ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW & NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS
DATE OF NOTICE: June 5, 2021
RESPONSIBLE ENTITY: City of Pittston
ADDRESS: City Hall, 35 Broad St., Pittston, PA 18640
TELEPHONE: 570-654-4601
On or about June 14, 2021 the City of Pittston will request that the PA Dept. of Community and Economic Development (DCED) release federal HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) funds under Section 228 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (NAHA) to undertake the below projects:
Tier 1 Broad Review Project/Program Title: Housing Rehabilitation Program, Citywide, Multi-Year (2020-2024).
Purpose: Homeowner rehab
Location: Within the City of Pittston, specific addresses will be assessed in the site-specific reviews.
Project/Program Description: Rehabilitation will 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. 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 Project Cost: Estimated DCED funding: $400,000 (FY20 $300,000 HOME; FY21 $25,000 CDBG; FY22 $25,000 CDBG, FY23 $25,000 CDBG; FY24 $25,000 CDBG)
The activities proposed are categorically excluded under HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58 from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements per 24 CFR 58.35(a). An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for this project is on file at the City of Pittston’s website at 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 35 Broad St., Pittston, PA 18640 or jchacke@pittstonrda.com. All comments received by June 13, 2021 will be considered by the City prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.
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 HOME 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.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: Tier ERR HOME Housing Rehab
Michael Lombardo, Mayor