Syracuse LDC & NYS Canal Corp. Announce Availability of Request for Proposals (RFP) for Syracuse Inner Harbor

ALBANY, NY (12/21/2009)(readMedia)-- The Syracuse Lakefront Development Corporation (LDC) and the New York State Canal Corporation today announced the availability of the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the development of Canal Corporation property at the Syracuse Inner Harbor. Interested developers are required to submit proposals as outlined in the RFP by 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 31, 2010.

Governor David A. Paterson said, "The availability of the RFP for the development of the Syracuse Inner Harbor moves us closer to the revitalization of Syracuse's waterfront. The development of the Inner Harbor will spur job creation, economic development and tourism opportunities in the City of Syracuse and Central New York."

Syracuse Mayor Matthew Driscoll said, "Through the patience, perseverance and cooperation of the Canal Corporation, the LDC Board and city staff, we are now ready to move forward with this reshaped RFP. It's different from previous attempts. It separates the property into three areas and provides an opportunity for multiple developers to be involved and demonstrate their creativity and commitment to this valuable piece of land. Additionally, it also retains for the city significant public access community space. The potential of this property is limitless. This new approach provides a real chance to move forward and bring the lakefront to the forefront of city development and our Central New York region."

Carmella R. Mantello, Director of the New York State Canal Corporation, said, "The Canal Corporation is pleased to have worked diligently with the City of Syracuse and the LDC over the past several months to issue this RFP. We are hopeful that we receive several quality proposals so the development of the Syracuse Inner Harbor can move forward and become a destination along the New York State Canal System."

The RFP is available on the LDC's website, www.syracuse.ny.us/Lakefront_RFP.aspx , and will also be available in hard copy by contacting the LDC at:

Lakefront Development Corporation

One Dupli Park Drive

PO Box 11456

Syracuse, New York 13218

Phone: (315) 448-2244

Fax: (315) 448-1835

E-Mail: jlaguardia@thesyracuselakefront.com

The scope of the RFP alters the framework from the prior RFP issued in 2004, by allowing proposals for either the entire site or for individual parcels. Under the scope of the RFP, the land proposed for development at the Syracuse Inner Harbor has been divided into three distinct parcels: A, B, and C. Parcel A consists of approximately 10.4 acres, 7.5 acres (A1) of which is proposed to be sold via a disposition agreement and 2.9 acres (A2) of Canal terminal property, which may only be leased absent approval of special State legislation authorizing a sale. Parcel B consists of approximately 8.8 acres and Parcel C contains approximately 10 acres.

Additionally, proposers now have access to a hybrid Phase 1 environmental site investigation (SI), which was conducted by consultants to the Canal Corporation. The SI provides proposers with an understanding of any contamination that may exist on these parcels at the Inner Harbor.

The intention of the RFP is to create an attractive multi-use development providing the residents of the City of Syracuse and surrounding communities new opportunities in both commercial and housing options. The successful proposal(s) will be required to incorporate new private development with the existing public recreation and entertainment. The Syracuse Inner Harbor, a 42-acre site, managed by the LDC under an agreement with the Canal Corporation, currently holds several successful events throughout the year. Proposals received as a result of issuance of the RFP will help to enhance this success by transforming the harbor into a world class tourism destination in the City of Syracuse, Central New York and the 524-mile New York State Canal System.

The following is a list of important dates and deadlines for the RFP:

12/21/09 = Issuance of the RFP

1/29/10 = Prospective Developer Site Visit

2/11/10 = Deadline for Written Questions by Prospective Developers

3/4/10 = Answers to Questions Posted on LDC Website

3/31/10 = Proposals Due at 1 p.m.

A draft RFP was posted on the LDC's website www.syracuse.ny.us/lakefrontRFPs.asp earlier this year in April to solicit public comments on the RFP. The comment period concluded in early May. The Corporation and LDC have reviewed the comments and revised the RFP in response to suggestions made by the public and various elected officials.

For further information, please contact the LDC at (315) 448-2244 or the Canal Corporation at (518) 436-2983.

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