CAPE ELIZABETH — An ad hoc committee formed last December to conduct a comprehensive review of the town’s open space is soliciting proposals for an analysis of the costs and benefits of housing growth and development versus open space preservation.

The Future Open Space Preservation Committee was formed by the Town Council to help implement the Open Space chapter of the Comprehensive Plan.

The 10-member committee is comprised of three community members, two councilors, and representatives from the Ordinance Committee, the Conservation Commission, the Planning Board, the Cape Farm Alliance and Cape Elizabeth Land Trust.

Town Planner Maureen O’Meara said the request for bids is one of nine goals the group has on its agenda.

It is also charged to conduct a public workshop with the Cape Farm Alliance and the Cape Elizabeth Land Trust to discuss open space protection and sustainable farming, and will work to develop definitions of rural areas and open space.

Members will conduct a comprehensive review of vacant lands to determine which areas have the most important habitat features and recreational opportunities, and which parcels should be preserved to ensure the town retains its rural character.

Proposals for the cost-benefit analysis should be sent by email to O’Meara by Friday, June 24, at 3:30 p.m. The FOSP analysis subcommittee will review the bids at a June 29 meeting, and will interview for short-listed proposals on July 8 from 8-11 a.m. and July 13 from 5-6 p.m.

Questions regarding the bid and scope of work should be directed to O’Meara.

Amy Anderson can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 110 or aanderson@theforecaster.net. Follow her on Twitter: @amy_k_anderson.