CITY OF CRANSTON NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS

Posted

To All Interested Agencies, Groups and Persons:

ON or about June 3, 2022, the City of Cranston, Rhode Island will request the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to release Federal Funds for activities authorized under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (PL-93-383), as amended, for the following:

Amendment to 2021-2022 Action Plan:

To add new activities:

-Itri Square community park revitalization- located at the corner of Cranston Street and Phenix Avenue in the City of Cranston RI.  Purpose of project is to increase function and leisure space by redevelopment of existing landscape features to include removing gazebo, seating, walkways and refurbishment with new lighting, seating, shade shelters, pergola, plantings, water fountain, park benches as well as the repaving of roads and expanding curbs and walkways connecting to Itri Square. CDBG funds for this revitalization program -$437,000.00 

-12 Howard Street, Cranston, RI- This single family uninhabited property would be demolished using CDBG funding listed below in order to redevelop this address into a single family three bedroom domicile which will then be sold to a low to moderate income first time homebuyer.  Total estimated non HUD funds to be used through RI Housing application conducted by Pawtucket Central Falls Development is $425,000.00.  CDBG Funds for demolition of this property is $30,000.00

-31 Fletcher Avenue, Cranston RI-This existing single family uninhabited property is city owned and after demolition will return to its natural state in perpetuity.  This property has been identified as a severe repetitive flood location and the city wishes to restore the natural and beneficial value of the floodplain and maintain water absorption to the area. CDBG funds for this demolition is $30,000.00

Total CDBG funds $497,000.00

Total NON CDBG funds $ 425,000.00

The activities proposed are categorically excluded under HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58 from National Environmental Policy Act requirements. An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for these is on file at the Cranston Dept. of Community Development where the ERR can be examined weekdays 8:30AM. to 4:30PM.

Public Comments

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the Environmental Review Record to the Cranston Dept. of Community Development, Director Timothy G. Sanzi via email tsanzi@cranstonri.gov or by calling 401-780-3266. All comments received by June 2nd, 2022, will be considered by the City of Cranston prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.

Release of Funds

The City of Cranston will undertake the activities described above with Block Grant funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for activities authorized under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (PL-93-383), as amended. The City is certifying to HUD that the Mayor in his/her official capacity, 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 the Block Grant funds.

Objection to Release of Funds

HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City'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 Chief Executive Officer of the City of Cranston; (b) the City 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 has committed funds or incurred costs 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) and shall be addressed to HUD Regional Office, O'Neill Federal Bldg., IO Causeway St., Boston, MA 02222, via email to the HUD environmental group at cpd_covid-19-19oee-bos@hud.gov. No objection received after 15 days from the date the request for release of funds was received by HUD will be considered by HUD. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

City of Cranston, Department of Community Development
35 Sockanosset Cross Road, Ste. 6, Cranston, RI 02920, 780-6240

 

KENNETH J. HOPKINS
Mayor

TIMOTHY G. SANZI
Community Development Director

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