In April 2023, the Town issued a Request for Proposals for the sale of the Town-owned properties at 26 Shank Painter Road and 15 Brown Street, the current site of the Provincetown Police Station.
The Town received one proposal, from ESP, LLC, a joint venture of Ecotekture Development & Design and Salient Development Corp, and the Town Manager formed an RFP Review Committee to assist in evaluating the proposal and make a recommendation to the Select Board. This committee was composed of various town representatives, including Alex Morse, Town Manager, Tim Famulare, Community Development Director, Erik Borg, Select Board member, Kevin Moss, Chair of the Community Housing Council, and Michela Murphy, Harbor Committee and Historic District Commission member.
The Town expressed a clear interest in the development of year-round market-rate rental units, recognizing the importance of addressing the housing needs of the "missing middle" in Provincetown – residents and workers who fall between traditional affordable housing qualifications and homeownership. The committee members worked diligently to ensure that the proposal aligned with the Town's vision and objectives.
ESP's proposal offers 40 market-rate year-round rental units. Notably, these units will not be tied to state or federal subsidies, ensuring that their affordability is not restricted to specific income levels.
The Select Board reviewed the proposal and the Review Committee’s recommendations and voted to award the sale of the properties at 26 Shank Painter Road and 15 Brown Street to ESP, LLC for the development of deed-restricted, year-round rental housing at their meeting on July 24, 2023.
“I want to thank the members of the RFP Review Committee for their time and contributions to this process,” said Town Manager Alex B. Morse. “There is a real need in Provincetown for year-round rental housing for folks who make too much to qualify for traditional affordable housing, but not enough to purchase a home, and I believe this proposal will help meet that need.”
To protect the long-term affordability and availability of these rental units, the Town will convey the property with a deed restriction. This restriction will prohibit the conversion of units into condominiums and will also prevent the units from being used for short-term rentals.
Awarding the contract to ESP does not bind the Town to the initial proposal's specifics, nor does it result in the immediate conveyance of the properties. The conveyance will only occur once the project has been permitted, financed, and is ready to break ground. Having received the award from the Town, ESP, LLC will now work to refine their plan, meet with Town staff in preparation for the regulatory process, and engage in the regular review process with Town boards to get the necessary public input and approvals to move this project forward.
The Town is excited about the positive impact this proposed housing development will have on our community by creating more opportunities for those seeking year-round rental options. The Town will continue to work closely with ESP, LLC and community members to ensure that the project meets Provincetown’s needs while preserving the unique character of our town.
More details can be found here and the full proposal from ESP, LLC can be viewed here.