Westport Issues Request for Proposal for Baron’s South Senior Housing Project

The RFP was developed by the Baron’s South Committee, headed by Steve Daniels and Marty Hauhuth, after consultation with members of town boards and research and input from many experts in the field, according to a press release issued by the Selectman's Office Tuesday. 

Responses are due no later than March 30 at 4 p.m. 

“It is a long-awaited first step that will help us address the housing needs of seniors, especially those on limited incomes, who have given so much to our community,” said First Selectman Gordon Joseloff, according to the news release.

The Baron’s South Committee will hold an information session open to all interested parties on Jan. 11 at 10 a.m. at  Room 201/201A.

The RFP, which is available on the town website (www.westportct.gov) tells interested development partners that the project “should be planned, designed, constructed, and managed without financial contribution from the town.”

The RFP adds: “Proposals must provide for a revenue stream and/or an initial capital payment to the town. Preference will be given to proposals that indicate the highest and most dependable revenue stream and/or initial capital payment while satisfying the Core Objectives.”

As outlined in the RFP, these Core Objectives include:

“Provide opportunities for the community’s seniors to live with the maximum level of independence, thereby allowing residents to age in place and offering residents who require little or no care the opportunity to live alongside residents who may require increasing levels of care.

“Address a community need to increase the available inventory of below market rate housing and enhance the types of housing choices offered to Westport seniors.”

The RFP said the town “expects that preferences for access to the Senior Residential Community will be given to residents of the town to the extent allowed by law. “ 

It asked developers to use “universal design so that residents may comfortably age in place.  Residents must have access to optional health-related and supportive services including health and wellness services, personal care, home care, housekeeping, social activities and transportation.”

The development is expected to consist of up to 100 one- and two-bedroom rental units, the majority of which would be affordable under the state’s Statute  8-30g. 

“Proposals must include a community gathering space, including a kitchen similar to those in local houses of worship suitable either initially or at a future time for meal preparation and service,” the RFP says.

“Preference will be given to proposals that provide for the care and maintenance of the remaining minimally developed acreage of Baron’s South in a manner consistent with a passive public recreation area,” the RFP states. 

The RFP also notes Phase 2 of the project that will address a third Core Objective for the Senior Residential Community:  “Meet a growing community need for skilled nursing beds for short-term rehabilitation and long-term care, including advanced dementia and hospice care. “

This RFP, however, does not address Phase 2 but asked interested parties to include their vision of the second phase, a full care living facility which would offer long-term care and short-term rehabilitation services. “The small house model should be considered,” the RFP added.