RDA releases draft RFP for Jefferson Street parcels, opens door to LIHTC or market-rate proposals

Oshkosh Redevelopment Authority staff introduced a draft request for proposals on May 17 seeking developers for RDA-owned parcels between North Main Street and Jefferson that could be used for mixed-use, multifamily housing.

Kelly, the staff presenter, said the RDA has been land-banking properties in that block for years and has received “quite a bit of interest” from developers inside and outside Wisconsin. She said staff drafted the RFP to collect developer credentials, financial information and schedules so the authority can compare options and invite completed proposals to present to the RDA in July.

The RFP does not require low-income housing, Kelly said: “We aren’t specifically calling out that we want low income housing here. We’re leaving that up to the developer.” She added the site scores favorably for low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) applications, so some respondents may propose LIHTC projects while others may pursue market-rate plans.

Staff asked that proposals be submitted in time for RDA review and possible presentations at the board’s July 19 meeting; Kelly said the earlier submittal window gives developers time to prepare LIHTC applications, which have a January deadline in the program cycle. She suggested the RDA could ask LIHTC applicants to include the projects’ internal scoring sheets to show how likely they believe a tax-credit application would be to succeed.

On design and zoning, Kelly said the site is in a planned development (TR 10 PD), which offers flexibility on front setbacks and parking layout. “With it being a planned development, there is flexibility,” she said, adding staff expects some projects to locate parking behind buildings and consider reduced front setbacks to increase density while maintaining neighborhood character.

Board members asked about access, adjacent parking and acquisition status for neighboring parcels. Kelly said the RDA and city now own an adjacent property that had been considered for acquisition and that community development staff will coordinate with facilities to clean up the building and address access points, which might include two driveways off Jefferson and North Main.

Next steps: staff will finalize the RFP, consider adding a visual “lookbook” showing design goals, circulate deadlines to interested developers and invite selected applicants to make presentations to the RDA. The board did not take formal action approving the RFP on May 17; Kelly asked for initial comments and said staff would send the RFP out soon.