PROFESSIONAL DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE SOUTH THIRD AVENUE PUBLIC PLAZA

BOROUGH OF HIGHLAND PARK

COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, NEW JERSEY

Q&A
PROFESSIONAL DESIGN SERVICES FOR SOUTH THIRD AVENUE PUBLIC PLAZA

The following are questions received from various potential respondents to the Borough of Highland Park’s Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Professional Design Services for the South Third Avenue Public Plaza, along with answers from the Borough.

All responses are due by Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 11 AM.
1. Are any other properties on South Third Avenue contemplated for inclusion in the project area?

The Borough is negotiating the purchase of 15 South Third Avenue and that property, along with the municipal parking lot and 23 South Third Avenue, will likely be included in the final project area.
2. Under Section 3.4 of the RFQ, a proposed fee schedule consisting of a statement of all costs and fees is requested. Are you looking for a schedule of hourly rates only or are you looking for a complete fee proposal for the anticipated services?

Please provide the schedule of hourly rates as well as a budget estimate for the total cost for the anticipated professional design and engineering services required to complete the Scope of Services.
3. Is there topographic survey available or will need to include survey services in the proposal?

The Borough does not have a topographic survey of the project area. The consulting team should be prepared to conduct the surveys to design the project and draft bid-ready construction documents.
4. Has this area of South 3rd Avenue been vacated or is that effort to be included as part of this proposal?

The pedestrian plaza is located in the municipal right-of-way along South Third Avenue. It consists of a roadway and sidewalk areas. The project area also includes adjacent municipally-owned properties on South Third Avenue, including a public parking lot and the residential property at 23 So. Third Avenue. As mentioned in #1 above, the Borough is negotiating the purchase of 15 South Third Avenue and anticipates including that in the rea. All properties are or will be vacant.


5. Is the municipal lot which holds part of the Farmer’s Market to be included in the design, or only the 3rd Avenue Plaza in the roadway?

The Borough envisions using the municipal parking lot and the adjacent properties at 23 South Third Avenue and 15 South Third Avenue for the Farmers Market along with the Third Avenue Plaza area.
6. Does the municipality require that the consultant perform the soils sampling, testing and evaluation for removal of existing soils and for storm water management design calculations for the project and does the municipality have a separate consultant that will provide this information to the selected consultant?

The consulting team should be prepared to conduct the necessary soils sampling, testing and evaluation to design the project and create the specifications needed for bid-ready construction documents.
7. Is it the intent for the South 3rd Avenue plaza to be a shared space for vehicular and pedestrian travel (with protection devices such as bollards and raised planters separating the users) or is it the intent for the plaza to be cordoned off to thru traffic and dedicated exclusively to pedestrian travel?

The intent is to create a pedestrian plaza without through traffic. That said, we anticipate the need to provide access to the area for emergency vehicles and sanitation equipment and as such are open to the use of bollards and planters as a means of separating the users.
8. Is Highland Park requesting survey services be included in the scope of work, or does the Borough have a current topographic survey that it would provide to the awarded consultant for base plan information?

The Borough does not have a topographic survey of the project area. The consulting team should be prepared to conduct the surveys to design the project and draft bid-ready construction documents.
9. Does the Borough require permitting services for this project?

The Borough has secured a Street Intersection Permit from NJDOT for this project; however, if other permits are required in order to build the project, the Borough will require assistance from the project team to secure those permits.
10. The RFP states a $1 million dollar grant for design and construction. Is that envisioned as being the total budget for the project? If not, what is the total budget envisioned?

Ideally, the total project cost from design to construction will be covered by the grant. As we have not yet gone through the design process we do not know the cost of the project. For this reason, we have requested that respondents provide a proposed fee schedule and budget estimate. The Construction Cost Estimate is included in the Scope of Services to assist us with understanding whether or not additional funds will be needed to cover the cost of construction.
11. Are the solutions envisioned for the open space be permanent elements or is the project to assume more of a temporary park or ‘pop-up’ park solution?

The plaza is envisioned as a permanent pedestrian space that is flexible to allow for pop- up events and activities.
12. Is the existing house at 23 S. 3rd Street to remain or be razed? If razed will the demolition of the structure and infrastructure elements in the orange colored municipally owned property be handled by the Borough prior to this project or will the demolition documentation be required as part of this effort?
The Borough anticipates demolition of the house at 23 South Third Avenue. In addition, the Borough is negotiating the purchase of 15 South Third Avenue and that property will likely be demolished as well. The Borough will handle all aspects of the demolition in advance of construction.
13. Is it envisioned that overhead utilities are to be undergrounded or remain on the surface?

Ideally, the Borough would like to put all utilities in the pedestrian plaza area underground, but doing so may become a budgetary consideration. We envision working with the selected design team to make that decision prior to finalizing construction plans.
14. Will the farmers market operator continue to serve in that operational capacity once the new space is created of will the Borough take over that along with any other programming and operations for the space?

