Main Line Times, NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS FY 2015 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM LOWER MERION TOWNSHIP July 19, 2015 Lower Merion Township Municipal Building 75 East Lancaster Avenue Ardmore, PA 19003 Tel: 610-645-6271 This notice shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the Township of Lower Merion. TO ALL INTERESTED AGENCIES GROUPS AND PERSONS: On or about August 6, 2015, the Township of Lower Merion will submit a request to the Department of Housing and Urban Development for the release of Community Development Block Grant Program funds under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, to undertake the following FY 2015 Projects: 2015-14 Public Facilities – PALM Senior Center Renovations The Township proposes funding to renovate the Center at 117 Ardmore Avenue, through upgrades to the elevator and fire alarm system, improved LED security lighting and improvements to the sprinkler system. This project will benefit Township Seniors. $80,000. The below listed programs are multi-year projects extending from FY 2015 through FY 2019 where the Township will be carrying out the activities as described in the respective program descriptions. The project areas for each of the below listed programs are listed within each project description. 2015-16 Economic Development: Commercial Assistance Program The Township proposes to continue to offer grant of up to $25,000 to assist local businesses and commercial property owners for working capital or property rehabilitation. Job creation is a component of this program. It is estimated that 5 commercial businesses will be assisted in the designated Ardmore commercial district, generating 8 additional job opportunities for low – moderate income persons during the 2015-2019 Consolidated Planning period. Funding for FY 2015 is $20,000 with annual funding for the next four years estimated to average $25,000 per year. 2015-17 Housing Rehabilitation: Owner Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program The program is intended to preserve the existing housing stock Township-wide by correcting code violations, making handicap accessibility modifications, achieving Housing Quality Standards, reducing lead paint hazards, and increasing energy efficiency in single family homes. It is estimated that 50 homes will be rehabilitated Township-wide during the 2015-2019 Consolidated Planning period. Funding for FY 2015 is $306,291. Annual funding for each of the following four years is estimated at $350,000 per year. 205-18 Affordable Housing Development – Home Purchase Program The Township proposes to provide assistance to a non-profit housing developer to research and acquire properties, lots or buildings, for rehabilitation and resale to low and moderate-income households. It is estimated that 5 homes will be acquired, rehabilitated and sold, Township-wide during the 2015-2019 Consolidated Planning period. Annual funding for each of the next five years is estimated at $50,000 per year from CDBG with additional funds coming from activity Program Income. Actual annual amounts of funding will be identified in the annual action plan. FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT The activities proposed are categorically excluded under HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58 from National Environmental Act (NEPA) requirements. An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for these projects is on file at the Lower Merion Building and Planning Department, Community Development Division at 75 East Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore, PA 19003, and may be examined or copied weekdays 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. An environmental review strategy has been prepared and it has been determined that the only applicable site-specific 24 CFR Part 58.5 and Part 58.6 requirements for the subject programs are: historic preservation, noise control, contamination and toxic substances and flood insurance. Each site shall be reviewed against these factors, with compliance fully documented, before approving any specific loans or grants. PUBLIC COMMENTS Any individual, group or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the Lower Merion Township Department of Building and Planning, Community Development Division, 75 East Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore, PA 19003. All comments received by August 5, 2015 will be considered by the Township of Lower Merion prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing. ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION The Township of Lower Merion certifies to HUD that Ernie B. McNeely, in his official capacity as Township Manager, 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 Township of Lower Merion to use Program funds. OBJECTIONS TO FEDERAL RELEASE OF FUNDS HUD will consider objections to its release of funds and the Township of Lower Merion’s certification received for a period of fifteen days following its actual receipt of the request only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) The certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of Lower Merion Township approved by HUD. (b) The Township of Lower Merion has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulation 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 un¬satisfactory 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 addressed to the Director of Community Planning and Development, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Pennsylvania State Office, Wanamaker Building, 100 Penn Square East, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period. Ernie B. McNeely Township Manager Lower Merion Township 75 East Lancaster Avenue Ardmore, PA 19003 MLT 7/19 1-a
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