Site Feasibility and Infrastructure Engineering Services

The Essex County Land Bank (ECLB) invites proposals from qualified civil engineering firms to provide site feasibility and infrastructure design analysis for three properties located within the hamlets of Westport, Chesterfield, and North Hudson, New York.

The objective is to evaluate the suitability of each site for the placement of new modular homes in compliance with New York State building codes, local zoning requirements, and Adirondack Park Agency (APA) regulations. Work will focus on identifying site constraints, determining infrastructure needs, and providing cost projections for preparing the parcels for residential development.

A boundary survey is already being conducted under a separate contract and will be made available to the selected consultant. They will need to work with Darrah Surveying.

The Essex County Land Bank (ECLB) is committed to ensuring full compliance with New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) requirements regarding participation by Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) and the promotion of Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO).

Consistent with Article 15-A of the New York State Executive Law and HCR’s contractual goals, proposers are strongly encouraged to engage MWBE firms and to demonstrate good faith efforts to meet or exceed participation goals. Firms must also comply with all applicable EEO requirements in hiring, subcontracting, and workforce development.

All respondents must submit an MWBE/EEO Utilization Plan as part of their proposal, identifying any MWBE subcontractors or suppliers to be used in carrying out the scope of work.

Failure to demonstrate a commitment to MWBE participation and EEO compliance may impact the evaluation of the proposal.

The successful proposer will provide the following services for each of the three sites:

• Review existing survey data (provided by Darrah).
  
  
• Conduct field inspection to assess slope conditions, grading feasibility, and access points.
  
  
• Evaluate suitability of sites for modular home installation, including pad/foundation requirements.
  
  

• Perform test borings or pits as needed to confirm soil bearing capacity and slope stability.
  
  
• Assess suitability for standard modular foundations (crawlspace, basement, or slab-on-grade).
  
  
• Provide recommendations for cut/fill, retaining walls, or stabilization measures if required.
  
  

• Evaluate ingress/egress locations for each site.
  
  
• Provide conceptual design of driveways and/or short roadways needed to access buildable areas.
  
  
• Assess compliance with town highway specifications for slope, drainage, and safety.
  
  
• Recommend stormwater management solutions consistent with NYSDEC and APA requirements.
  
  
• Work directly with the Town Supervisor, Code Enforcement Officer, Highway/DPW officials, and any relevant utility companies to confirm standards, requirements, and permitting processes.

1. Utility & Infrastructure Feasibility

• Assess availability and connection options for public water and sewer, where applicable.
  
  
• Where no municipal utilities exist, provide feasibility and design recommendations for wells and septic systems, including percolation testing and septic sizing.
  
  
• Identify nearest available electrical and broadband service points; estimate costs for extension.
  
  
• Evaluate stormwater impacts and compliance with the NYS Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) requirements if the disturbance exceeds one acre.
  
  
• Coordinate with local utility providers, the Town Supervisor, Code Enforcement Officer, and DPW to ensure accuracy of assumptions and compliance with local requirements.
  
  

1. Environmental & Regulatory Review

• Identify potential environmental constraints (wetlands, floodplains, hydrology).
  
  
• Provide guidance on any required APA, DEC, or Health Department permits.
  
  
• Evaluate compliance with hamlet-specific density allowances under APA rules.
  
  
• Identify whether SHPO (State Historic Preservation Office) consultation may be required.
  
  
• Consult with the Town Supervisor, Code Enforcement Officer, and DPW staff to confirm local environmental review requirements and integration with state/federal approvals.

• Provide order-of-magnitude cost estimates for site preparation, roadway construction, drainage, and utility installation.
  
  
• Develop conceptual site layouts showing proposed home sites, access, and utility connections.
  
  
• Identify major constraints or prohibitive costs that could limit feasibility.
  
  

• A Comprehensive Feasibility Report for each site, including:
  
  
• Topographic and geotechnical findings.
  
  
• Roadway and utility feasibility analysis.
  
  
• Environmental and regulatory considerations.
  
  
• Preliminary cost estimates.
  
  
• Conceptual layouts/maps.
  
  
• Presentation of findings to ECLB staff and Town Representatives (virtual or in-person).
  
  

Interested firms must submit the following:

• Cover letter and firm background.
  
  
• Description of relevant experience with modular home site development and rural/hamlet infrastructure projects.
  
  
• Proposed project team and resumes.
  
  
• Work plan and methodology.
  
  
• Proposed schedule (completion expected within 12 weeks of award).
  
  
• Fee proposal (lump sum or itemized by site/task).
  
  
• At least two references from similar projects.
  
  

All proposals must be submitted electronically (PDF) by 9/16/25

Nicole Justice Green, President & CEO, Essex County Land Bank
Email: nteriele@northcountryruraldevelopment.org

Proposals will be evaluated using the following criteria, listed in order of priority:

1. Ability to Meet Required Timelines – Demonstrated capacity to complete all feasibility work and reporting within the timeframe established by the Land Bank.
   
   
2. Relevant Experience – Prior work with modular housing projects, APA-regulated hamlet development, and steep terrain/rural infrastructure design.
   
   
3. Technical Qualifications – Expertise and credentials of the proposed project team.
   
   
4. Approach & Methodology – Clarity and practicality of the proposed work plan, including identification of potential risks and solutions.
   
   
5. Cost-Effectiveness – Reasonableness of proposed fee structure relative to the scope of work.
   
   
6. References & Past Performance – Documented success on comparable projects.
   
   

The Essex County Land Bank will evaluate all bids against these criteria.

This RFP does not commit the Essex County Land Bank to award a contract or pay any costs incurred in proposal preparation. ECLB reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, to negotiate with any or all proposers, and to award a contract in the best interest of Essex County.