NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNFICANT IMPACT AND
NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS
October 1, 2024
City of Grand Rapids
300 Monroe Avenue NW
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
Phone: (616) 456-3677
TDD: (616) 456-3001
These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken in the City of Grand Rapids.
REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS
On or about October 17, 2024, the City of Grand Rapids will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of federal HOME Investment Partnerships-American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) funds under Title II of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act of 1990, as amended, to undertake the following project within the City of Grand Rapids, County of Kent:
Verne Barry Place Rehabilitation
40, 46, 48, 50, and 60 South Division Avenue
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
This project involves the rehabilitation of the existing mixed-use building located at 40, 46, 48, 50, and 60 South Division Avenue in the Heartside District of Grand Rapids. The building includes 116 rental units, eight (8) commercial spaces, a community room, and a community garden that is within an internal courtyard. The rehabilitation will cost approximately $26,473,000. Up to $400,000 in City HOME-ARP funds is reserved for this project.
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
The City of Grand Rapids has determined that the project will have no significant impact on the human environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required. Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) which is available for review at the City of Grand Rapids City Hall, 300 Monroe Avenue NW, Suite 460, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, upon request. Please contact Ben Grostic, City of Grand Rapids, at (616) 456-3236 or at bgrostic@grcity.us for further information.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the City of Grand Rapids, attention Suite 460, at the address listed above or to communitydev@grcity.us. All comments received by October 16, 2024 will be considered by the City of Grand Rapids prior to authorizing submission of the request for release of funds. Comments should specify which notice they address.
ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION
The City of Grand Rapids certifies to HUD that Mark Washington, in his capacity as City 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 City of Grand Rapids to use Program funds.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City of Grand Rapids’ 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 Grand Rapids; (b) the City of Grand Rapids 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 addressed to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Detroit Field Office, Keith E. Hernandez, Director, Community Planning and Development, 477 Michigan Avenue, Suite 1600, Detroit, MI 48226 or DetroitCPD@hud.gov. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
Mark Washington, City Manager
City of Grand Rapids
300 Monroe Avenue NW
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503