104-24 Exhibits-Economic Development Counsultant - 2024.pdf

Tab 9: Addendum Detailed Scope of Work This section includes information on Nishuane Group proposed approach and scope of work fo undertake as the Economic Development Consultant for the Township pf West Orange.

Scope of Work Introduction: Our intention is to provide professional consulting and support services in all areas involving economic development. Our goal is to contribute towards the economic revitalization and consequent success of West Orange, including such as job growth, business attraction and a flourishing local economy. Our approach is designed to be responsive, innovative, and considerate based on our deep knowledge and understanding of the Township of West Orange economic development and planning needs, and our drive to use state- of-fhe art tools, best practices, and practioner techniques to engage municipal and public stakeholders throughout various processes. We will connect private stakeholders, including developers and investors, with the Township's Administration to coordinate development that is desirable and sustainable. Our extensive experience in both planning and economic development matches seamlessly with the Township's needs. Craig Sawyer, who Nishuane Group has collaborated with on numerous projects over the past 10 years, on our team will spearhead the development of a thorough economic analysis to assess existing conditions and potential economic development opportunities. The economic analysis will include a market evaluation for the Township of West Orange. We will provide a clear picture of the existing economic climate, as it relates to the Township's ability to thrive. Mr. Sawyer extensive economic development experience including holding an Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) designation and Main Street Downtown Revitalization certification offers a unique vantage point for the Township as it embarks on implementing economic strategies for development and redevelopment. This professional experience in community economic development will serve the Township well as we to help the municipality identify and forge new partnership opportunities to spur economic development catalytic projects throughout the West Orange. The entire project team will be engaged in strategizing new economic opportunities. Whether it is assessing tourism strategies to make West Orange a premier designation of Essex County and the North Jersey region or evaluating placemaking opportunities at shopping centers, we will utilize our collective toolbox to leverage West Orange as ‘The Place’ to conduct business. 41

Scope of Work Specific Economic Development Task Responsibilities: The following is a brief list of tasks that Nishuane Group will provide expertise in completing. Tasks assigned by the Township shall not to limited to this list; this list serves as a primary items that we will assess and prepare on behalf of the Township: Economic Development strategies and analysis 5-Year Economic Development Strategic Plan Economic Development Action Plan Demographic/economic data research Maintain database of businesses/employers Business retention and expansion Attraction of new business Serve as a liaison for partnerships with the Mayor, Administration, Developers and Investors Retail gap analysis Planning Assistance and Master Plan review Smart Growth / Redevelopment tools On-going oversight and coordination of development projects Transportation and infrastructure Collaboration with grant writers. 42

Scope of Work Economic Development Specific Tasks: + 5-Year Economic Development Strategic Plan: * Asacollective team, we will coordinate the preparation of a 5-Year Economic Development Strategic for West Orange. This strategic plan will outline the existing economic conditions of the Township, analyze the issues that West Orange faces. Many of the tasks and responsibilities of the scope will inform this plan: 0 Economic Development Action Plan: As a key part of the 5-Year Plan, our team will prepare a short term (one year) Action Plan. This action plan will propose incremental goals and activities to augment West Orange's economic vitality. These goals and activities shall consist of brief events and easily implementable objectives, such as fairs and festivals to feature local entrepreneurs, ‘pop-up’ events at vacant commercial spaces and ongoing activities that contribute towards the 5-Year Plan. ° Demographic and economic data research and analysis: Using Claritas-Environics Analytics by Spotlight, Census and other sources, we will gather the most recent data regarding housing, demographic and socio-economic status, and workforce data. ° o Establish a database of businesses and major employers in the Township: Steven Martini will be assigned to prepared a comprehensive data of businesses and significant employers in West Orange. Through the development of this database, we will evaluate if there are any clusters of industries within the business community, and further, recommend ancillary businesses that will continue to grow those high performing industry clusters. ° o Business Retention and Expansion: o Our team will utilize the review of the business and employer database, as well as the industry cluster analysis, to determine the economic health of businesses in West Orange. Further, with businesses suffering from financial losses and lack of patrons, we will conduct outreach to assess their needs and weaknesses. For businesses experience success and growth, we will assist in determine appropriate and market-competitive locations for new, larger spaces or satellite establishments. This will be vetted via a thorough site selection and due diligence process. o Attract new business to West Orange: o Based on the analysis and synthesis of the data collected, we will identify recommendations of types of businesses that should be located in

iligence process. o Attract new business to West Orange: o Based on the analysis and synthesis of the data collected, we will identify recommendations of types of businesses that should be located in the Township. * Serve as a liaison for partnerships with the Mayor, Administration, Developers and Investors * We will advise the Mayor and Administration in engaging and maintaining existing partnerships of stakeholders and real estate development professionals, and facilitate new partnerships, and determine strategies to bolster the local workforce and hire locally. * Our teams will recommend the highest and best uses of specific sites, while simultaneously act on behalf of West Orange to ensure that appropriate, attractive, and sustainable development will transpire from these agreements. * We will provide our municipal technical experience network 43

Scope of Work Economic Development Specific Tasks (continued): + Retail Gap Analysis: * In order to understand Township-wide needs regarding retail goods and services, we will conduct a retail gap analysis. In this analysis, we will evaluate the types goods and services in which residents leave West Orange to purchase (also known as “leakages”) and the types that have a stronger presence in the Township (also known as “surpluses”). These findings will demonstrate the missing retail categories that the Township should attract to keeping those consumer spending dollars within West Orange. * Planning Assistance and Master Plan Review: + Insupporting the economic development initiatives in the Township, we will provide planning assistance services. This shall consist of reviewing and implementing goals and objectives from the Township Master Plan, and if necessary, prepare a re-examination of the Master Plan that will address issues related to local economic growth, sustainability, and community development. In further working to streamline and facilitate business growth in the Township, We will review and recommend new land uses to introduce into certain zoning districts and craft regulations to ease the process to bring in and attract new businesses while streamlining processes in making West Orange an easy place to do business + Smart Growth and Redevelopment Tools: * Our team will evaluate strategies in promoting Smart Growth Planning Principles in West Orange. Further, in efforts to removing any blighting conditions or underutilized sites, and consequently, achieve desirable redevelopment projects, we will identify any sites that should be investigation as a potential ‘area in need of redevelopment’. For example, obsolete underutilized areas (such as underperforming golf courses, underutilized industrial areas or vacant office parks) in efforts to catalyze the highest and best uses of prime land in the Township. Lastly, he will research make recommendations regarding incentives to bring new business into West Orange. * On-going oversight and coordination of development projects: * We will provide project management services for oversight and coordination of development projects as directed by the Mayor or Business Administrator. * Transportation and infrastructure support: * Our team will work close with the Township to provide support services in

n of development projects as directed by the Mayor or Business Administrator. * Transportation and infrastructure support: * Our team will work close with the Township to provide support services in determining any initiatives related to transportation, accessibility, mobility, and other infrastructural needs that will assist in spurring new economic growth and activity. * Collaboration with grant writers: + As needed, our team will assist grant writers in preparing proposals for grants of economic opportunities and programs as release by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and other state and national agencies.

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