Latest news with #forProposals
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Yahoo
9 years after Pulse massacre, survivors revisit nightclub before building is demolished
The Orlando, Florida, community on Thursday evening is set to honor the 49 victims who were gunned down at the Pulse nightclub on June 12, 2016. It was the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history at the time, though it was surpassed by the Las Vegas attack the following year. The ninth anniversary of the attack comes as groups of victims and survivors this week visit Pulse -- once a popular gay nightclub -- for the last time before the building is razed so that the city can build a permanent memorial in its place. All of the furniture and the dance floor inside the building have been moved and the walls were painted black. City of Orlando Outreach and Engagement Coordinator Donna Wyche told ABC affiliate in Orlando, WFTV, that the families of victims and survivors expressed that they wanted to visit the building before it is demolished. "They've said very clearly we want to see it for one last time before it's gone. We want to be in that sacred place one more time where our loved ones take their last breath," Wyche said. "It's part of the journey of grief." 'If you're alive, raise your hand' desperate rescuer said in Pulse nightclub Pulse nightclub shooting survivor Joshua Hernandez told WFTV on Wednesday that he needs to go inside the nightclub so he can heal. "It's going to feel horrible because I was in the restroom for three hours. So when I go to the restroom, it's going to be very, very sad for me," Hernandez, who was held hostage in the bathroom during the shooting, said. "I'm not ready yet. It's hard. It's hurt me. I'm gonna be -- come out stronger. I'm gonna be stronger to do this, it's time to close the chapter of my life," he added. Police recount how they stopped the Pulse Nightclub shooter Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, who has been in office since 2003, also did a walk through of the building on Wednesday and reflected on the 2016 massacre. "It took me back nine years and reflecting on being in the command center on Orange Avenue as all the things are transpiring then," Dyer told WFTV. "The realization of just how many people were impacted. I came out the second time and told everybody, it's not 20, it's 49 victims." Family and friends of the victims, as well as survivors and advocates for the LGBTQ+ community, are set to gather at First United Methodist Church in downtown Orlando at 5:30 p.m. local time for a remembrance ceremony. Rick Scott, who was Florida's governor in 2016, declared June 12 Pulse Remembrance Day in Florida in 2018. City remembers victims of Pulse nightclub shooting The City of Orlando purchased the Pulse nightclub site in October 2023 and committed to building a permanent memorial. Now, the city said plans are moving forward. In March, the city of Orlando issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit a design-build firm for the permanent PulseMemorial, following the advancement of a conceptual design in February. Proposals were submitted by May 29 -- the conceptual design includes a survivor's tribute wall, a reflection pool, a hearing garden and a private gathering space for reflection, according to the city. The memorial is slated to be complete by 2027, it noted. 9 years after Pulse massacre, survivors revisit nightclub before building is demolished originally appeared on
12-06-2025
9 years after Pulse massacre, survivors revisit nightclub before building is demolished
The Orlando, Florida, community on Thursday evening is set to honor the 49 victims who were gunned down at the Pulse nightclub on June 12, 2016. It was the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history at the time, though it was surpassed by the Las Vegas attack the following year. The ninth anniversary of the attack comes as groups of victims and survivors this week visit Pulse -- once a popular gay nightclub -- for the last time before the building is razed so that the city can build a permanent memorial in its place. All of the furniture and the dance floor inside the building have been moved and the walls were painted black. City of Orlando Outreach and Engagement Coordinator Donna Wyche told ABC affiliate in Orlando, WFTV, that the families of victims and survivors expressed that they wanted to visit the building before it is demolished. "They've said very clearly we want to see it for one last time before it's gone. We want to be in that sacred place one more time where our loved ones take their last breath," Wyche said. "It's part of the journey of grief." Pulse nightclub shooting survivor Joshua Hernandez told WFTV on Wednesday that he needs to go inside the nightclub so he can heal. "It's going to feel horrible because I was in the restroom for three hours. So when I go to the restroom, it's going to be very, very sad for me," Hernandez, who was held hostage in the bathroom during the shooting, said. "I'm not ready yet. It's hard. It's hurt me. I'm gonna be -- come out stronger. I'm gonna be stronger to do this, it's time to close the chapter of my life," he added. