COUNTY News:
Over the weekend, Los Alamos County’s Economic Development Division published a Request For Proposals (RFP) seeking developers for two land parcels located behind Los Alamos Medical Center, at the end of 35th Street, just south of Trinity Drive. Most residents better know these sites as the location of the former Los Alamos Site Office.
As stated in the RFP, the County “endeavors to develop an entirely new neighborhood that is environmentally and financially sustainable in a safe and beautiful high desert setting.” Parcels A-13-2 and A-12 are approximately 11.8 acres, and the County is seeking a development entity that has the vision, interest and ability to implement and manage an overall development strategy for the A-13-2/A-12 sites.
The County will be considering all development options as long as they:
- Align with Los Alamos County Council Strategic Leadership Plan priorities;
- Conform to the Comprehensive Plan; and
- Adhere to any and all applicable building and development codes adopted by the County.
The County may consider potentially partnering on land, development processes, and/or infrastructure to attract the development and sustainable management of mixed uses, including but not limited to: affordable workforce apartments, high end market rate apartments, market rate townhomes, live/work space, extended stay hotel, residential and community-oriented business space, senior housing and facilities, commercial/retail space, or any combination thereof.
The A-13-2/A-12 sites are zoned F-L (Federal Land), with a mixed-use designation in the Comprehensive Plan adopted in December 2016, which would allow for residential, office, commercial, civic and other uses at a higher density or any combination thereof. The role of the County in the process will be to act as a catalyst for site development by initiating a search to find a private sector or nonprofit developer. The County is seeking to engage a master developer for the development of the A-13-2/A-12 sites that would ensure a timely progression of the project and oversee conformity to the Comprehensive Plan and County Council Strategic Leadership Plan priorities.
According to the RFP, bidders are asked to describe, in detail:
- The overall concept and vision for the Site; and describe how the vision will integrate with and enhance the surrounding community;
- Development and Site plans (Respondents should provide conceptual design drawings that are sufficient in detail to be easily evaluated by the County);
- Evidence of market demand for Respondent’s proposed uses;
- If applicable, the phasing plan that describes Respondent’s strategy and timing for delivering various components of the project; and
- Aspects of the projects that meet the specific goals of the Los Alamos County Council as well as the Comprehensive Plan (2016) while achieving a desired short timeline.
The RFP also asks bidders to identify anticipated funding sources, both public and private, and as appropriate, the targeted use of such funds. Bidders are also required to show their ability to obtain the requisite financing for the project as proposed.
An additional requirement specific to affordable housing – a critical need for Los Alamos – asks respondents to describe if the proposed project addresses affordable workforce housing on the site and, if applicable, the respondent must address whether or not it meets County’s Affordable Housing Ordinance.
The award of this solicitation will result in a purchase, sale and development contract for the two combined parcels. The RFP will close on Friday, May 5. The next step will be for a County team to evaluate and score all responses. The successful bidder would then enter into contract negotiations with the County. Award of the contract would be subject to Council review and approval.
To review the RFP online, visit the Bids and RFPs page on the County’s website here.
