Strayhorn Branch Project Neighborhood Engagment
Request for Proposals (RFP)
Proposals Due
February 26, 2020 at 5 pm
Background
As part of ECWA’s efforts to move from concept phase to implementation phase to create a floodplain and stream enhancement project in Pearl Mill Preserve along Strayhorn Branch, we plan to hire a professional contractor to conduct neighborhood outreach (e.g. letters and signage) and engagement (e.g. door to door, neighborhood associations meeting presentations, and an on-site design meeting). The outcomes from the process will provide valuable feedback and guidance as ECWA and contractor Kimley-Horn Engineers develop a professional engineering design document to guide permitting and construction. The intent of these tasks is to give immediate neighbors a chance to hear about our proposed project to improve water quality and Pearl Mill Preserve and also the opportunity to give feedback about other design aspects of the project (for example community access and signage), ways to mitigate the effects, such as tree cutting, of project construction , and discussion about work that will occur in the undeveloped Water Street right-of-way where one of the most impacted sections of the creek flows.
Project Funding
The proposed Strayhorn Branch stream and floodplain enhancement project has several potential funders. Because the project would greatly improve the water quality of downstream waters in South Ellerbe Creek, the City of Durham Stormwater and GIS services funded the initial feasibility study (can provide copy upon request) and is a potential funder for project implementation. Duke Energy Foundation and Durham Open Space and Trails grants are helping to fund the design and some of the project permitting, as well as the engagement process to help create that design. ECWA is currently making proposals to the City of Raleigh Watershed Protection Fund, the City of Durham, and state-level funders for construction funding.
Expected Tasks
The following is a list of potential tasks we envision as important in a 1-2-month process that engages neighbors. This task list is not exhaustive, nor is any one task considered critical. We offer the list as a starting point for proposals.
• Complete the final community engagement plan (with input from ECWA staff)
• Create a landowner letter and list of contacts where letter will be mailed.
• Create and implement a door-to-door engagement event to the immediate neighbors within short walking distance (e.g. 2 block area)
• Present project background, process, and opportunity for neighbor involvement in certain aspects of design at neighborhood association meetings in Trinity Park, Duke Park, and Old North Durham.
• Collect contact information and feedback (e.g. through written or on-line forms) and organize data to share with ECWA staff.
• Plan and coordinate with ECWA staff to hold a project design input meeting with community members who show interest during previous tasks.
• Coordinate follow-up correspondence with property owners and Neighborhood Associations.
Expected Amount of Work
The expected number of hours available for this effort are 40-50 hours, with some limited additional support provided by ECWA staff. We expect the engagement contractor to lead on the project, with community outreach, attending meetings, developing presentations, presenting key information; with some limited assistance from ECWA staff on editing or assisting in drafting an outreach letter, connections with community leaders, and potential limited door-to-door engagement.
Format of Proposal
Please submit by February 26 your qualifications (resume, experience) and a maximum 2-page proposal that addresses the listed engagement intent, tasks, and timeline. Please submit the qualifications and proposal by email to Chris Dreps, chris@ellerbecreek.org.
Request for Proposals (RFP)
Proposals Due
February 26, 2020 at 5 pm
Background
As part of ECWA’s efforts to move from concept phase to implementation phase to create a floodplain and stream enhancement project in Pearl Mill Preserve along Strayhorn Branch, we plan to hire a professional contractor to conduct neighborhood outreach (e.g. letters and signage) and engagement (e.g. door to door, neighborhood associations meeting presentations, and an on-site design meeting). The outcomes from the process will provide valuable feedback and guidance as ECWA and contractor Kimley-Horn Engineers develop a professional engineering design document to guide permitting and construction. The intent of these tasks is to give immediate neighbors a chance to hear about our proposed project to improve water quality and Pearl Mill Preserve and also the opportunity to give feedback about other design aspects of the project (for example community access and signage), ways to mitigate the effects, such as tree cutting, of project construction , and discussion about work that will occur in the undeveloped Water Street right-of-way where one of the most impacted sections of the creek flows.
Project Funding
The proposed Strayhorn Branch stream and floodplain enhancement project has several potential funders. Because the project would greatly improve the water quality of downstream waters in South Ellerbe Creek, the City of Durham Stormwater and GIS services funded the initial feasibility study (can provide copy upon request) and is a potential funder for project implementation. Duke Energy Foundation and Durham Open Space and Trails grants are helping to fund the design and some of the project permitting, as well as the engagement process to help create that design. ECWA is currently making proposals to the City of Raleigh Watershed Protection Fund, the City of Durham, and state-level funders for construction funding.
Expected Tasks
The following is a list of potential tasks we envision as important in a 1-2-month process that engages neighbors. This task list is not exhaustive, nor is any one task considered critical. We offer the list as a starting point for proposals.
• Complete the final community engagement plan (with input from ECWA staff)
• Create a landowner letter and list of contacts where letter will be mailed.
• Create and implement a door-to-door engagement event to the immediate neighbors within short walking distance (e.g. 2 block area)
• Present project background, process, and opportunity for neighbor involvement in certain aspects of design at neighborhood association meetings in Trinity Park, Duke Park, and Old North Durham.
• Collect contact information and feedback (e.g. through written or on-line forms) and organize data to share with ECWA staff.
• Plan and coordinate with ECWA staff to hold a project design input meeting with community members who show interest during previous tasks.
• Coordinate follow-up correspondence with property owners and Neighborhood Associations.
Expected Amount of Work
The expected number of hours available for this effort are 40-50 hours, with some limited additional support provided by ECWA staff. We expect the engagement contractor to lead on the project, with community outreach, attending meetings, developing presentations, presenting key information; with some limited assistance from ECWA staff on editing or assisting in drafting an outreach letter, connections with community leaders, and potential limited door-to-door engagement.
Format of Proposal
Please submit by February 26 your qualifications (resume, experience) and a maximum 2-page proposal that addresses the listed engagement intent, tasks, and timeline. Please submit the qualifications and proposal by email to Chris Dreps, chris@ellerbecreek.org.
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