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4.25.2023 Notice of Proposed Activity Near Wetland

COMBINED NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS AND FINAL NOTICE AND PUBLIC EXPLANATION OF A PROPOSED ACTIVITY NEAR A WETLAND

FINAL NOTICE AND PUBLIC EXPLANATION OF A PROPOSED ACTIVITY
NEAR A WETLAND

This is to give notice that the Norwalk Redevelopment Agency has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order 11990, in accordance with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Wetlands Protection. This notice is for Project Based Vouchers (PBVs) administered through the City of Norwalk. The project known as Oak Grove (formerly Colonial Village Phase II), located at 164 West Cedar Street, Norwalk, CT which comprises approximately 7.79 acres and will include the new development of 19 buildings providing approximately 69 mixed-income residential units and one community center, utility connections, landscaping, parking, solar component, rain garden, and walking path.

Three wetlands and one watercourse are present within the subject area and were delineated by Tighe & Bond. The buffer areas of the wetlands and watercourse will be indirectly impacted by the development, walking path, landscaping, and rain garden. No direct impacts to the wetlands or watercourse are anticipated. However, the project includes restoration of the wetlands by removal of litter and replacement of invasive plant species with native plant species.

Norwalk Redevelopment Agency considered alternatives and mitigation measures to the proposed project to minimize adverse impacts and to preserve natural and beneficial values of the wetland. One alternative considered was to have the proposed project completed one year earlier but this alternative was rejected due to the number of permits and development contracts required. A second alternative considered was to not include solar panels. This option was rejected as the ability to provide more overall project efficiency was desired. The project was deliberately designed so there were no direct wetland impacts.

Norwalk Redevelopment Agency has reevaluated the alternatives to the proposed work near the wetland and has determined that the project has no practicable alternative. Environmental files that document compliance with steps 3 through 6 of Executive Order 11990, are available for public inspection, review and copying upon request at the times and location delineated in the last paragraph of this notice for receipt of comments.

There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in wetlands and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment should be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about wetlands can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks and impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas. Third, as a matter of fairness, when the Federal government determines it will participate in actions taking place in wetlands, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.

Written comments must be received by the City of Norwalk, 125 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT, 06851, Attention: Stephen Ivan, Housing Development Project Manager on or before May 8, 2023. A full description of the project may be received by email by contacting Stephen Ivan at sivan@norwalkct.org . Comments may also be submitted via email to sivan@norwalkct.org.

Date: April 26, 2023