The Northampton Board of Public Works (BPW) is soliciting schematic design proposals for Pulaski Park. During construction of the proposed hotel, the rear section of the park will be significantly altered. These changes include filling in the slope leading down to the parking lot, creating emergency vehicle access, and relocating sewer and electric utilities. This work means that the entire back section of the Park will be either new or significantly disturbed. The extent of the impact can be judged from the approved site plan submitted by the hotel, and the associated demolition plan. Both of these documents will be included on an information disc that will be provided to each group responding to this Request for Proposals (RFP).

At the conclusion of the hotel construction, when the back of the park can be reclaimed, the Department of Public Works will need a detailed plan before this work can begin. Given the extent of this work and the age of the present park design, it seems reasonable to take a fresh look at the overall design of the park.

In late 2007, the Pulaski Park Schematic Design Committee developed an overall schematic design that appears to address many of the issues facing the Park. Although there is broad agreement that this design has many merits, there are clearly several ways to approach this opportunity. The BPW recognizes this, and is sincerely interested in considering alternate proposals. Groups responding to this RFP may address the project any way that they believe is appropriate. This may mean only dealing with the disturbed area, or it may include a complete redesign of the Park. Whatever the scope of each proposal, the BPW will give significant weight to plans that maintain or create a coherent vision for the entire park.

More Information:
http://groups.google.com/group/pulaski-park
bobreckman@aol.com