Press Release: Joy Development Request for Proposal Community Update
For Immediate Release
October 21, 2024
Media Contact: James C. Shively
330.401.3623
jcshively@tuscedc.com
Dover, OH – September 27, 2024, proposals were due for the transformative redevelopment of the Joy Development Site in downtown New Philadelphia. This significant project, managed by the Economic Development and Finance Alliance (EDFA), aims to breathe new life into the former Howden Buffalo Site. The 17.48-acre industrial site, located at the edge of the central business district, holds immense potential for a mixed-use development that will enhance the vibrancy of the downtown area.
The EDFA sought innovative proposals that blend residential, commercial, and community spaces, creating a dynamic environment for residents, businesses, and visitors. The RFP invites experienced developers, anchor tenants, and entrepreneurs to submit detailed plans, including residential unit counts, commercial space breakdowns, energy-efficiency components, and creative design features that align with New Philadelphia’s Master Vision Plan 2030. Site Selection Group, economic development consultants, advised EDFA that anchor tenants would be crucial to the success of a rural mixed-used development.
With the backing of JobsOhio, and TeamNEO, this development project offers a unique opportunity to address the local housing shortage while enhancing downtown’s appeal as a hub for living, working, and socializing. The EDFA published its Request for Proposals with the following definitions of participants, criteria, and review process for experienced Developers and Anchor Tenants:
“For the purposes of this RFP, an anchor tenant is defined as a real estate project that is a major or prominent tenant, often a well-known business, that occupies a significant portion of the development.
Evaluation Criteria for Anchor Tenants or other proposals
Includes but is not limited to:
-Overall strength of the proposed plan
-Development plan’s consistency with New Philadelphia’s development goals and objectives and the Joy Redevelopment site’s current market study
-Capacity and ability to complete the proposed plan
-The anchor budget is realistic and can be implemented without requiring public sector assistance beyond that identified within the submitted proposal
-Financial viability and stability
-Quality and creativity of the vision and concept
-Experience and track record in similar projects
-Potential economic and community impact (Economic Development Finance Alliance of Tuscarawas County, 2024)”
“For the purposes of this RFP, a developer is a professional or company that specializes in planning, designing, and constructing properties that combine various types of uses within a single development project.
Evaluation Criteria For Developers
Includes but is not limited to:
-Overall strength of proposed development plan
-Development plan’s consistency with New Philadelphia’s development goals and objectives and the Joy Redevelopment site’s current market study
-Inclusion of key design or other elements that will strengthen the vibrancy of New Philadelphia’s downtown.
-Capacity of development team and ability to complete the proposed development plan within the specified project schedule and budget.
-Development budget is realistic and can be implemented, without reverting to additional public sector assistance, beyond that identified within the submitted development proposal. (Economic Development Finance Alliance of Tuscarawas County, 2024)”
The RFP published on August 9th, 2024, cited a deadline to submit by September 27th, 2024, gave the following disclaimer, and outlined the following review process:
Disclaimer:
The Economic Development Finance Alliance of Tuscarawas county (EDFA) is the sole owner of the former Howden-Buffalo property marketed in this request for proposal (RFP). While the EDFA is committed to working in concert with affected stakeholders to the best of its ability, the EDFA reserves the exclusive right to make all decisions regarding the sale and future use of the property. All proposals will be considered at the discretion of the EDFA, and the issuance of this RFP implies no guarantees or obligations.
Review process:
“A committee will review all proposals and select the best proposal(s) that meet the above criteria. The committee will then detail its recommendation to the Economic Development Finance Alliance of Tuscarawas County. The Economic Development Finance Alliance will be asked to consider the committee’s recommendation. (Economic Development Finance Alliance of Tuscarawas County, 2024)”
In response to the recent Request for Proposals (RFP) for the development of the Joy Development Site, the Economic Development and Finance Alliance (EDFA) has received six diverse submissions. These proposals come from an array of entities, including an entrepreneur, an anchor tenant, a small business owner, a commercial real estate agent, a housing contractor, and a non-profit organization. Each proposal reflects a unique approach to the site’s potential, aligning with the RFP's focus on creating a multi-use development that integrates residential, commercial, and community spaces. The variety of submissions highlights the broad interest in contributing to the revitalization of this pivotal site in downtown New Philadelphia.
To ensure a thorough and objective evaluation of the proposals, and being consistent with the RFP EDFA has assembled a review committee composed of experts in various fields. This committee includes an architect, a mixed-use developer, a certified economic developer, a state project manager, a representative from the City of New Philadelphia, members of the EDFA Board, and TCEDC/EDFA staff. The committee will use a scoring matrix based on the RFP’s evaluation criteria to assess each proposal, focusing on the strength of the development plan, alignment with local goals, financial viability, and potential economic impact. This process will determine the EDFA’s next steps in selecting partners to bring this transformative project to life.
Marla Akridge, Executive Director/President, TCEDC/EDFA
Executive Director of the TCEDC and the EDFA, Marla Akridge says the following of the project's progress, “Remediation of this property has been completed. However, we still have significant obstacles to overcome with removing concrete to prep the site. This site’s location represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a community inside a community to live work and play. Location, Location, Location!”
Jon Elsasser, Chairman of the Economic Development Finance Alliance of Tuscarawas County
Chairman of the EDFA Jon Elssaser says the following on the progress of the site, “EDFA has a phenomenal track record with brownfield sites and repurposing them. These six proposals represent an opportunity to make this a transformative project in the heart of New Philadelphia.”
Sources
Economic Development Finance Alliance of Tuscarawas County. (2024). Joy Redevelopment Request For Proposals (2024). Dover, OH: Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation. Retrieved from tuscedc.com/joydevelopmentrfp