NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS (NOIRROF) ON OR ABOUT AUGUST 9, 2022- request to release community development block grant funds under Title 1 of Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 as amended. SEE ATTACHED FOR MORE DETAIL
NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS (NOIRROF)
July 28, 2022
Town of Leicester
Office of Development and Inspectional Services
3 Washburn Square
Leicester, MA 01524
508-892-7007
TO ALL INTERESTED AGENCIES, GROUPS AND PERSONS;
On or about August 9, 2022, the Town of Leicester will submit a request to the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) for the release of Community Development Block Grant funds under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 as amended, for the purpose of the following project(s):
FY 2021 Leicester Community Assistance Program:
1. Leicester HA Access Drive Site Improvements
The project is to rehabilitate approximately 900 – 1,000 l.f of road surface to the access ways within the Housing Authority property along with the approximately four (4) catch basins. Other site improvements include replacement of approximately four (4) adjacent paths and laundry asphalt surfaces connected to access roads, and installation of approximately 112’ x 4’ chain link fence. Total CDBG funds: Approximately $180,000.
2. Housing Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation of approximately 12 housing units in the Towns of Leicester and Barre (6 each), Massachusetts. Improvements will include repair and/or replacement of basic building systems, lead and hazardous materials abatement, removal of architectural barriers, and corrections to sanitary code and building code violations. Total CDBG funds: Approximately $360,000.
The activities proposed are categorically excluded under HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58 from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements. An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for this project is on file at the Office of Development and Inspectional Services, Leicester Municipal Building, 3 Washburn Square, Leicester, MA and may be examined or copied weekdays from 9 A.M. to 4 P.M. with prior arrangement by calling (508)892-7007.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the Office of Development and Inspectional Services. All comments received by August 8, 2022, will be considered by Alaa Abusalah, Environmental Certifying Officer, prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.
RELEASE OF FUNDS
The Town of Leicester certifies to the DHCD that Alaa Abusalah, in her official capacity as Environmental Certifying Officer, consent 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. The DHCD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the Town of Leicester to use Program funds.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
The DHCD will accept objections to its release of funds and the Town of Leicester’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 Town of Leicester;
(b) The Town of Leicester 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 the DHCD; 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. 55.76) and shall be addressed to the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development at 100 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA 02114. Potential objectors should contact the DHCD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
Alaa Abusalah, Environmental Certifying Officer
Office of Development and Inspectional Services
3 Washburn Square
Leicester, MA 01524
508-892-7007