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~~ Memorandum To: ~ Ch2- Citizens Advisory Committee From: Randy Curtis and John Whittington Subject: TOD site process (amended) Date: March 18, 1999 Background: For the past several months, the county and transit district have discussed the process for issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) site. The site is located on the northerly '/. of Courthouse Squaze Block and has been reserved for private development. As a result of the competitive bidding environment, the land under the site will be developed with an additiona156 parking stalls. This parking will be used to support development opportunities on the TOD site. In January, staff completed work on a draft RFP and recommended conducting a housing market study for the site. Although some interest has been expressed for a mixed housing project, we currently lack support to pursue this option. The Board of Commissioners indicated they wanted ~ more time to evaluate development options. Development of the TOD site presents a unique opportunity to revisit one of the original objectives used to promote Courthouse Square, a public/private partnership. However, several development options are still under discussion. In addition to housing, other options include retail, office, lodging and future expansion space for county offices. The lack of consensus by the owners, has made it difficult to formulate the language and scope of the RFP. Whatever the options, elected officials representing the county and transit district have not developed a cleaz vision for site development. There has also not been a concerted effort to both inform and engage the community in the development options. In our last report to CAC, we stated that both Boards need an opportunity to increase their comfort level with the project and shaze interests that may influence development options. At this time, the RFP has been put on hold until construction of Courthouse Square is well underway. Staff has been directed to recommend a process to address the issues and opportunities for development of the site. The process recommended below, is intended to allow officials time to reassess information, share ideas and consider community interests before any further studies or RFP's are issued. ~