New York, NY – April 7, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) today announced two separate Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) for firms to provide construction management services and design services for the $150 million Willets Point Offsite Infrastructure Project, which will connect the 62-acre development site to existing transportation, water and sewage facilities. The improvements to infrastructure will help link Willets Point to thriving communities in neighboring Flushing and Corona.
“The release of these RFQs for design and construction management services for Willets Point is another significant milestone for a project that is going to transform the area into a vibrant new community with thousands of new affordable housing units and a vast amount of parks, retail, and public space with connections to the rest of Queens,” said NYCEDC President Seth W. Pinsky. “Given the state of the economy, the $150 million in the budget for offsite infrastructure will help set the table for development of the overall project and the creation of 5,300 permanent and 18,000 construction jobs, at a time that will coincide with economic recovery.”
“The release today of these RFQs is another step forward in the journey to develop Willets Point,” said Queens Borough President Helen Marshall. “Offsite infrastructure will be integral as this project moves forward and incorporates itself in theoretical and practical ways with surrounding communities. I look forward to continuing to work with the Bloomberg Administration in our combined goal to provide new housing, retail and public space in Willets Point.”
Primary project components include:
- Installation of storm and waste water systems, which could include a new sanitary pump station, force main and water reclamation facility, as well as design for upgrades to sewer and outfall on 126th street;
- Design for new connection ramps between the Van Wyck Expressway and Willets Point to facilitate traffic flow and minimize traffic on local roadways, as well as the potential design of new entrance and exit ramps;
- Design for additional bicycle and pedestrian paths that will connect the district with surrounding neighborhoods and attractions, with related improvements to the Roosevelt Avenue Bridge and other area connections.
The selected Construction Manager and Design teams will be expected to work with the developer, once one has been selected, and will provide the prescribed services during the preconstruction phase, the construction phase, and post construction phase of the project.
The Willets Point Development Plan will transform the 62-acre site known as the Iron Triangle into the City’s first ‘green’ neighborhood with 5,000 new housing units, parks, office space, retail, and a convention center and hotel, while creating 5,300 permanent jobs and 18,000 construction jobs. The City has acquired 61% of the land in the area through negotiated agreements with landowners and discussions with other landowners are ongoing. The City has also funded a free training program through LaGuardia College for Willets Point workers that is now underway and relocation assistance is available to the area’s small businesses.
NYCEDC will use a variety of criteria to evaluate the responses to the RFQ to determine which firms or individuals are qualified to perform the required services and are eligible to receive a Request for Proposals in the coming months. NYCEDC’s determination will be based upon a variety of factors demonstrated in their response to the RFQ, including: demonstrated experience and expertise in similar projects and services; personnel composition, resources and experience, familiarity with public approvals, permitting and experience working with multiple City agencies; and other factors outlined in the RFQ.
To obtain a copy of the complete RFQ, visit http://www.nycedc.com/rfp. Responses to the RFQ are due by 4 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2009.
About NYCEDC
New York City Economic Development Corporation is the City’s primary vehicle for promoting economic growth in each of the five boroughs. NYCEDC’s mission is to stimulate growth through expansion and redevelopment programs that encourage investment, generate prosperity and strengthen the City’s competitive position. NYCEDC serves as an advocate to the business community by building relationships with companies that allow them to take advantage of New York City’s many opportunities.
