TITLE
The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and possibly take action on a request to award a contract to Ernest Swiger Consulting for the completion of a Business Park Feasibility Study in an amount not to exceed $47,750 to be paid from the General Fund, Economic Development, Professional and Occupational (10011616-53320). Discussion and Action.
AGENDA ITEM DESCRIPTION
While the City of Maricopa Economic Development Department strongly believes that the City's level of economic activity and economic development competitiveness are being adversely impacted by a limited inventory of developable sites in a master planned and controlled business park environment, it recognizes that a rigorous assessment of market data, trends, and competing areas is necessary to justify development of this property for this purpose.
To support public and private development in the community, the City of Maricopa is pursuing the development of a City-owned parcel, referred to as the Estrella Gin property, as a Business Park through the utilization of public-private partnerships. The property is anticipated to be developed in a significant manner for private employment space and possibly be utilized for public uses including the relocation of an Amtrak Station, the construction of a Fire Station, and the development of a Public Works yard.
The Business Park Feasibility Study of the Estrella Gin property is intended to determine the market opportunity and financial feasibility of the development as a public-private partnership opportunity. In so doing, any financial gap will be identified and methods for reducing that gap will be recommended. This study will then become the basis for the solicitation of a development partner for the development of the bulk of the property, through the RFQ/RFP process.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that Council approve this request.