RFP issued for three-acre site on Staten Island waterfront.

New York City Economic Development Corporation has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for approximately three acres of the 10-acre National Lighthouse Harbor Site in the St. George section of Staten Island.

EDC is seeking high-quality, mixed-used development proposals to reactivate this desirable waterfront property with residential, retail and commercial uses, while preserving its historic structures. Proposals should incorporate and support plans for a lighthouse museum.

The site includes a public plaza, waterfront esplanade and a 55,000 s/ f public pier. The parcels for development consist of waterfront property for long-term lease and an upland parcel for lease or sale. Existing buildings on the site must be preserved, but there is potential for new development at three areas of the site.

"This is a very exciting and challenging opportunity for development," said EDC president Andrew M. Alper. "The site's waterfront location with spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline and New York Harbor, combined with its historic, cultural and recreational components, have the potential for a unique and exciting project that will enhance the revitalization of St. George."

The property is connected to the St. George Ferry Terminal, about one third of a mile to the northwest, via a waterfront esplanade. It is bounded by Bay Street to the west and Upper New York Bay to the northeast. The four buildings on the site to be redeveloped total about 35,000 s/f in one-three- and four-story structures.. In addition, there are 6,000 s/f of underground vaults.

"I am optimistic that the RFP will attract a developer to this unique waterfront property and give the site a future that provides jobs and opportunity and also breathes life into the National Lighthouse Museum," said Staten Island borough president James P. Molinaro.

Three of the buildings are registered by the State of New York as historic landmarks. One is designated as a New York City landmark. All three are deteriorating and in need of significant renovations. Landmark requirements call for preservation of the buildings' exterior and retention of interiors, where possible.

Development of the site should address the following goals:

Integrate the site into the fabric of Staten Island;

Provide development that includes residential, retail and commercial uses;

Compliment community and cultural uses proposed by National Lighthouse Museum;

Incorporate high-quality, sustainable design and construction techniques to raise the standard for private investment in the St. George area and Staten Island as a whole;

Provide security and maintenance for entire site, the public plaza, esplanade and pier.

The site has been selected to house the National Lighthouse Museum, which is dedicated to broadening the public's appreciation and understanding of America's lighthouse history. Plans for the museum must be included in RFP responses. Building 10 is proposed for the museum's exhibits and a museum gift shop is expected to occupy Building 11. The City has invested $6.5 million in structural stabilization and renovation of these two structures. The museum's plans also call for adding a lightship on the public pier and a historic lighthouse to the plaza.

For more information or to request a copy of the RFP, call [phone] or visit www.nycedc.comlighthouseharbor.