Purchase and Development of Taconic Developmental Center, RFP

Empire State Development (ESD) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the purchase and comprehensive redevelopment of the Taconic Developmental Center, a 330-acre state-owned property located in Wassaic, Dutchess County, New York. The procurement seeks a developer to transform the former developmental disabilities facility into a mixed-use, transit-oriented community near the Tenmile River Metro-North station. The Phase 1 Plan requires developing up to 250 residential units, with a minimum of 20% as rental housing and 10% designated as affordable housing for households earning up to 80% Area Median Income (AMI). Developers must complete a comprehensive site redevelopment, including residential, retail, community facilities, and economic development uses, while addressing environmental remediation and infrastructure improvements. The RFP requires a detailed proposal demonstrating sustainable development aligned with New York State's climate goals, with a site visit scheduled for March 18, 2025, and proposals due by June 20, 2025, at 2:00 PM EST. Evaluation criteria will likely include development approach, financial feasibility, community impact, and adherence to project objectives.

The procurement includes specific set-aside and participation goals for minority-owned (15%), women-owned (15%), and service-disabled veteran-owned (6%) businesses. Developers must submit a Cost Agreement Check for $300,000 to cover ESD's project expenses and will receive additional points for MWBE developers holding at least 10% ownership interest. The property will be conveyed "AS IS," with developers responsible for all environmental remediation and compliance requirements, as detailed in the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Report. The project will be partially funded through the state's $500 million Redevelopment of Underutilized Sites for Housing (RUSH) initiative to offset infrastructure costs. While no incumbent vendors are specified, the site contains 52 existing buildings totaling 732,328 square feet and includes complex environmental considerations such as historical petroleum storage, potential asbestos-containing materials, and wetland areas. Respondents must demonstrate technical expertise in large-scale, mixed-use redevelopment, environmental remediation, and sustainable community planning.