KEYSTONE OPPORTUNITY ZONE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Borough of Downingtown
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KEYSTONE OPPORTUNITY ZONE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Borough of Downingtown NOTICE Request submission of proposals from consultants for consultant services to create a transportation center scheme for the Downingtown train station associated with the redevelopment of the Downingtown Keystone Opportunity Zone; Borough of Downingtown, Pennsylvania, Chester County. Applicants who are interested in undertaking this study shall submit four (4) copies of a proposal containing the information specified to: Downingtown KOZ Development Committee 4 West Lancaster Avenue Downingtown, PA 19335 Attn: Milllie Byerly 610-269-0344 x 201 [email protected] Proposals must be submitted on April 21, 2006, no later than 4:00 pm. DOWNINGTOWN BOROUGH DOWNINGTOWN KOZ DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE DELAWARE VALLEY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION 2006 TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 OVERVIEW OF THE REQUEST FOR SERVICES The Borough of Downingtown and its KOZ Development Committee are soliciting Proposals from consultants to provide: Project Consultant services to create a transportation center scheme utilizing a new train station, a new ADA accessible compliant pedestrian tunnel, new parking layout (structure or ground), proposed commercial uses and the existing rail platform associated with the redevelopment of the Downingtown Keystone Opportunity Zone (KOZ). Project Consultant services to provide the Borough with technical information to establish the engineering criteria and layout of the station, tunnel, parking and existing platform and the coordinated layout of all the facilities. Consultant to provide estimated construction budgets for the related improvements intended to improve the function and usability of the Downingtown Train Station. Specific improvements to be evaluated will include: o New station layout coordinated with the existing platform o Access from the new pedestrian commuter tunnel beneath the Amtrak tracks o New parking layout with the new station and new pedestrian tunnel o Location of a new station either in a new proposed structure or a stand alone building Project Consultant services to survey current ridership utilizing the Downingtown rail station. This survey will examine the relationship between current ridership, station amenities, and patronage of Downingtown commercial facilities. Develop and market the promotional plan that will be utilized to actively promote the use of the Downingtown rail station. Develop an operational budget that will improve the operational aspects of the Downingtown rail station. The KOZ Development Committee, on behalf of the Borough of Downingtown, will oversee the work of the Project Consultant and will guide the project. The KOZ Committee will review all payment invoices and ensure necessary coordination with the Borough and DVRPC. 1.2 THE STUDY AREA The Project will focus on the Borough of Downingtown KOZ opportunity area. This is the vicinity of the existing Downingtown rail station 1.3 PROJECT BACKGROUND Downingtown Borough is located within Chester County, one of the fastest growing regions in Pennsylvania. The Borough has a population of approximately 8,000 people within 2.2 square miles. The Downingtown Keystone Opportunity Zone was one of the first twelve KOZs approved by Governor Ridge in 1998. Within each KOZ state corporate net income, capital stock and franchise and personal income taxes are waived for 12 years for employers and residents doing business or living in the KOZ. The area designated as Downingtown’s KOZ is in the Johnsontown area of the Borough. The Amtrak train yard on the west end of town and the surrounding area were designated tax-free parcels. Preferred land use and development concepts for the KOZ are identified in Ordinance 2002- 09, Chapter 287 (Uptown Transportation Development District) of the Downingtown Borough Code. These concepts were developed through a collaborative process led by the Torti-Gallas planning group. This process, completed in 1999, produced a development concept that includes a mix of land uses centered on the redevelopment of the train station. Additional issues relating to the access and traffic congestions were evaluated as part of the Transportation Needs Report prepared by Pennoni Associates, Inc. This study included the evaluation of the potential realignment of Route 322 to provide access to the KOZ and by-pass the congested intersection of Lancaster Avenue and Brandywine Avenue. 1.4 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY This report and plans will assist the Borough to establish the design criteria and cost of implementing the redevelopment of the train station and related improvements as noted in Section 1.1. of this request. Additionally, the Project Consultant will identify and assist in the preparation of applications for specific grants that can be obtained in order to further the implementation of the improvements. 1.5 SOURCES OF FUNDING The source of the funding for the requested services is a TCDI grant awarded by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC). 2. SCOPE OF SERVICES 2.1 SPECIFIC TASKS, DELIVERABLES, AND SCHEDULE The TCDI grant for the Project will be used by the KOZ Development Committee to fund the cost of feasibility studies, cost estimates and grant application support for the following improvements: 2.2 Station Design and Management The consultant will provide a scheme with design specifications of what the proposed Downingtown Train Station will look like when rebuilt either as a stand alone building or as part of a commercial building at the location of the present station. The design specifications/criteria required to redevelop the train station in accordance with all regulations shall be provided with the proposed scheme. The consultant will provide a proposed layout of the station area needed for Amtrak and SEPTA to meet the needs of their customers. Consideration shall be given to a station incorporated into a proposed structure used for office and/or retail as well as a stand alone station. The scheme/plan developed by the consultant will show how all the spaces and facilities are coordinated and how they will connect both horizontally and vertically with the existing rail platform. The scheme/plan will show how the pedestrian commuter tunnel, parking facilities, and station are to be designed to provide ADA access. The consultant will provide a construction cost estimate for the implementation of the proposed improvements. Costs will include design, construction and inspection. The consultant will develop an operational budget plan should Downingtown Borough assume ownership and operation of the new rail station. The consultant will provide the required information in a report format with plans, sections and architectural layout. 2.3 Ridership Development and Promotion 2.3.1 Rail Ridership Survey Pursue license plate survey data and review historical data collected at the Downingtown Station and adjacent stations (including Thorndale and Whitford), by the Chester County Planning Commission (CCPC) or other agencies. Conduct a new survey if necessary. A notarized affidavit is required to submit license plate numbers to PennDOT and to receive address data in return. This will require either receiving direct authorization from PennDOT or working through a third party (CCPC or DVRPC) that already has that authorization. Develop, pre-test and conduct a survey for current station passengers to determine their destination, preferred ridership amenities and other needs related to their transit trip. Identify a reasonable sampling of the ridership from different day parts, including commuter and non- commuter traffic. The survey can be conducted by: Intercept (particularly to reach non-peak travelers) Windshield survey, with a postage paid response envelope to maximize participation Internet, with notice to passengers through the web link and use of a code number at the front end to limit participation to train users Develop, pre-test and conduct a survey that would allow community residents to provide feedback about transportation needs, their perceptions of what might attract them to use the Downingtown station. This survey document could be distributed through a local weekly newspaper (or a zoned edition of a daily newspaper), at civic events, sent to community leaders, or otherwise made available to the public. The newspaper insert methodology would be like that used by the Chester County Planning Commission transportation needs survey. Statistically significant sampling techniques may be too expensive to conduct under this project scope. If permitted by PennDOT data rules, a separate survey could be distributed to residents of the Downingtown area that are using other stations, based on the license plate survey results. This would ask what services or amenities would get them to shift to the Downingtown station. Design, pre-test and conduct a survey of Downingtown area business firms and students of the Delaware County Community College Downingtown campus to determine their transit needs. Surveys would involve business firm meetings and student intercepts at the campus. Share survey data on amenities and travel needs with the rail station design consultant. 2.3.2 Rail Station Operational Plan Conduct research on ownership models for station projects and advise the project team on a preferred alternative. This will be done through literature reviews and direct contact with major commuter/regional rail operators. Single ownership versus condominium