RICHMOND HEIGHTS, Ohio -- Richmond Heights is looking for a quality, experienced developer with which to work to increase its housing stock by building homes on 10 city-owned infill properties ranging in size from .35 acres, to more than four acres.
“The city of Richmond Heights is open for business and experiencing major development,” Mayor Kim Thomas wrote in an email response to cleveland.com about the properties. “This means more housing options for individuals and families within our community.”
The city has devoted a page to the properties on its website, outlining the guidelines for its request for proposals (RFP).
The properties have been accumulated over the years, several through foreclosures.
“Adding new homes to our community is not just a construction project, but a long-term investment that benefits everyone,” Thomas stated. “It can contribute to appreciating property values, benefiting existing homeowners, and increasing their net worth.
“But that’s not all. The new construction will be a win-win for our community partners as it generates property taxes, contributing to the local tax base. This additional revenue can fund public services such as schools, healthcare facilities, and public safety initiatives.”
The city’sRFP page notes, “The City’s Master Plan calls for the available infill lots to be developed with detached single-family homes.”
To see the RFP, visit here.
All of the properties are currently zoned for single-family home construction and have already been deemed by the city’s building department as fulfilling the necessary criteria for homes, including setbacks.
The properties are:
-- 434 Richmond Road (now vacant), at 4.844 acres. The city acquired this piece of land in October, 2005.
-- 442 Richmond Road (house to be demolished), 4.2 acres, acquired in July, 2006.
-- 27211 Highland Road (east of the police station), .96 acres, acquired in March, 2005.
-- 27223 Highland Road (east of the police station), 1.86 acres, acquired in December,1996.
-- Chardon Road (across from the Woods of Richmond residential development), .83 acres, acquired in December, 2016.
-- Chardon Road (also across from the Woods of Richmond residential development), .68 acres, acquired in December, 2016.
-- Chardon Road (again, across from the Woods of Richmond residential development), .63 acres, acquired in December, 2016.
-- Chardon Road (west of insurance company office), .35 acres, acquired in April, 2018.
-- Highland Road (east of 24380 Georgetown Road), .4 acres, acquired in January, 2007.
-- Highland Road (east of 24491 Highland Road), .4 acres, acquired in July, 1994.
The city is currently accepting proposals and will do so through 11:59 p.m. July 30. The city will then take a month, through Sept. 1, to evaluate the proposals.
As for the cost of the properties, the RFP states, “Lots for new residential construction are sold for fair market value (for new homes built to generate market rate wealth).”
The city’s goal is to secure a development partner with the vision, expertise and financial capability to undertake the project.
“The selected entity should demonstrate a capacity to collaborate effectively with the City in crafting and implementing an infill housing development plan that aligns with the objectives of both the City and its residents,” the RFP states.
“We are proud to announce that the city owns these sites, either by forfeiture or undeveloped land,” Thomas stated, “and they will be available for purchase between $250,000 and $350,000.
“The response to our Request for Proposals has been overwhelming, indicating high interest in these new housing opportunities.
“We are thrilled about Richmond Heights’s future and look forward to welcoming new residents to our community. Join us as we continue to grow and thrive together.”
The city website notes that, “Richmond Heights strongly encourages the involvement of minority-owned and female-owned businesses to respond to this RFP.”