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, who has been in office since 2003, also did a walk through of the building on Wednesday and reflected on the 2016 massacre. "It took me back nine years and reflecting on being in the command center on Orange Avenue as all the things are transpiring then," Dyer told WFTV. "The realization of just how many people were impacted. I came out the second time and told everybody, it's not 20, it's 49 victims." Family and friends of the victims, as well as survivors and advocates for the LGBTQ+ community, are set to gather at First United Methodist Church in downtown Orlando at 5:30 p.m. local time for a remembrance ceremony. Rick Scott, who was Florida's governor in 2016, declared June 12 Pulse Remembrance Day in Florida in 2018. The City of Orlando purchased the Pulse nightclub site in October 2023 and committed to building a permanent memorial. Now, the city said plans are moving forward. In March, the city of Orlando issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit a design-build firm for the permanent PulseMemorial, following the advancement of a conceptual design in February. Proposals were submitted by May 29 -- the conceptual design includes a survivor's tribute wall, a reflection pool, a hearing garden and a private gathering space for reflection, according to the city. The memorial is slated to be complete by 2027, it noted.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Manchester aldermen approve sale of Hackett Hill lots for mixed-use development
Manchester aldermen have approved the sale of six lots within the city's Hackett Hill property to a local developer with plans to transform the site into what's described as a 'first-of-its-kind' mixed-use development for the Queen City. It will feature 230 modern townhomes, 96 multifamily garden units, and 96 mixed-use units. On Tuesday, city aldermen voted unanimously to approve the sale to Manchester-based Socha Companies, after members of the aldermanic Commitee on Lands and Buildings voted to deem the six lots (Lots 15, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E, and portion of 15M) totaling 88.3 acres in the Hackett Hill property — also known as Northwest Business Park — surplus, and forgo a Request for Proposals (RFP) process for the land. 'There was broad consensus on the board last night, it went unanimously,' Mayor Jay Ruais said Wednesday. 'The project itself, I think, is going to offer us a great opportunity to open up this parcel of land, bring in desperately needed new housing. It's a beautiful mixed-use site with a walkable community. 'I think these are some of the great things that we're going to be bringing to Manchester in the years ahead, and you have a local developer who already has a proven track record of being successful in the city of Manchester, working on great projects, and using local contractors as well to do the work. This is going to be a true hometown success story here in Manchester.' No purchase price was mentioned publicly during Tuesday's meeting. The Northwest Business Park is comprised of land that poses significant challenges for development. The area is known for its shallow depth to ledge and very steep grades. The parcels being discussed contain more than 18 acres of steep slope (greater than 25%) area and estimated to contain approximately 3 acres of jurisdictional wetlands. In addressing the 'public good' that would come from forgoing the RFP process, Alderman Joe Kelly Levasseur said he has sat on or been involved with the Board of Mayor and Aldermen since 1999, and the site still sits unused. 'Over the last 25 years that I've been involved in city politics, there was one buyer who went in there and had to be foreclosed on,' Levasseur said. 'We've recently just had a big commercial bio fabricator come in and say they were interested, and then go through motions and sales and numbers which took that property off the market for at least a year, and then pulled out. We've been sitting here not collecting property taxes on any of that land for almost 40 years. So we will now have a purchaser and a buyer, the Socha family, who have done amazing work in the city of Manchester.' Alderman Pat Long said Socha Companies has built in the vicinity of the Hackett Hill site. 'They know the land, they know what they need to do with the ledge, and that gives me confidence,' Long said. 'The fact that this is mixed-use — it'd be nice to get a cleaner there. It'd be nice to get a barber. It'd be nice to get plenty of things that will add to the economic development on the West Side.' Levasseur said Socha Companies will be fixing and rebuilding a road that currently goes through the property, at a cost of about $2.5 million. 'We believe that once the Socha family starts to build in there and reconstructs that road, that more developers, commercial developers, home developers, businesses, will have an opportunity to be able to use that road to get to other spots on that property,' Levassuer said. 'I believe there's another 250 acres or so that is still going to be available after this proportion is sold off, so we're looking at finally getting something done. 