Request for Proposal (RFP) - Planning, Legal, and Environmental Consulting Services for the City of Glen Cove Smart Growth Code Updates

The purpose and intent of this RFP is to solicit proposals from qualified consultants to prepare the City of Glen Cove Smart Growth Code Updates. 

The City of Glen Cove Smart Growth Code Updates will achieve key goals of the 2024 City of Glen Cove Smart Growth Comprehensive Plan with Sustainability Elements (“Comprehensive Plan”) (https://glencoveny.gov/comprehensive-plan). Amendments to zoning, land use, building, and environmental regulations will implement the plan. Code amendments will help incentivize affordable, first-time homebuyer and senior mixed-use redevelopment near train stations and the waterfront; facilitate new business openings, especially downtown; and make Glen Cove more sustainable and resilient.

The Consultant will coordinate with the City of Glen Cove and its Zoning Advisory Committee (to be established) to prepare Code amendments pursuant to the zoning enabling statutes contained in General City Law §20(24) and §20(25) (Note: It is anticipated that the Smart Growth Code Updates will amend additional chapters of the City Code, beyond Chapter 280: Zoning). The Code amendments will be developed in accordance with the adopted Comprehensive Plan, guide future sustainable growth within the City of Glen Cove, enhance the local identity, and protect natural and cultural resources.

The Code Updates must also address the following general Smart Growth principles, in addition to the elements suggested by the New York State statutes:

1. Develop plans and land use regulations that allow for and encourage mixed-use neighborhoods.
2. Enable a diverse mix of housing types that provide for opportunity and choice for all.
3. Prioritize infill and redevelopment of existing buildings to revitalize neighborhoods and downtowns, including areas around public transit.
4. Provide well-planned, equitable, and accessible public spaces.
5. Encourage compact neighborhood design and concentrated development around existing infrastructure.
6. Preserve open space, agricultural resources, and natural resources.
7. Prioritize transportation options such as walking, cycling, and public transportation.
8. Promote climate resiliency and adaptation, preferably through nature-based solutions, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
9. Build on unique traits to create an attractive and welcoming community with a strong sense of place.
10. Engage in an inclusive, collaborative public planning process that considers the needs and character of the community.

The Smart Growth principles provided above will be foundational to the Smart Growth Code Updates. (Note: RFP Attachment 1 lists the Smart Growth principles and includes a checklist that the Consultant will complete as part of this project.)

The Consultant will coordinate with the City of Glen Cove to ensure that the Smart Growth Code Updates achieve compliance with the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA).