September 23, 2024

Project Title: Ellenville Youth Center Feasibility Study 

Overview:

We seek proposals from qualified consultants to conduct a feasibility study assessing the need, demand, and sustainability of a youth facility in Ellenville, NY, serving the Ellenville School District, Roundout Valley School District, Town of Wawarsing, Town of Shawangunk, and Town of Rochester. The study will evaluate the potential for a facility providing diverse services such as after-school care, sports, arts, leadership programs, and community health initiatives.

Project Background:

The Coalition of Forward-Facing Ellenville (COFFE) is a community-based nonprofit organization committed to uplifting the Ellenville region. We work through social service partnerships, community-building initiatives, and fostering cultural and economic progress. One of our current priorities is addressing the lack of comprehensive youth services in the Ellenville area and southeastern Ulster County. While Kingston and Saugerties have Boys and Girls Clubs and a YMCA, and there is a rural YMCA in western Ulster County, there are no such facilities in this region. The significant youth population and economic challenges of the area demand a dedicated facility to provide year-round services for education, recreation, and youth development.

COFFE recognizes the critical need to support young residents and their families by offering accessible, affordable programs that address educational support, athletic development, and social engagement, emphasizing inclusivity for all socioeconomic groups.

Statement of Need:

Ellenville and southeastern Ulster County, where over 20% of the population is under 18, currently lack a comprehensive, year-round youth center. While some programs exist, they are limited and seasonal, and economic barriers further restrict access to paid services for many families. Kingston and Saugerties have both Boys and Girls Clubs and a YMCA, while a YMCA serves rural western Ulster, leaving a significant service gap in this region. A dedicated youth facility would address this gap by offering affordable or subsidized services for educational, recreational, and social development, contributing to the long-term growth and resilience of the community.

Scope of Work:

• Demographic and Community Needs Assessment:

  • Conduct an in-depth analysis of the youth population in Ellenville, Ellenville School District, Roundout Valley School District, Town of Wawarsing, Town of Gardiner, Town of Shawangunk, and Town of Rochester, focusing on key demographics such as age, income, and education levels.

  • Assess the socio-economic conditions and barriers to youth program participation, including income and poverty rates.

  • Engage with stakeholders, particularly the Ellenville School District, parents, and youth organizations, to gather insights on current service gaps and potential demand for new services.

• Program Feasibility and Offerings:

• Identify the types of programs that will best serve the youth in the community, such as after-school care, sports leagues, STEM education, arts, leadership programs, and summer camps.

• Analyze successful programs in similarly sized communities to determine which offerings can be replicated in Ellenville.

• Provide recommendations for partnerships with the Ellenville School District and existing organizations like the Ellenville-Wawarsing Youth Commission to expand the range of services offered.

• Site Feasibility Study:

• Conduct a comprehensive site analysis to assess the suitability of available land or buildings for the proposed youth facility.

• Evaluate the site's existing conditions, including topography, environmental factors, and access to utilities.

• Review local building codes, zoning regulations, and permitting processes to determine the feasibility of constructing or renovating a youth facility on the site.

• Comparable Programs and Alternatives Analysis:

• Conduct a comprehensive analysis of existing youth facilities in comparable communities, examining their program success, operational models, and challenges.

• Offer alternatives to building a new facility, such as expanding existing facilities or partnering with local schools or organizations to provide enhanced services.

• Provide insights into youth facility models that could inspire the proposed facility in Ellenville, focusing on cost efficiency, community engagement, and program outcomes.

• Financial and Sustainability Analysis:

• Propose financial models for facility operation, including membership structures, sliding scale fees, and grant funding.

• Identify potential public-private partnerships, state and federal funding opportunities, and local government contributions.

• Include a sustainability plan to ensure the long-term viability of the facility.

Deliverables:

• A comprehensive report covering the feasibility of the youth facility, including program recommendations, demographic analysis, site feasibility, and financial models.

• High-quality renderings of the proposed facility, including both interior and exterior designs.

• Review of a final draft of the report by COFFE and stakeholders before finalizing the study.

• Presentation of findings and recommendations to COFFE and relevant stakeholders.

Proposal Requirements:

• Description of the consultant’s relevant experience and qualifications.

• Proposed methodology and timeline for completing the scope of work.

• Budget estimate, including a breakdown of fees and anticipated expenses.

Proposal Submission Deadline: October 7, 2024

Contact Information:

Coalition of Forward Facing Ellenville (COFFE)

Attn: Zach Baum

Email: hello@coffeellenville.org

Phone: 262-496-2602