'Thank goodness I'm going to be having this done while I'm sitting here, because it's been something I've been really, really wanting for a long time.' The first phase of Socha's plan for the site is a 230-unit residential townhouse development to be constructed on Lots 15 & 15D on the west side of the access road. All units will be market-rate rentals with a mixture of two and three bedrooms. The second phase of development will be on Lots 15B and 15C on the east side of the main access road. This development will include an initial mixed-use component on Lot 15C followed by a multi-family development on Lot 15B. Underground parking would be provided in the basement of the buildings for residents. This area would create 48,000 square feet of commercial space and 96 residential units. Lot 15B would then be developed with conventional, mid-rise, multi-family buildings accessed through the mixed-use development on Lot 15C. These buildings are also envisioned to be four-story buildings that will add an additional 96 residential units. All traffic to and from the development will be accessed via the Hackett Hill neighborhood to the north. Socha Companies will need to work with the city to prepare a Traffic Impact Assessment that studies the potential impacts to the Hackett Hill Road and Route 3A roadway networks.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Rochester seeking proposals for manufactured homes
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — A new pilot program to provide Rochester residents with affordable housing was announced on Tuesday, with Mayor Malik Evans requesting proposals for the project. The Request for Proposals (RFP) is requesting home builders with a specialty in modular and HUD-certified manufactured housing to design, manufacture, and deliver nine single-family homes. The homes will be built in Northeast Rochester along Wilder Street, Davis Street, Lewis Street, and High Street. 'Quality housing is the foundation of strong families, thriving neighborhoods, and a prosperous city. We are working every day to make Rochester a city of opportunity for renters, first-time homebuyers, and everyone in between. Testing the feasibility of modular and manufactured housing is just one way we're creatively and strategically working to increase homeownership in the city,' Mayor Malik Evans said during Tuesday's announcement. Mayor Evans: Rochester joining lawsuit against federal government The project is said to explore the potential for lowering the cost of construction and provide high-quality and energy-efficient housing that will provide residents who earn between 80% and 120% of the median earned income the opportunity to become homeowners. Income-qualified homebuyers in the program will also be provided access to Rochester's Home Purchase Assistance Program for assistance with down payments and closing costs. Proposals are due by Monday, July 9 at 4 p.m. Additional details about the RFP and submission requirements can be found on the City of Rochester's website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
City of Lodi to tackle growth at upcoming workshops
Jun. 3—The future begins now for the City of Lodi. City officials will take a first step toward planning future growth when the City Council receives a presentation at today's special meeting outlining development visions for areas within the city's sphere of influence (SOI) and an update to the general plan. The presentation kicks off a three-part workshop series aimed at aligning land use, infrastructure, and financial strategies as Lodi positions itself for responsible, sustainable expansion. The initial workshop, hosted by the Community Development Department, will provide an overview of three major SOI growth areas and introduce the forthcoming Request for Proposals (RFP) to update Lodi's general plan. The RFP will focus on integrated growth management, infrastructure planning, environmental review, and robust community engagement. The three growth areas identified include: Westside Vistion: A proposed 350-unit walkable neighborhood near Kettleman Lane and Lower Sacramento Road. Plans include mixed housing types, open space, commercial areas, and new public safety facilities. An annexation application is already underway. Eastside Vision: An 850-acre business park east of Highway 99, designed to attract employment-generating industries such as light manufacturing and tech. The plan prioritizes transit access and reduced vehicle miles traveled. South Study Area: An 800-acre master-planned residential community south of Harney Lane, with 3,000 housing units, two schools, parks, commercial centers, and smart-growth features. Upcoming workshops will focus on infrastructure and financing, and include: Workshop 2: June 10 Presented by Public Works and Lodi Electric Utility, this session will tackle infrastructure planning — addressing how essential services like water, electricity, and stormwater systems will be extended to the SOI areas, and the challenges involved. Workshop 3: June 17 Led by growth financing expert Michael Colantuono, this final session will examine financial tools to fund growth. Topics include Community Facilities Districts (CFDs), developer fees, and how to ensure that new development pays its own way. What's next? City staff will incorporate feedback from all three workshops into the scope of the general plan RFP, expected to be released later this year. The goal: to ensure that Lodi's growth strategy reflects a shared vision, is fiscally sustainable, and maintains quality of life for residents both current and future. Today's meeting is scheduled for 4 p.m. at Carnegie Forum, 305 W. Pine St.
