BALTIMORE, MD.  —  Mayor Catherine Pugh announced today the release of multiple Requests for Proposals (RFPs) seeking housing and mixed-use development plans for four sites in Baltimore neighborhoods. The development opportunities build off of the growing strengths and existing assets in the Coldstream Homestead Montebello, Park Heights and Historic Upton neighborhoods.

“Creating a new era of neighborhood investment is among my highest priorities as Mayor, said Mayor Catherine E. Pugh.  “For too long, too many areas of our City have experienced neglect which has created unacceptable levels of disparity. By contributing land and buildings, along with innovative capital support, we are committed to attracting the level of investment that will bring about much-needed revitalization, as well as new opportunities for economic empowerment that these communities hope for, need and deserve.”

Local and state investment and development teams are invited to submit proposals for the sites that contribute to the economic growth and overall vibrancy of the identified neighborhoods. Respondents are encouraged to submit proposals that complement and enhance the City of Baltimore in these communities, with a mix of affordability, commercial opportunity, and recreation.

The sites in the 2018 RFPs include the following neighborhoods:

Park Heights

• 17+ acres of land, divided into three (3) development parcels

Coldstream Homestead Montebello

• 4+ acres of land, phase 1 of the Tivoly Triangle Redevelopment Site

Historic Upton

• 28 city-owned townhomes in the 800 block of Harlem Avenue
• 10 city-owned townhomes in the 800 block of Edmondson Avenue

“The city’s overall bottom line is advanced when we create new housing opportunities and vibrancy in our neighborhoods,” Pugh continued.  “I applaud the city’s Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), the State of Maryland’s CORE program and of course our strong community partners in each of these neighborhoods. This has been and will continue to be a truly collaborative effort.”

DHCD’s Development Division will evaluate proposals with consideration for many factors, including development diversity, population density, existing financing and development resources, as well as how well the proposal accomplishes the specific goals and objectives of the respective neighborhoods and their stakeholders.

The selection process will include the introduction of qualified applicants to the communities, along with public review of qualified proposals. Responses to the RFPs must comply with comprehensive neighborhood plans and help create job opportunities and economic growth; which include the utilization of the EMPLOY Baltimore program, as well as contracting goals for minority and women-owned businesses.

“These RFPs provide an opportunity to activate critical locations in promising neighborhoods,” said DHCD Commissioner Michael Braverman. “We’re looking forward to promoting real and inclusive change in areas that have long awaited focused investment.”

Responses to the RFPs are due on September 25, 2018.  A pre-proposal conference will take place at DHCD on Wednesday, July 25, 2018, at 2:00 pm, 417 E. Fayette Street, 3rd floor; providing details on each site, proposal submission criteria and timelines.  DHCD anticipates selection and award recommendations will occur early next year.

For more information, or to download the Requests for Proposals, please visit http://dhcd.baltimorehousing.org/developers.aspx