The City of Greensboro Planning Department is seeking proposals from qualified consultants in response to the specifications outlined in this request to create a plan for an area in south Greensboro. The deliverable for this project is an area plan that is based on significant public participation and that has recommendations on

• the future growth and development in the study area,
• provision of City services, and
• environmental issues that affect quality of life and health.

The schedule is as follows; more details are available in the RFP.

• RFP Released — November 20
• Deadline for Notification of Intent to Submit — December 11
• Deadline for Question Submittal — December 11
• Answers to Questions Emailed — December 15
• Submittals Due — January 3 at Noon
• Initial City Review Completed — January 15
• Interviews — January 22
• Award Announced — February 9

As all submittals are via email, please check for email verification that your submittal was received. You are encouraged to submit early to ensure that submission goes smoothly.

This project will be funded over a two year period. The total budget for each year is $100,000, though the cost of each proposal will be considered when reviewing submittals.

Background

Located in the heart of the Piedmont, the City of Greensboro is known for its commitment to cultural history, sustainability, and the arts. The third largest city in North Carolina, Greensboro is home to over 301,000 citizens across 139 square miles. The City boasts six colleges and universities that create a pipeline to employment in the major industries of logistics and textiles, while the revitalization of the historic downtown area attracts both out of town visitors and residents. To learn more about Greensboro, please visit the City's website at https://www.greensboro-nc.gov.

Greensboro is not located on a river or the coast, but rather was founded in the geographic center of Guilford County as the county seat. The city earned the nickname "Gate City" due to its history as a major logistics hub. It was the "gateway to the south" during the era when rail travel was prominent and Greensboro was a major commercial and passenger rail hub. Commerce increased, particularly textile production, and by 1920 Greensboro was the third largest city in the state.

Logistics continues to be important to Greensboro. The city is a point of connection for several major interstates, and the airport is a major source of employment as a cargo hub and for plane maintenance. Although no highways come close to the downtown area, they have impacted the development pattern of the city and in particular south Greensboro.

The City has existing plans that cover the City as a whole and may help to gain an understanding of the City.

• The comprehensive plan, GSO2040,
• Housing GSO, to improve access to and the condition of affordable housing,
• Our Parks and Recreation plan, Plan2Play,
• BiPed Plan, the bicycle, pedestrian, and greenway mater plan, and
• Transportation Plans found on the Metropolitan Planning Organization page.

The southern area that this plan will be developed for is approximately 8 square miles in size. A map of the area boundary is attached. The area has a wide range of uses, and a variety of strong neighborhoods. This is a dynamic part of Greensboro that has seen most recent investment go to the southern periphery of the area. You can find information about current zoning, comprehensive plan designations, and other information on the Maps and Apps page on the City website, in particular "Zoning Districts" and "Comprehensive Plan GSO2040."

There are some background documents specific to the area that are attached to the RFP for reference, though they have not been adopted by the City as policies. It is also important to note that these papers and reports do not necessarily cover the exact same geography as the area proposed for this plan.

• As the south Greensboro area planning process is underway, the City will be finalizing phase 2 of the Randleman Road Corridor Plan, which will cover the section of road from I-40 south to the City limits. Phase 1 covered the northern section of Randleman Road, from its starting point south to I-40.
• A group of residents from the area, Southeast Greensboro Coalition, has worked with City staff to address concerns in south Greensboro and suggest long-term solutions that cover a range of topics that impact the quality of life in the area. They have developed some suggestions as the Southeast Greensboro Coalition, and two documents they have produced are available at this link. It is important to note that this group has no official standing with the City and does not include all the neighborhood associations in this area.
• In addition, the City hired planning consultants John R. McAdams to talk with area residents and identify issues of concern. The report is available at this link.

One of the more significant upcoming developments that is likely to impact the area is the construction of a Toyota plant that will make batteries for electric vehicles. The plant will represent a $13.9 billion investments and will create over 5,000 jobs during the first phase. The site is located along US Route 421, 10 miles south of Greensboro at the edge of Randolph County. There is not a large population center near the plant, and there are significant limitations on the ability to annex and provide City services for new residential growth in the vicinity of the site. As such, it is likely that the opening of the plant will have an impact on Greensboro as a whole, and south Greensboro in particular.

Based on the above, there are themes recommended that will be important points to highlight in the plan:

• The impact on neighborhoods of industrial uses located near highways, in particular commercial and truck traffic.
• Abrupt transitions between land uses.
• Annexations and rezonings on the southern boundary of Greensboro.
• Providing adequate park facilities, green space, and increased trail connectivity
• Stormwater management in green space oriented around creeks.
• Property upkeep in commercial areas.
• Multifamily, highway oriented commercial uses, and industrial uses associated with existing freeways.
• The desire for adequate retail, banking, and other services in many parts of the community.

Deliverables

The ultimate deliverable for this process is a plan, or a set of plans based on the approach you recommend in item V.4(a) on page 8, prepared for adoption by City Council that is couched in the goals and strategies of GSO2040 with recommendations that comprehensively address

• the future growth and development in the study area, including guidance for considering rezoning decisions,
• provision of adequate City services, and
• environmental issues that affect quality of life and health.

Throughout the process, there must be thorough and consistent conversations and engagement with the public. Neighborhoods and leaders in south Greensboro have a strong commitment to improving the area and planning for the future. They have created relationships with City staff and have worked to build connections to area businesses and institutions. This will provide a starting point for the initial phase of the planning process.

This plan is intended to be a resource:

• for City staff when allocating City resources such as for transportation and park improvements,
• when considering land use changes and development and the impact on quality of life in the area, and
• for the community when advocating for the area.

The planning process should include the following at a minimum. More details may be added based on submitted proposals.

• Data collection, analysis of current conditions, identification of likely key issues, and the production of an Existing Conditions Report utilizing what has been completed.
• Analysis of change that may occur from scheduled investments in the area.
• A community engagement strategy that includes multiple channels of outreach, conversation, and opportunities to provide input. The strategy should result in a vision, shared values, and objectives.
• Consensus around a set of recommendations. These recommendations should be couched in the Six Big Ideas, goals, and strategies in GSO2040.
• Preparing a draft plan and opportunities to review and provide input on the draft plan.
• Support during plan adoption.

City staff will provide assistance during this project with:

• logistical support during public meetings including finding and arranging meeting locations and providing easels and other meeting material;
• provision of local GIS and data files; and
• contact with key stakeholders and City Council members.