Village of Watkins Glen Comprehensive Plan Update

Background
The Village of Watkins Glen, located at the headwaters of Seneca Lake in New York, is seeking proposals from qualified consultants to assist in the development of a new Comprehensive Plan. This initiative aims to guide future sustainable growth and is funded by a Smart Growth Comprehensive Planning grant from the New York State Department of State.

The village has a population of 1,859 and attracts over one million tourists annually, primarily due to attractions like Watkins Glen International racetrack and regional wineries. The last Comprehensive Plan was approved in 2012, and following significant growth from a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant awarded in 2017, the village is ready to reassess its priorities for the next decade.

Work Details
The selected consultant will collaborate with a Comprehensive Planning Committee to create a plan driven by community engagement and Smart Growth principles. The plan will outline short- and long-term land use priorities, establish goals for sustainable growth, enhance quality of life, and protect local resources.

Key tasks include:
1. **Community Participation Plan**: Develop a plan for public outreach including interviews, surveys, public meetings, workshops, and online resources.
2. **Community and Stakeholder Interviews**: Create a community survey on local conditions and issues.
3. **Review Local and Regional Planning Efforts**: Assess existing planning documents and initiatives.
4. **Develop a Community Profile**: Analyze existing conditions including demographics, economic characteristics, housing trends, infrastructure, natural resources, etc.
5. **Conduct Community Visioning Workshops**: Organize workshops to engage the public in planning discussions.
6. **Develop Draft Comprehensive Plan**: Assemble a draft that addresses Smart Growth policies with strategies for future growth.
7. **Village Board Review of Draft Plan**: Submit draft for review and incorporate feedback.
8. **Conduct Environmental Quality Review (SEQRA)**: Prepare necessary materials for compliance with SEQRA.
9. **County Planning Board Review**: Submit final version for review prior to adoption.
10. **Prepare Final Comprehensive Plan**: Address all comments received before finalizing the plan.
11. **Public Hearing and Local Adoption**: Conduct public hearings prior to adoption.

Period of Performance
The contract term is one-time with proposals due by October 18, 2024.

Place of Performance
The contract will be performed in Watkins Glen, NY.