Norwell Community Housing Trust releases Request for Proposals to sell 40 River Street

Norwell, MA On November 4, the Norwell Community Housing Trust (NCHT) released a Request for Proposals (RFP) to sell 40 River St., a 2.56 acre site in Norwell Center for the development of up to 18 senior mixed income rental housing.

Town meeting approved a plan (over the required 2/3^rd vote) to sponsor the proposed development of up to 18 senior housing units that will need to comply with septic, wetlands and other regulatory and physical constraints. This effort enjoys strong local support and funding. The development plan is to demolish the Police station at 40 River Street and replace build a new attractive 3 story mixed income housing development. This senior housing development with have a minimum age of 60 for residents. An equal mix of one and two bedroom units are planned that will be attractive to downsizing seniors.

Detailed bid proposals and qualifications are due by January 14, 2016. The NCHT is aiming to secure the most advantageous affordable housing plan for their seniors, quality building and site design and the most qualified developer to complete this development. The review of RFP responses will be qualitative and quantitative.

CPA and other local funding has been approved and received up to $1,000,000 that includes up to $500,000 in funds held by NCHT and $500,000 in approved CPA funding.

The potential 18 affordable units will be targeted to moderate income tenants. There will be two tiers of affordability: 1) tenants with incomes less than 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) or 2) tenants with incomes less than 100% AMI.

The NCHT has already identified local service providers for the elderly and is working with them to make sure future residents will be well served. It is expected that perspective developers will have special programs available for the elderly as well.

Extensive due diligence has been completed in terms of survey, civil engineering, septic design, conceptual building designs, wetland delineation approval and more.

To join the list to receive an RFP, email Peter Morin pmorin@townofnorwell.net or see http://www.townofnorwell.net/Public Documents/NorwellMA 40River/RFP%20Documents to obtain a copy of the RFP. The site tour and briefing will be held on 10:00 a.m. on November 20.