Parking Lot RFP History

November 4, 2003
City Council reviewed a private proposal by Mr. Alan Sandler to purchase airspace above the Hargadine Parking Structure to develop a 20 units affordable housing project.
The City Council approved a motion to refer the request of Mr. Sandler to the Housing Commission and request that the Housing Commission provide a recommendation on the request, or perhaps a recommendation on the RFP Process.

November 19, 2003
The Housing Commission was presented with Mr. Sandler's proposal.  The commission voted 3-2 to recommend using an RFP process to evaluate development proposals for the Hargadine Structure.  The issue of the RFP process was continued to the January 28th Housing Commission meeting for further discussion.

January 28, 2004
The agenda item USE OF PUBLIC PROPERTY (SUCH AS PARKING LOTS) FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING was discussed by the Housing Commission.  At this meeting a draft RFP was presented for the Hargadine Structure.  The RFP discussion was continued to the next meeting.

February 25, 2004
The Housing Commission discussed the agenda item Hargadine RFP/RFQ.  Due in part to the transition of new membership onto the Commission the discussion was in part recap on the RFP development.  The Commission reviewed changes in the discussion draft RFP.

March 17, 2004
The Housing Commission discussed the agenda item Hargadine RFP/RFQ.  The Commission questioned the Council's directive and commitment to affordable housing above the parking structure.  They postponed discussion on how to select affordability targets for the target income levels until the April meeting.

April 28, 2004
The Commission made the final determination that the draft RFP be modified to encourage projects that have a period of affordability of not less than 40 years under lease or buy back provision, and that proposals benefitting households earning less than 80 percent of median income be considered.

May 26, 2004
Allan Sandler, presented during Public Forum and said he wanted to withdraw his request to develop the area above the parking garage on Hargadine Street and switch to developing the Pioneer/Lithia Way parking lot area for affordable housing.  He can satisfy the request for proposal (RFP) with no variations.  This withdrawl was due in large part to concerns over the maximum floor area and definitions of a story that could complicate the development above the Hargadine Parking Structure.

The Housing Commission deliberated the development of housing above Pioneer and motioned to encourage the Council to consider the alternative Sandler has proposed and in the interim Planning Staff explore in detail the Pioneer/Lithia Way site to make sure it meets all codes.  Also, that the Housing Commission wants to be aware of where the consensus is on the Council of where they want to go with affordable housing in the downtown.

June 23, 2004
Staff presented to the Housing Commission on the development potential, opportunities, and challenges presented with the Pioneer Lot.
The Housing Commission decided it would be appropriate to respond to a positive manner to the concept brought to the City by Allan Sandler of using public land to provide an incentive for affordable housing.

Further the Commissioner stated the concept [of development above city parking lots] has merit.  "We are in favor of anything that can be used to promote affordable housing in Ashland, and in particular downtown the concept of using public parking for leverage".

August 17, 2004
Staff modified the proposed RFP to eliminate the Hargadine Lot from consideration, and included the Pioneer Lot, Lithia Way Lot, and Second Street lot as potential sites for affordable housing developments.  The Housing Commission's recommendations to state a period of affordability (40 years), the income targets (80% AMI) and provision for lease or buyback option were incorporated into the Draft RFP.

The City Council reviewed the draft at their regular meeting on August 17th and directed staff to address a number of concerns and come back to Council with a revised draft.

September 21, 2004
Regular Council with review of the revised RFP and staff response to those concerns outlined by Councilors on August 17th.