After issuing a request for proposals in April for mixed-use redevelopments, department of planning and development officials fielded 80 requests for applications, then met with 30 potential developers in May, a month before bids were due. However, the only bidders were TRLS LLC, Holsten Development and Lawndale Christian Development Corp., reports Joseph Lopez of the Department of Planning and Development. "None satisfied the goals and objectives of the RFP," says Lopez, adding the department will likely continue marketing the parcels but will consider adding tax increment financing to help pay for infrastructure improvements.

The city had land write-downs, Enterprise Zone funding, department of housing incentives as well as new market tax credits on the table, but they apparently were not enough. Holsten Development proposed a $63-million redevelopment project that would include 200 residential units, but required city financial assistance that would pay for 52% of the cost, Lopez says. Likewise, Lawndale Christian Development Corp. also sought tax increment financing to pay for a project that included market-rate financing, he says. TRLS' proposal did not meet the department's design guidelines, he adds.

"The department will continue to market the properties while new strategies are considered," says Lopez, adding it may take a year for the city to get tax increment financing approved for the 60 parcels. "We'd like to comprehensively develop these sites."