Main Street Highland Park is the current operator of the Farmers Market and will continue in that capacity after the move to South Third Avenue. They will have representation on the stakeholder committee to provide input on the design.
15. Page 5 of the RFQ indicates that the RFQ “does not constitute a Request for Proposals (“RFP”). Please clarify if our team should only be submitting qualifications OR a full team proposal to complete the design/engineering and community engagement work noted in Section 2.2 of the RFQ.

The Borough is seeking responses that includes the full team to complete design/engineering and community engagement as well as hourly rate(s) and budget(s). Selection will be based on multiple factors as described herein.
16. Is there a need for Audio/Visual “A/V” design associated with the Plaza or Expanded parking area? Please clarify if the Borough envisions needs beyond simple electrical hookups at key locations throughout the project area.

We expect our project design team to work with the Borough and the stakeholder committee to help us determine what, if any, A/V elements should be accommodated in the design plan. It is likely that at a minimum there will need to be electrical hook-ups for musical equipment and food trucks in the plaza and in the expanded parking areas.
17. We assume site lighting is envisioned within the Plaza or Expanded Parking area. Does the Borough envision any specific lighting envisioned that would require bespoke lighting design?

We expect our project design team to work with the Borough and the stakeholder committee to help us determine what type of lighting is appropriate for the plaza and adjacent properties.
18. Please clarify where the Farmers market and events will be held. In the proposed expanded parking area or the plaza on S. 3rd? RFQ indicates the Farmers market to be held in the Parking area, but we would like confirmation.

We expect our project design team to work with the Borough and the stakeholder committee to help us determine the best layout for the relocated Farmers Market; however, the current thought is that the Farmers Market will utilize the expanded municipal parking lot as well as portions of the Plaza on South Third Avenue.
19. Will Irrigation be a requirement within the project area? Planted landscape areas will likely focus on the existing/expanded stormwater rain gardens along S. 3rd. Plaza tree plantings (and potentially some groundcover areas) will also likely be included in the proposed design. Potential future operations and maintenance consideration.

We expect our project design team to work with the Borough and the stakeholder committee to help us determine what type of landscaping is appropriate and whether or not irrigation is required. Cost as well as operations and maintenance concerns will be an important factor in this decision making.
20. Does the borough have a site survey completed for the proposed scope area (including the 23 S. 3rd Avenue Property)? If so, can this be provided?

The Borough does not have a site survey for the plaza area, municipal parking lot, 23 South Third Avenue or 15 South Third Avenue.
21. Does the Borough envision the need for shade structures similar to the shade structure currently located at the HP Farmers Market picnic area?

We expect our project design team to work with the Borough and the stakeholder committee to help us determine what type of shade elements may be appropriate for the plaza and adjacent properties

22. Public Art: will our team be responsible for developing public art features within the project OR will public art initiatives be led by the Borough and independent artists. Please clarify the extent of which our team is responsible for regarding the public art design process.

At a minimum, we expect our project design team to work with the Borough and the stakeholder committee to identify opportunities to incorporate public art into the plaza and to provide examples of how other locations have done so.
23. Does the borough have design drawings or as-builts of the existing stormwater rain gardens within the ROW of the proposed plaza?

The Borough has the original specifications; however, we are not certain they reflect the as-built condition.
24. We received the CME traffic evaluation report and preliminary street closure plan. Were these the approved documents from NJODT or are there any additional documents associated with the street closure permit? i.e. Detailed signage plan, Street Intersection Improvement Plan, received permits?
The NJDOT has issued a conditional approval for the street closure which the Borough accepted and submitted to the NJDOT. Currently, the Borough’s Engineer, CME, is working to address these NJDOT conditions which need to be satisfied before the NJDOT can issue their final executed permit. In addition, the Borough’s Engineer is preparing Plans and Specifications based on the closure plans conditionally approved by the NJDOT to bid and implement the required intersection modifications in the near future.
25. Are the approved street plans to be incorporated into the plaza design or are modifications anticipated? If modifications are required, will CME continue to handle the NJDOT street closure design and permitting submissions, or will this become the responsibility of this design team? Will we coordinate with CME? Please Advise.

The Borough anticipates that an amendment to the approved Construction Plan may be needed in order to reflect the final design plan for the plaza. CME will continue to handle interactions with NJDOT with support from the selected team.
26. Item 1.3 Page 5 indicates that "(NO BOUND COPIES PERMITTED.) Can you please elaborate on how you would like to receive the proposals if they are not to be bound? Also, should the original be bound but the copies are unbound?

A binder clip is sufficient for all copies. Be sure to include a USB flash drive with a digital copy of the submission as well.
27. Page 9 Item 2.2 #4 indicates that "The goal is to have the design and construction complete prior to commencement of development activity on the Tract C redevelopment area.” When do you anticipate development activity to commence on Tract C?

The redeveloper agreement is not in place, so we do not have an enforceable timeline; however, based on current discussions we hope to see construction commence in 2026.
28. Please confirm whether or not a total fee is required or if you are requested hourly rates only.

