[Massplanners] Seeking consultant recommendations for Master Plan Update (RFP)

[Star Atkeson]

Hello All,

We are looking for recommendations of consultants that do Master Plan Updates. We had a recent Economic Study that can be tied into the update and are currently updating our Open Space Plan. Any leads would be greatly appreciated. The RFP is below.

Star Atkeson
Star.Atkeson at TownofCharlemont.org
Secretary to The Boards
Town of Charlemont
(413) 339-4335 ex.8






Request for Proposals (RFP) for Master Plan Update

Charlemont, MA November 7, 2024

1. Introduction
The Charlemont Planning Board invites proposals from qualified firms to assist in updating the town's Master Plan. This project aims to create a comprehensive, community-driven document that reflects current needs and aspirations while guiding future development and land use.

2. Background
The existing Master Plan was adopted in 2003 and requires an update to address changes in demographics, economic conditions, land use, infrastructure, and environmental factors. The updated plan will serve as a roadmap for sustainable growth and development in the Charlemont.
Charlemont is a small, rural town in Franklin County, Massachusetts that lies along the Mohawk Trail (Route 2), a scenic and well-traveled route traversing the state from east to west. Charlemont is also located along the Deerfield River providing an array of scenic, natural, and recreational benefits to the town. With its wealth of natural assets, Charlemont has become home to a variety of outdoor recreation and tourism-based businesses. The town has both a mountain and river which drives winter and summer recreation opportunities including skiing, fishing, kayaking, rafting/tubing, mountain biking, and hiking to name a few.
Having both the Deerfield River and Berkshire East Ski Area has created some dependence on these two attractions and businesses have come to rely on a combination of the seasonal tourism market, year-round residents, and through travelers on Route 2. As such, local businesses are centered around enterprises such as campgrounds, sporting goods, small restaurants, service stations, and multiple bed and breakfasts. In addition, there are businesses in town such as a convenience store, general store, as well as a few farms, event venues, construction contractors, garages, gravel pits, and home-based businesses that may benefit from recreation and tourism but are not otherwise reliant on them.
As a small town in the western part of the state, trends have been showing a continued slowing of population growth, an aging of the existing population, fewer family households with children, and a declining employment base. The town faces questions about the financial sustainability of providing local services such as maintaining a local elementary school in the face of a shrinking population and ever-increasing property taxes.

3. Project Objectives
*Engage with community stakeholders to gather input and feedback.
*Analyze existing conditions, trends, and challenges.
*Develop updated goals, policies, and recommendations.
*Ensure compliance with relevant state and local regulations.
*Prepare a user-friendly, visually appealing final document.

4. Scope of Work
The selected consultant will be expected to perform the following tasks:
*Community Engagement: Organize workshops, surveys, and public meetings to gather input from residents, businesses, and other stakeholders.
*Data Collection and Analysis: Review existing plans, conduct demographic and land use analyses, and assess infrastructure needs.
*Drafting the Master Plan: Develop draft goals, policies, and strategies based on community input and data analysis.
*Finalization and Presentation: Incorporate feedback to produce a final document and present it to the Planning Board and other relevant bodies.

5. Proposal Requirements
Proposals should include:
*A cover letter expressing interest in the project.
*Company profile and relevant experience.
*Project team members and their qualifications.
*Proposed methodology and timeline for completing the project.
*Budget and fee structure.
*References from similar projects.

6. Submission Guidelines
Proposals must be submitted electronically to PlanningBoard at TownofCharlemont.org by December 16, 2024. Late submissions will not be considered.

7. Selection Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
*Relevant experience and qualifications of the team.
*Proposed approach and methodology.
*Community engagement strategies.
*Cost-effectiveness.
*References and past performance.

8. Timeline
*RFP Release Date: November 8, 2024
*Proposal Due Date: December 16, 2024
*Selection of Consultant: December 19, 2024
*Project Start Date: January 2025
*Draft Plan Submission: April 15, 2025
*Final Plan Submission: May 15, 2025

9. Contact Information
For questions or clarifications regarding this RFP, please contact:
Star Atkeson, Secretary to the Boards Charlemont, MA 413-339-4335 ext. 8
Star.Atkeson at TownofCharlemont.org

10. Conclusion
We look forward to receiving your proposal and working collaboratively to create a Master Plan that will guide the future of Charlemont. Thank you for your interest in this important project.







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