In the News

Mayor Sarno Announces South End Gemini Site Economic Development RFP

The City of Springfield has issued Requests for Proposals (RFP) for the purchase and redevelopment of a property known as the Gemini Site.  The Property is located in the South End neighborhood, and was formerly the home of a 100,000 SF textile mill (owned by the Gemini Corporation) that was destroyed by a fire in 2003.   The site consists of fifteen (15) distinct vacant parcels with a total area of approximately 96,351 square feet and all are currently zoned Industrial A, with the exception of two parcels that are zoned Commercial P.  However, the City has initiated the zone change process to re-zone all parcels Residence B1.

The goals of the City in seeking redevelopment proposals for the site include, but are not limited to the following:

A. Achieving a high-quality multi-family residential home ownership development that complements neighboring homes, existing assets, and enhances the surrounding community.

 

B. Incorporating a marketing plan and capitalizing on existing homeownership incentives and financial products applicable to the neighborhood.

 

C. Ensuring that sound market understanding and financial development principles are applied.

 

D. Providing financial returns to the City including, but not limited to, proceeds of sales, incremental tax revenues, and secondary financial impacts.

 

E. Offering opportunities for community input and participation.

 

F. Creating opportunities for Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises.

 

G. Ensuring work opportunities for Springfield residents. 

 

I. Providing community and public space improvements and activities that enhance the project site and the community.

 

The City expects any future development of the site will complement the existing residential character of the South End Neighborhood and enhances its economic stability.  The City believes this goal is aligned with a project that advances an ownership multi-family housing development, which is affordable to owners making between 80% - 120% of Springfield’s median income.

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno stated, “I want to thank Chief Development Officer Tim Sheehan and team on another key move in my administrations post COVID-19 economic development vision to keep our city moving forward.  The Gemini site has vast potential to anchor continued revitalization of our South End neighborhood area.  As always we will work with our neighborhood councils and business associations – in this case the South End Citizens Council and South End Business Association to bring an economic development project that is conducive and enhances more opportunities for our South End area.”

Chief Development Officer Timothy Sheehan stated, “The South End has seen transformative redevelopment and investment in its rental housing stock and now it is time to build upon that investment by developing home ownership opportunities which are vital to neighborhood economic and social stability.” 

Proposals are due by February 24, 2021 at 2:00 PM. Request for Proposals packets can be requested by on the City’s website at www.springfieldcityhall.com or by phone at (413)787-6284.

Questions can be directed to Chief Procurement Officer Lauren Stabilo at lstabilo@springfieldciythall.com and Director of Disaster Recovery, Tina Quagliato Sullivan at tquagliato@springfieldcityhall.com.

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Page last updated:  Tuesday, March 1, 2022 01:32 pm