Title
Reconnecting the West End Study
Action
Action:
A. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a contract for up to $1,025,000 with Neighboring Concepts, PLLC (MBE) for Reconnecting the West End, and
B. Authorize the City Manager to amend the contract consistent with the purpose for which the contract was approved.
Body
Staff Resource(s):
Debbie Smith, Transportation
Katie Witherspoon, Transportation
Explanation
* The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law established the Reconnecting Communities Pilot program, which funds projects that study the removal, retrofit, or mitigation of highways that create a barrier to community connectivity.
* On August 28, 2023, City Council authorized the City Manager to accept a $1,000,000 Reconnecting Communities planning grant and $250,000 in local match funds and to execute a grant agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation.
* This grant enables the study of the existing interchanges of I-77 at West 5th Street and I-77 at West Trade Street in Council District 2.
* The primary objective of the study is to address barriers to access, including safe and equitable mobility choices in support of Charlotte's Strategic Mobility Plan, and connectivity between the West End and Uptown, while balancing the goals of the community and the needs of the I-77 facility.
* The total budget for the Reconnecting the West End grant is $1,250,000 and includes $1,000,000 in federal Reconnecting Communities grant funds and $250,000 in local match funds provided by the Knight Foundation, Wells Fargo, Fifth Third Bank, and the Local Initiative Service Corporation of Charlotte.
* On February 14, 2024, the city issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ); five responses were received.
* The team led by Neighboring Concepts best meets the city's needs in terms of qualifications, experience, and responsiveness to RFQ requirements including demonstrating significant community partnerships and community trust within the Historic West E...
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