of Contents
Clearly identify material by section and page number

C. RFP Deliverables
1. A description of each phase of the Plan process
2. A detailed list of deliverables to be received at each phase
3. A schedule, noting duration for each design phase and time allowance for community review and feedback
4. A breakdown of all Consultant fees (services, expenses, and materials)
5. The names and complete curriculum vitae of all professional members of the Consultant’s and sub-consultants’ (if any) team. Identify the person(s) who will be the team leader(s) with ultimate responsibility for the work
6. The details of experience and past performance of the Consultant and members of the team on comparable work.


7. The names, titles and telephone numbers of three references that can substantiate the Consultant’s summary of qualifications and experience relevant to this project. Identity the role played in the projects by the persons listed, and their connection to the professional work of the Consultant
8. A list of comparable projects completed since 2000 with names and telephone numbers of contact persons in those communities
9. The date by which the final Plan will be submitted, which will be no later than nine (9) months following the selection of a Consultant


6. General Information
A. Costs
The Consultant shall:
1. Submit a summary of costs required to provide Plan services. This will be a “firm fixed price” contract to cover the performance of all eligible services, expenses, and materials. The amount and timing of payments will be determined during contract negotiations
2. Manage contract-related bookkeeping and records in accordance with local, state, federal and contract requirements

B. Contact
Questions regarding this RFP should be directed to:
David Ruede, Chair of the Hamlet Committee
davidruede@gmail.com
(917) 923-0391

C. Access to Reports
1. The Consultant shall, to the maximum extent feasible, utilize existing information, reports and studies on file with the Town so as not to duplicate work already done
2. The Town will make available all relevant public information on file at the Hillsdale Town Hall, 2784 State Route 23 (Main Street), Hillsdale, NY 12529



Thank you for reviewing our RFP. We look forward to considering your proposals.

David Ruede, Chair
Hillsdale Hamlet Committee