NOTICE OF INTENT TO RELEASE FUNDS
January 5, 2024
City of Norwalk, CT
125 East Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06851
305-622-8000
On or about January 12, 2024, the City of Norwalk will submit a request to HUD for the release of Choice Neighborhoods funds under to undertake a project known as 47-53 Water Street - NHA Office Fit Out for the purpose of creating a new office space for the Norwalk Housing Authority. The proposed project includes acquisition of 47 and 53 Water Street and renovations of the property to convert it into a new office space. Renovations would include the roof replacement, replacement and/or repair of damaged windows and windowsills utilizing in kind materials, modifications to the entryway, interior renovations to build out office spaces, HVAC reconfiguration, electrical work to reconfigure lighting and outlets, plumbing work and other various minor interior repairs. Included in this project are activities that are classified as Exempt or CENST, such as rental income and public housing operating subsidy and maintenance and operations of the facility.
Project Location: 47-53 Water Street, Norwalk, CT
Estimated Grant Funding Amount: $2,900,000
Estimated Total Funding: $3,100,000
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 this project is on file at
City of Norwalk
125 East Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06851
and may be examined or copied weekdays 9 A.M to 5 P.M. A copy of by contacting Stephen Ivan, Housing Development Project Manager at Sivan@norwalkct.gov or 203-505-8925.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the City of Norwalk, Stephen Ivan, Housing Development Project Manager at Sivan@norwalkct.gov or 203-505-8925. All comments received by seven days after publication will be considered by the City of Norwalk prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.
ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION
The City of Norwalk certifies to HUD that Harry Rilling in their 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 Norwalk to use Program funds.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
HUD will accept objections to its release of fund and the City of Norwalk'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 Norwalk; (b) the City of Norwalk 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 HUD Hartfield Field Office at
One Corporate Center
20 Church Street
10th Floor
Hartford, CT 06103-3220
Or by contacting HUD Field Environmental Officer Suzanne Piacentini, Hartford Field Office at suzanne.piacentini@hud.gov or 860-240-9700.
Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
Harry Rilling, Mayor, Certifying Officer