NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNFICANT IMPACT AND

NOTICE OF INTENT REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS

Posted Date: February 23, 2024

Name of Responsible Entity (RE)/Grantee Name: City of Connellsville

 Address: 110 North Arch Street, Connellsville, PA  15425

Telephone: 724-628-2020

Email: jmedwards@zoominternet.net

 These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by City of Connellsville, Pennsylvania.

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS

On or about March 14, 2024 City of Connellsville will submit a request to the Department of Community and Economic Development for the 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:

Woodruff Park Renovation This proposed project is to replace ball field and backstop fencing and gates, construct two new wood frame lean-to dugouts with metal roofing, install LED lighting on existing poles, replace bathroom toilets, urinals, sinks, and partitions in existing restroom building, replace shingle roof with metal roof on existing restroom building and install new basketball poles with backboards and hoops on existing court. The estimated CDBG FY2022 funding for this project is $228,000.00.

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

City of Connellsville 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) on file at Redevelopment Authority of City of Connellsville         124 West Crawford Avenue, Connellsville, PA  15425; and may be examined or copied weekdays   M-F, 9 A.M to 5 P.M.                                               

 

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to Redevelopment Authority of City of Connellsville 124 West Crawford Avenue, Connellsville, PA  15425. They may also email Michael Edwards at jmedwards@zoominternet.net.  All comments received by                   March 14, 2024 will be considered by City of Connellsville prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION

City of Connellsville certifies to DCED that Greg Lincoln in his capacity as Mayor of the City of Connellsville, PA, 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 City of Connellsville to use Program funds.

 

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

State will accept objections to its release of funds and City of Connellsville’s certification for a period of eighteen (18) days following the anticipated submission date of March 15, 2024, 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 City of Connellsville (b) the Responsible Entity 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 DCED; 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 Department of Community and Economic Development, Office of Community Development, 4th Floor, Commonwealth Keystone Building, 400 North Street, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120.  Potential objectors should contact DCED to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

 

Greg Lincoln, Mayor,

City of Connellsville

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January 8, 2024

 

CITY OF CONNELLSVILLE

SYNOPSIS OF PROPOSED FFY 2023 COMPETITIVE CDBG ACTIVITY & NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

 

Notice is hereby given that the City of Connellsville will conduct a public hearing at 4:30 on Tuesday, January 16th, 2024, at Connellsville City Council Chambers (110 North Arch Street, Connellsville, PA  15425).  The purpose of the hearing is to obtain citizen views and comments on the City’s proposed use of CDBG Competitive funds, to receive any complaints or grievances regarding the City’s use of CDBG funds. This meeting is accessible to individuals with disabilities and/or for persons with Limited English Proficiency.  If you wish to attend and require special accommodations, please notify the Redevelopment Office 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at 724 626 1645 or jmedwards@zoominternet.net to make such arrangements.

 

The City of Connellsville proposes to submit an application to the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development requesting grant funding in the amount of $125,000 under the FFY 2023 Pennsylvania CDBG Competitive Program on or before February 2, 2024.

 

The Mayor & City Council are currently considering proposed activities which include:

 

West Crawford Avenue Storm Sewer Project to include:  installation of storm water lines between Pittsburgh Street and Arch Street along West Crawford Avenue in the City of Connellsville, PA                                        $110,000

Administration                                           $15,000

 

The City Council of the City of Connellsville is expected to consider approval of the submission of the application on Tuesday, January 16th at 5:00 pm at 110 North Arch Street, Connellsville, PA 15425.

 

J. Michael Edwards

Executive Director

 

December 21, 2023

Equal Housing Opportunity

NOTICE OF INITIAL PUBLIC HEARING

CITY OF CONNELLSVILLE

FFY 2023 PENNSYLVANIA COMPETITIVE

 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM

 

The City of Connellsville will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, January 2nd at 4:30 p.m. in Council Chambers, Connellsville City Hall, 110 N. Arch Street, Connellsville, Pennsylvania for the purpose of receiving comments on the Community Development and Housing needs of the City that may be addressed through the use of Pennsylvania Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Competitive funds.

The purpose of the hearing is to discuss the CDBG program in general, the needs of the City of Connellsville that can be met with CDBG funding, and performance under the previously funded CDBG program years and the Three-Year Community Development Plan.

The City expects to apply for CDBG Competitive FFY 2023 funding in the approximate amount of $125,000.  At least 70% of the funds must be used to benefit low and moderate-income persons.  The proposed activities must benefit at least 51% low-moderate income persons in a service area to qualify as an eligible project.

The following types of activities may be eligible for funding under the CDBG Program:  water and sewer line replacement and improvements; housing rehabilitation; construction or improvement to community facilities and improvements such as community centers, roads, sidewalks and recreational facilities; public services; blight removal; removal of architectural barriers; code enforcement; economic development; acquisition of property in support of other activities; demolition; and general administration.

Any occupiable housing units that are demolish must be replaced by the City.  The City does not intend to cause displacement.  However, should displacement occur, compensation will be made available to displaced residents and businesses in accordance with the City’s Anti-Displacement and Relocation Policy, which is available for review at the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Connellsville during regular business hours.

All interested parties are invited to attend the public hearing and make known their views with respect to the needs to be addressed by the 2023 CDBG Competitive Program or to send written comments to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Connellsville, 124 West Crawford Avenue, Connellsville, PA  15425 by January 8th at 4:00 p.m.  A form is available on line (www.connellsvilleredevelopment.org) and in the office to assist in the formulation of a request.  This meeting is accessible to individuals with disabilities and/or for persons with Limited English Proficiency.  Persons requiring special accommodations to facilitate participation in the hearing may call 724 626 1645, 72 hours prior to the hearing.

