The town of Westport has put out 2 Requests for Proposals. Both focus on downtown.
A July 29 RFP is titled “Public Engagement/Phase 2: Westport Downtown Plan.”
The Project Objective reads:
After completing a 2015 master plan for downtown Westport, the town of Westport created the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee to oversee its realization. The committee’s strategy and current progress can be seen at downtownwestportct.com.
Over the past several years, executional work has begun, and the first phase is in the construction funding approval stage. Recently, funding was approved to start the second planning and design work phase.
A critical component of this work is public engagement, which will inform both the initial design work and the vet designs before taking them before approval bodies. For objectivity, the Committee desires to hire an outside research partner to perform this work, which will be both qualitative and quantitative.
The deadline for bids was Wednesday.
Lots to do downtown. But where to park …?
Meanwhile, officials posted an RFP yesterday for a “2015 Parking Study Update and 2024 Feasibility Analysis for Structured Parking in Downtown.”
The overview says:
The town of Westport seeks a qualified professional to investigate the feasibility of creating a multi-level parking structure in one of 3 alternative locations in the downtown area, replacing existing surface parking and adding additional spaces to accommodate new and evolving re-development.
The study will include conceptual drawings, schematic plans, and illustrative renderings of possible solutions.
Where are those 3 areas?
One is the Baldwin parking lot off Elm Street, between Main Street and Church Lane.
The RFP notes: “The 2015 plan suggests that the town utilize a portion of the privately owned Avery Street [behind Cold Fusion] lot as part of the potential area available for a parking deck. The analysis should include the feasibility both with or without this private property being available.”
Baldwin lot plan.
The second proposed site is on Jesup Road, from the Gillespie Center to the area opposite the police station.
The RFP says: “The 2015 plan suggests that in addition to the town-owned lot … a portion of the private lots behind #100 and #126 Post Road East [behind Bank of America and environs], and #10 Bay St. be considered for a parking deck as well. The analysis should include the feasibility both with or without this private property being available.”
Jesup Road plan.
The third location to be considered is the lower lot behind the police station. It is accessible now from the area just before the upper Library lot, and at the foot of Jesup Road near Imperial Avenue.
An RFP note adds: “There is currently a needs analysis and feasibility study underway for creation of a combined Public Safety Center elsewhere in yown, implying that the police station may or may not be located at 20 Jesup Road in the future. The analysis should include the feasibility both with or without the Police Department being in this location.”
Police station plan.
Proposals are due September 5. Click here for the link to download the full RFP document; complete the form, then click “Submit.”
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