Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact and Notice of Intent to Request Release of Funds
These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the by the City of Erie (City).
REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS
On or about January 12, 2023 the City will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) funds under Title II of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act of 1990 to undertake a project known as Hammermill Village for the purpose of new construction of 40 dwelling units on the currently vacant site of the former Hammermill Paper Plant at 1318 East Lake Road, City of Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania 16507. It will expand housing choice by creating desperately needed general occupancy, workforce, special needs and, homeless
opportunities for residents in need. The 40 housing units would be created, including 1 bedroom and 3-bedroom apartments in townhome style buildings situated in a welcoming meandering village like setting on the property. The project would consist of primarily affordable general occupancy work force, special needs, and homeless housing on the former Brownfield
Industrial site. Proposed HOME funding: $300,000.
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
The City of Erie has determined that the project will have no significant impact on the human environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required. Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file with the City of Erie and can be accessed online at
https://cityof.erie.pa.us.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to Debra Smith, Department of Economic and Community Development, 626 State Street, Room 404, Erie, PA 16501, or by email to dsmith@erie.pa.us. All comments received by January 11, 2023, will be considered by the the City prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.
ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION
The City certifies to HUD that Joseph V. Schember, Certifying Officer, in his capacity as Mayor of the City of Erie, consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. HUD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the the City to use Program funds.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
HUD will accept objections to its release of fund and the City’s certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the of the City; (b) the City has omitted a step or failed to
make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 58; (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a
written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to the HUD Pittsburgh Field Office of Community Planning and Development (CPD), Attn: Phillip McKeough, CPD Director, by phone at (412) 644-5846, or by email to phillip.e.mckeough@hud.gov. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.