Please provide the schedule of hourly rates as well as a budget estimate for the total cost for the anticipated professional design and engineering services required to complete the Scope of Services.
29. Is it anticipated that the existing utility poles and overhead utilities (through the proposed plaza) will need to be removed and relocated underground?

Ideally, the Borough would like to put all utilities in the pedestrian plaza area underground, but doing so may become a budgetary consideration. We envision working with the selected design team to make that decision prior to finalizing construction plans.
30. Per the Model Statewide Municipal Electric Vehicle Supply/Service Equipment (EVSE) Ordinance, EV parking spaces are not required for public entities unless a preliminary site plan approval is required. As the project is exempt from site plan approvals, will the Borough require EV Charging stations as part of the proposed project?

Yes, the Borough would like to incorporate EV charging infrastructure into the expanded municipal parking lot.
31. Please clarify the extent of “security” features, and describe any measures in addition to typical safety signage, barriers, and bollards are envisioned such as CCTV cameras or other technology features that may require security technology consultant support.

The Borough would like to explore the use of CCTV cameras as an additional security measure.
32. Can you confirm what the proposed construction timeline is for the Tract C development area? This knowledge is important when considering our proposed design/engineering, phasing plan as noted in RFQ, permitting, contractor bidding, and proposed construction timelines.

The redeveloper agreement is not in place, so we do not have an enforceable timeline; however, based on current discussions we hope to see construction commence in 2026.
33. Is a Professional Cost Estimator required for the scope of this project?

The Borough would like a reasonably accurate understanding of the construction costs for the project.

34. Tract C appears to have a different boundary as shown in the documents “Map of Tracts A-D”, “Amended Downtown Redevelopment Plan for Tracts A-D”, and “Tract C Redevelopment Community Meeting”. Can you please clarify the correct and current boundary of the Tract C redevelopment effort?

The Block and Lots listed in Section 3.4 “Tract C” in the Amended Downtown Redevelopment Plan is correct.
35. Is there a site survey for the plaza area, or is it the expectation of the consultant team to prepare a survey as part of the scope of work of this project? If there is a survey, can it be provided to the selected consultant at the start of the project in AutoCAD (.dwg) and PDF formats?

The Borough does not have a site survey for the plaza area and would be the responsibility of the consultant team to prepare, if needed.
36. Can you describe the process for integrating public art into the design of the plaza space? Will the selected consultant work with the Borough and stakeholders to select an artist during the design process.

At a minimum, we expect our project design team to work with the Borough and the stakeholder committee to identify opportunities to incorporate public art into the plaza and to provide examples of how other locations have done so.
37. Please confirm that all required traffic studies have been completed as part of the NJDOT Street Intersection permit referenced in the RFQ.

All required traffic studies have been completed as part of the NJDOT Street Intersection permit process.
38. Are additional NJDOT permits or a modification to the street intersection permit required once the final design is documented and approved?

The Borough anticipates that an amendment to the approved Construction Plan may be needed in order to reflect the final design plan for the plaza. There may also be a need for additional NJDOT stormwater review.
39. Can the Borough provide the permit document, and any conditions of approval or stipulations contained therein?

The Borough will provide all documents related to the NJDOT permit to the selected consulting team.
40. Are any local approvals such as zoning or planning board review required?

We are not aware of any local approvals that may be required.


41. The RFQ mentions stormwater management. It appears there are two bio-retention curb cut systems in the area of the project. Is the Borough looking to redesign or modify how these, and stormwater in general, is managed in the ROW?

We expect our project design team to work with the Borough and the stakeholder committee to help us determine whether or not the bio-retention curb cut system should remain in place, be modified or be removed. If removed to make the plaza more workable, we would want to try to incorporate other green infrastructure elements in the area.
42. Does the Borough have a target completion date for the bid-ready construction documents?

The Borough would like to have bid-ready construction documents by the end of August 2025.
43. Do we need to provide survey scope for the entire project limits (3rd Ave, 23 So. 3rd and Adjacent Parking Lot)? Will Highland Park be providing the survey information from the CME NJDOT Application?

The Borough will provide all information related to the NJDOT permit application. If a survey is needed, the selected consultant will be expected to arrange for the survey.
44. Please confirm whether the existing lots (parking lot and 23 So. 3rd Ave) are intended to be a municipal parking lot, as indicated in the community documentation.

We expect our project design team to work with the Borough and the stakeholder committee to help us determine the best layout and use for these areas, but the current thinking is that these lots along with the property at 15 South Third Avenue, which the Borough is currently seeking to purchase, will be used as an expanded municipal parking lot that can be used for the weekly Farmers Market in conjunction with the plaza. We have considered the possibility of using a portion of these properties for elements that will help serve and maintain the plaza and the market, including storage, electrical hook-ups for food trucks, and possibly a public restroom.
45. Will the design for Tract C be available (for reference) during the design portion of this 3rd Ave public plaza project?

The Borough will share all available plans for Tract C with the selected project team.