Bristol issues RFP for ‘prime development property’ near ESPN

Contributed Bristol is seeking requests for proposals to acquire and redevelop a 15-acre property across from ESPN.

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Bristol officials announced Wednesday that the city is accepting requests for proposals from developers and others for the sale and development of a remediated brownfield property located across the street from ESPN’s campus.

The property, at 894 Middle St., encompasses three contiguous parcels owned by the city. Combined, the parcels make up an approximately 15-acre site.

The city acquired the site several years ago and completed an environmental assessment and remediation activities with assistance from the state, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments.

The property formerly was the site of a metal reclamation operation. It was recognized as a brownfield property in recent years, and remediation work on the PCB-contaminated property was completed with a $1.3 million grant from the state Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) and matching funds from the city.

The undeveloped property is in a high-profile location with access to Interstate 84 and Route 72. In addition to ESPN, there are five hotels within 2.5 miles of the site, and the Lake Compounce amusement park is directly adjacent to the rear.

The city said it invites proposals that enhance economic development through the “best use” of this site. It is specifically interested in commercial/industrial prospects that will “enhance the local economic base through a redevelopment project that meets high standards of design, exhibits high market feasibility, offers employment opportunities, and that can offer other benefits to the community.”

It added that, due to the nature of environmental remediation, residential use for the property is “not appropriate.” The city instead encouraged proposals for commercial development, which can include logistics/warehouse, manufacturing, recreation/tourism, retail and more.

Submissions will be accepted between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

A non-mandatory pre-submission meeting will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 11 a.m. at the intersection of Middle Street and Enterprise Drive (the northeast corner of the property) to allow for an opportunity to meet with city staff and discuss the property.

One or more qualified proposals will be selected, and representatives will be invited for an interview with city officials, they said. Should the first selection be unable to complete an agreement for any reason, the city said it reserves the right to pursue other developers.

Submissions will be accepted via email, shared file service, or USB drive by the purchasing department until Jan. 7, 2025 at 11 a.m. Any submissions received after that date and time will not be considered.

Information about the property and the bid process is available here.