Date of Publication: September 14, 2023
City of Cranston
845 Park Avenue
Cranston, RI 02910
(401)-461-1000
On or after September 22, 2023, the City of Cranston will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the of release of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-383 (Act), as amended, to undertake the following projects:
Tier 1 Broad Review Project/Program Title: Street Improvements
Purpose: The project will provide funds for street improvements as needed citywide.
Location: All work will take place in eligible Low/Mod Areas citywide, which will be determined later.
Project/Program Description: Street improvements include but are not limited to repaving, installation or replacement of curbing, and installation or replacement of sidewalks. Improvements may also include ADA accessibility improvements.
Tier 2 site specific reviews will be completed for those laws and authorities not addressed in the Tier 1 Broad Level Review for each location under this project when the locations become known.
Level of Environmental Review Citation: Categorically Excluded per 24 CFR 58.35 (a) and subject to laws and authorities at §58.5. 58.35 (a) (1) Acquisition, repair, improvement, reconstruction, or rehabilitation of public facilities and improvements (other than buildings) when the facilities and improvements are in place and will be retained in the same use without change in size or capacity of more than 20 percent (e.g., replacement of water or sewer lines, reconstruction of curbs and sidewalks, repaving of streets).
Tier 2 Site Specific Review: The site-specific reviews will cover the following laws and authorities not addressed in the Tier 1 broad review: Floodplain Management, Wetland Protection, Coastal Zone Management, Environmental Justice, Endangered Species, Clean Air Act, Noise Abatement and Control, Explosive and Flammable Operations, Toxic Chemicals and Radioactive Materials.
Mitigation Measures/Conditions/Permits (if any): All necessary permits will be obtained.
Estimated Project Cost: $194,969 (FY2024)
Tier 1 Broad Review Project/Program Title: Housing Rehabilitation - Citywide
Purpose: The project will provide funds for the needed rehabilitation of eligible owner-occupied houses throughout the city.
Location: Citywide
Project/Program Description: Rehabilitation consists of such as but not limited to roof and gutter replacement; installation of vinyl siding; replacement of windows, water heaters, boilers, furnaces, and installation or replacement of water and sewer lines.
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 58.35(a)(3)(i) & (ii) - Rehabilitation of buildings and improvements when the following conditions are met:
(i) In the case of a building for residential use (with one to four units), the density is not increased beyond four units, and the land use is not changed;
(ii) In the case of multifamily residential buildings:
(A) Unit density is not changed more than 20 percent;
(B) The project does not involve changes in land use from residential to non-residential; and
(C) The estimated cost of rehabilitation is less than 75 percent of the total estimated cost of replacement after rehabilitation.
Tier 2 Site Specific Review: The site-specific reviews will cover the following laws and authorities not addressed in the Tier 1 broad review: Historic Preservation, Floodplain Management, Wetland Protection, Coastal Zone Management, Endangered Species, Clean Air Act, Environmental Justice, Noise Abatement and Control, Explosive and Flammable Operations, Toxic Chemicals and Radioactive Materials
Mitigation Measures/Conditions/Permits (if any): All necessary permits will be obtained. Flood insurance for houses in a floodplain will be required.
Estimated Project Cost: Rehabilitation cost = $318,000 (FY2024)
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. An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for these projects is on file at the Cranston Department of Community Development, 35 Sockanosset Cross Road, Ste. 6, Cranston, RI and may be examined or copied weekdays 830A.M to 430P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to Ernest Tommasiello, etommasiello@cranstonri.org, Cranston Department of Community Development or call 401-780-6240. All comments received by TBD will be considered by the City of Cranston prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.
ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION
The City of Cranston certifies to HUD that the Kenneth Hopkins, 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. HUD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the City of Cranston to use HUD program funds.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
HUD will accept objections to its release of fund and the City of Cranston’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 Cranston; (b) the City of Cranston 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 emailed to CPDRROFBOS@hud.gov. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
Kenneth J. Hopkins
Mayor, Certifying Officer
Ernest Tommasiello
Director, Community Development
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here