Redevelopment of Clarke Property (Block 254, Lots 1-10) Redevelopment Area

The City of Linden, New Jersey, issued a Request for Qualifications and Proposals (RFQ/RFP) for the acquisition and comprehensive redevelopment of the 4.67-acre Clarke Property Redevelopment Area, encompassing Block 254, Lots 1-10, located at 7-27 North Wood Avenue and 11-15 to 101 West Elizabeth Avenue. This significant urban renewal initiative seeks to transform an underutilized site, currently consisting of a shopping center and parking lots, into a vibrant mixed-use development. The project's core objective is to revitalize the area by integrating multifamily residential rental or condominium units with ground-floor retail and management office spaces, aligning with the adopted Redevelopment Plan goals to eliminate blight and create an attractive, visually appealing environment within the Linden Station Area. Proposals are encouraged to maximize the site's potential, even if they suggest alternatives to the existing Redevelopment Plan, and must address potential impacts on municipal infrastructure. Prospective developers are required to demonstrate robust financial capacity, providing a detailed summary of anticipated investment capital (both debt and equity), at least three financial references, and audited financial statements for the past three years. Essential qualifications also include evidence of the ability to secure builder’s risk insurance and performance bonding capacity. Technical qualifications mandate a strong portfolio of prior, similar projects, particularly those with a significant retail component, detailing their scope, cost, timelines, and post-construction success, alongside any current or pending projects. Respondents must also furnish three public entity references for comparable development work. A telephonic Pre-Submission Conference was held on April 10, 2020, at 11:00 a.m., which, while not mandatory, was strongly suggested for all interested parties to discuss the Redevelopment Area and the RFQ/RFP details. All responses were to be submitted electronically via email to William W. Northgrave, Esq. at wnorthgrave@msbnj.com, UNLOCK with a copy to James E. Polles, Esq. at jpolles@msbnj.com, UNLOCK by the firm deadline of April 30, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. prevailing time. While initial submissions were electronic, respondents were advised to be prepared to provide one original and ten hard copies at a future date, as specified by the City. The submission package must be comprehensive, including an Executive Summary outlining the proposed purchase price, a Letter of Intent, Acknowledgment of Addenda, a complete RFQ Checklist, Non-Collusion Affidavit, and an Affirmative Action Statement, in addition to detailed General, Financial, Technical, Proposed Redevelopment Plan, and Administrative Information. Alex Lospinoso, Chief of Staff to the Mayor, served as the Designated Contact Person for all written questions and clarification requests, due by April 14, 2020.