 

J. Michael Edwards 

Executive Director

 

 

                            CONNELLSVILLE REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

124 West Crawford Avenue   Connellsville, Pennsylvania 15425-3043         Phone: (724) 626-1645 Fax: (724) 626-1649

 

FINAL NOTICE AND PUBLIC EXPLANATION OF PROPOSED ACTIVITIES IN 100 YEAR/500 YEAR FLOODPLAINS AND/OR WETLANDS

TO:  ALL INTERESTED AGENCIES, GROUPS AND INDIVIDUALS:

This is to give notice that the City of Connellsville, PA has conducted evaluations as required by Executive Order 11988 an/or 11990, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Wetlands Protection.  The activity is funded under FY 2021 CDBG Program (Contract Number:  C000085032).  The proposed action involves recreation improvements at an existing recreation facility known as Woodruff Park along Connell Avenue in Connellsville, Fayette County, PA.  The action will provide funding to replace ballfield and backstop fencing and gates, construct two new wood frame lean-to dugouts with metal roofing, install LED lighting on existing poles, replace bathroom toilets, urinals, sinks and partitions in existing restroom building, replace shingle roof with metal roof on existing restroom building, and install new basketball poles with backboards and hoops on existing court. The total area involved in a Special Flood Hazard Area 42051C0214E (Zone AE) floodplain is approximately two (2) acres.

The City of Connellsville, PA has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values:  relocation and/or revision of the activity and no action were considered; however, it was determined that neither of these options would provide the same benefit as the activity/ies involve improvements of existing facilities.  The City of Connellsville, PA has re-evaluated the alternatives to undertaking this activity in floodplains and/or wetlands and has determined that it has no practicable alternative.  Environmental files that document compliance with steps 3 through 6 of Executive Order 11988 and/or 11990, are available for public inspection, review and copying upon the request at the times and location delineated in the last paragraph of this notice for receipt of comments.

There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in floodplains and/or wetlands and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment should be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas. Commenters are encouraged to offer alternative sites outside of the floodplains and/or wetlands, alternative methods to serve the same project purpose, and methods to minimize and mitigate impacts. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public education tool.  The dissemination of information and request for public comment about floodplains and/or wetlands can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks and impacts associated with occupancy and modification of those special areas. Third, as a matter of fairness, when the Federal government determines it will participate in actions taking place in floodplains and/or wetlands, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.

Written comments must be received by City of Connellsville at the following address on or before December 29, 2023:  Redevelopment Authority of the City of Connellsville (RACC) at 124 West Crawford Avenue, Connellsville, PA  15425 and (724) 626 – 1645; Attention:  J. Michael Edwards, Executive Director.  A full description of the project may also be reviewed on weekdays from 9:00 am – 12 noon and 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the address above.  This location is accessible to persons with disabilities. Every effort will be made to provide the needed materials to all residents, including LEP person, as needed.  Comments may also be submitted by email to jmedwards@zoominternet.net.

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EARLY NOTICE AND PUBLIC REVIEW OF A PROPOSED ACTIVITIES IN A 100-YEAR/500-YEAR FLOODPLAIN AND/OR WETLAND

 

TO:  ALL INTERESTED AGENCIES, GROUPS, AND INDIVIDUALS:

This is to give notice that the City of Connellsville, PA has determined that the following proposed actions under the FY 2022 CDBG program (Contract Number: C000085032) are located in a 100-year/500-year floodplain and/or wetland and City of Connellsville, PA  will be identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action in the floodplain and/or wetland from the proposed action, as required by Executive Order 11988 and/or 11990, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C  Procedures for Making Determination on Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands.

 

The proposed action involves recreation improvements at an existing recreation facility known as Woodruff Park along Connell Avenue in Connellsville, Fayette County, PA.  The action will provide funding to replace ballfield and backstop fencing and gates, construct two new wood frame lean-to dugouts with metal roofing, install LED lighting on existing poles, replace bathroom toilets, urinals, sinks and partitions in existing restroom building, replace shingle roof with metal roof on existing restroom building, and install new basketball poles with backboards and hoops on existing court. The total area involved in a Special Flood Hazard Area 42051C0214E (Zone AE) floodplain is approximately two (2) acres.

 

The City of Connellsville, PA is reviewing the above action involving recreation improvements whereas the existing facilities or a portion of the facilities are located in a predicted floodplain and/or wetland area located in City of Connellsville, for their effect on passage of floodwaters, alternatives to floodplain development, and for consistency with federal, state, and local policies and regulations on floodplain management. 

 

There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in floodplains and/or wetlands and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment should be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas. Commenters are encouraged to offer alternative sites outside of the floodplains and/or wetlands, alternative methods to serve the same project purpose, and methods to minimize and mitigate impacts. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public education tool.  The dissemination of information and request for public comment about floodplains and/or wetlands can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks and impacts associated with occupancy and modification of those special areas. Third, as a matter of fairness, when the Federal government determines it will participate in actions taking place in floodplains and/or wetlands, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.

 

Written comments must be received by City of Connellsville at the following address on or before November 27, 2023:  Redevelopment Authority of the City of Connellsville (RACC) at 124 West Crawford Avenue, Connellsville, PA  15425 and (724) 626 – 1645; Attention:  J. Michael Edwards, Executive Director.  A full description of the project may also be reviewed on weekdays from 9:00 am – 12 noon and 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the address above.  This location is accessible to persons with disabilities. Every effort will be made to provide the needed materials to all residents, including LEP person, as needed.  Comments may also be submitted by email to jmedwards@zoominternet.net.