Notice of Intent to Request Release of CDBG Funds

On or about June 30, 2013 the City of Providence acting through its Department of Planning and Development will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of Neighborhood Stabilization Program III funds.

The Neighborhood Stabilization Program III (NSP III) is authorized by Section 1497 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (Dodd-Frank). The NSP III provides emergency assistance to the City of Providence to redevelop foreclosed properties that might otherwise become sources of abandonment and blight within communities. The Program will allow community developers to purchase foreclosed or abandoned homes, to rehabilitate, resell, or redevelop homes, to demolish properties and redevelop sites, and to develop commercial and industrial sites in order to stabilize neighborhoods and stem the decline of house values and disinvestment within the target areas.

NSP III FUNDING:

Olneyville Housing Corporation CHANGE OF PLAN from previous Public Notice* to merge portions of and subdivide AP 62 Lots 310, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315 and 317 into three lots for three single family homes. The addresses of the lots are 15R, 17 (garage will be demolished), 19, 19R, 21, 23 and 25 Audrey St.

(*Rehabilitation, demolition and/or new construction of 11 Bowdoin and 18, 22-20, 21, 19, 315, 23, 25 Audrey. Six new single family homes.)

The activities proposed are categorically excluded under HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58 from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements. An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for these projects and are on file at 444 Westminster Street, Suite 3A, Providence, Rhode Island 02903 and may be examined or copied weekdays 8:30 A.M to 4:30P.M.

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

The City of Providence has determined that this project will have no significant impact on the human environment. Therefore, and Environmental impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the Department of Planning and Development, 444 Westminster Street, Suite 3A, Providence, Rhode Island 02903. All comments received by June 30, 2013 will be considered by the City of Providence prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.

RELEASE OF FUNDS

The City of Providence certifies to HUD that Angel Taveras, in his capacity as Mayor, 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 City of Providence to us Program Funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

HUD/Massachusetts State Office will accept objections to its release of funds and the Responsible Entity'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 City of Providence; (b) the City's Environmental Review Record 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/Massachusetts State Office; 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 HUD/Massachusetts State Office at 10 Causeway Street, Boston, MA 02222-1092. Potential objectors should contact HUD/Massachusetts State Office to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

James S. Bennett
Economic Development Director

Angel Taveras
Mayor, City of Providence

For the complete notice, click here.