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NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS and Finding Of No Significant Impact Page

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS and Finding Of No Significant Impact

Date of Publication: April 26, 2023
City of Norwalk
Norwalk Redevelopment Agency
3 Belden Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06850
203 854-7810 ext. 46784

On or after May 8, 2023 the Norwalk Redevelopment Agency will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of Project Based Vouchers under Section 8 and with implementing regulations at 24 CFR Part 982 to undertake the following project: Oak Grove (formerly known as Colonial Village Phase II) located at 164 West Cedar Street. The Norwalk Housing Authority is requesting the use of eighteen (18) Project Based Vouchers to provide ongoing rental assistance to qualified tenants living in the new development. The Oak Grove project includes the new construction of 19 buildings to include 69 residential units at various levels of affordability ranging from 30% to 80% of area median income and one community center. The Norwalk Housing Authority is co-developing Oak Grove with Heritage Housing, Inc. and expects the development to be available for occupancy in late 2024.

The proposed activities to be funded under this program are categorically excluded from the National Environmental Policy Act requirements, but subject to compliance with some of the environmental laws and authorities listed at § 58.5 of 24 CFR Part 58. Environmental Review Records (ERRs) that document the environmental determinations for these projects are on file at the Norwalk Housing Authority, 24 ½ Monroe Street, Norwalk, CT 06854 and may be examined or copied weekdays 9:00 A.M to 4:30 P.M.

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

SRW Environmental Consulting, LLC was hired by the Norwalk Housing Authority in order to perform an Environmental Assessment for the noted project. SRW has determined that the project, including the environmental mitigation activities outlined, will have no significant impact on the human environment. The Norwalk Redevelopment Agency, as the responsible entity for the City of Norwalk agrees with the consultant's determination. 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 Norwalk Housing Authority, 24 ½ Monroe Street, Norwalk, CT 06854 and may be examined or copied weekdays 9:00 A.M to 4:30 P.M.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERRs to Stephen Ivan, Norwalk Redevelopment Agency, 3 Belden Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06850 or via email to Sivan@norwalkct.org. All comments received by May 8, 2023 at 5:00 PM will be considered by the Norwalk Redevelopment Agency prior to authorizing submission of a Request for Release of Funds and Environmental Certification to HUD. Please indicate which program is being commented on. A public hearing will be conducted on Monday, May 8, 2023 at 3:00 PM. Members of the public are encouraged to speak at this meeting. Please contact Lisa Endo at lendo@norwalkha.org or by phone at 203-810-5625 at least 24 hours prior to the hearing for instructions on how to access the hearing. Language assistance is available upon request.

RELEASE OF FUNDS - Environmental Certification

The Norwalk Redevelopment Agency, City of Norwalk certifies to HUD that Harry W. Rilling in his official capacity as Mayor of the City of Norwalk 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 Norwalk Housing Authority to utilize federal funds and implement the Programs.


OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City of Norwalk's certification for a period of fifteen days following either the anticipated submission date (cited above) or HUD's actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if the objections are on one of the following bases: (a) that the Certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the City of Norwalk (b) the Norwalk Redevelopment Agency, 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 City of Norwalk has committed funds or incurred costs not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD; (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), and may be addressed to HUD as follows: HUD at One Corporate Center 20 Church Street, 10th Floor Hartford, CT 06103-3220. Potential objectors may contact HUD directly to verify the actual last day of the objection/comment period.

Harry W. Rilling, Mayor of Norwalk
Certifying Officer