NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS
May 2, 2022
City of Pittston
35 Broad St., Pittston, PA 18640
Telephone Number: 570-654-4601
On or about May 11, 2022, the City of Pittston (City) will request that the PA Dept. of Community and Economic Development (DCED) release federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) (Public Law 116-136), signed into law on March 27, 2020 for the program listed below.
Tier 1 Broad Level Review Project/Program Title: CARES Act Regional Housing Rehabilitation Program, Multi-Year Program (2023-2026)
Purpose: The CARES Act Housing Rehabilitation Program will include a regional approach to keeping seniors, persons with disabilities and those adults with home or health conditions that could be impacted by COVID-19 from having to move into congregate living arrangements and housing modifications for individuals and families that have health conditions negatively impacted by or susceptible to COVID-19 such as asthma, lead and other environmental conditions. In addition, the program will provide consultations related to COVID mitigation strategies at home by Preferred Care at Home of Pittston.
Location: The following communities within Luzerne and Lackawanna County will be participating in this regional program; the City of Pittston, Borough of Avoca, Borough of Exeter, Borough of Hughestown, Jenkins Township, Borough of Laflin, Borough of West Pittston, Borough of Wyoming, Borough of Dupont, Borough of Duryea, Pittston Township and Borough of Taylor (Lackawanna County).
Project Description: Rehabilitation may include but not be limited to window/door removal and replacement, replacement of flooring, removal/replacement of roof components and gutters, improvements to HVAC systems, improvements to electrical and plumbing systems, improvements to kitchen areas including removal/replacement of cabinets and appliances, implementation of lead-based paint hazard controls and/or other environmental hazard remediation/mitigation measures, improvements to bathrooms including removal/replacement of tubs, sinks, vanities and toilets as well as ADA improvements, improvements to interior walls including new sheetrock and painting, exterior improvements including the installation of vinyl siding and painting, porch improvements and sidewalk/walkway improvement, as well as other similar general housing improvement work. Program rehabilitation activities will not increase density beyond four units, change the land use, or increase a building footprint in a floodplain or
wetland. The City estimates that 45 homes will be rehabilitated via this program from 2023 to 2026 using CDBG-CV funds.
Tier 2 site specific reviews will be completed for those laws and authorities not addressed in the tier 1 broad review for each address under this program when addresses become known.
Level of Environmental Review Citation: 24 CFR Part 58.5(a)(3)(i)
Tier 2 Site Specific Review: The site-specific reviews will cover the following laws and authorities not addressed in the Tier 1 broad review: contamination and toxic substances, historic preservation, noise and environmental justice.
Mitigation Measures/Conditions/Permits (if any): not applicable
Estimated DCED funding: $900,000
The activities proposed are categorically excluded under HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58, but are subject to National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements. An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for this project is on file at City Hall, 35 Broad St., Pittston, PA where the ERR may be examined or copied weekdays 9 AM to 4 PM and online at the City’s website https://www.pittstoncity.org/pittston-city- departments/office-of-community-development/.
.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to Joseph Chacke at the above address or jchacke@pittstonrda.com. All comments received by May 10, 2022, will be considered by the City prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.
ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION
The City certifies to DCED that Michael Lombardo, 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. DCED’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the City to use CDBG-CV Program funds.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
DCED will accept objections to its release of fund and the City of Pittston’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 name of the City of Pittston; (b) the City of Pittston 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 DCED; 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 in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to the Department of Community and Economic Development at: chrhowe@pa.gov Potential objectors should contact DCED to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
Michael Lombardo, Mayor
Certifying Officer