Request for Proposals for P3 Parking Concession for City of Wilkes-Barre, PA

The Request for Qualifications [RFQ] from potential bidders on the proposed lease of the City of Wilkes-Barre and Wilkes-Barre Parking Authority parking assets has been issued.

Wilkes-Barre City Council approved the issuance of an RFQ by unanimous vote at a City Cuncil meeting on April 12. The Parking Authority approved the RFQ by unanimous vote as well on May 15.

The city and parking authority are seeking a minimum bid of $20 million for a 30-year lease and a minimum bid of $30 million for a 50-year lease. The downtown concession area includes 830 spaces of on-street, single space meters, 2,113 garage spaces and 160 surface lot spaces.  Under any lease agreement, the concessionaire would assume responsibility for operation, maintenance, management and future development of the parking assets. In exchange, the city would receive a one-time upfront payment.  A private operator would be required to invest in modernizing the garages and street meters to improve service for city residents and visitors. City Council is presently expected to consider a resolution approving the transaction at a later date.

Mayor Leighton has committed to investing the proceeds into public safety, infrastructure improvements, economic development, and abandoned property removal and restoration as well as general government expenses.  

The RFQ will be posted on the city’s website at www.wilkes-barre.pa.us .  There is a dedicated website for any and all information related to the proposed parking asset lease for prospective respondents which can be accessed by submitting an e-mail request to awohlstetter@foxrothschild.com.  The RFQ will also be direct mailed to potential bidders that have been identified as potential interested parties based on their involvement in similar projects in other communities and notice will be placed in such publications as Infrastructure Investor and Parking Today.

Responses to the RFQ must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on June 8, 2012.