December 22, 2022
City of Warwick
Office of Housing Community & Development
3275 Post Road
Warwick, Rhode Island 02886
(401) 921-9688
These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the City of Warwick.
REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS
On or after January 12, 2023 the City of Warwick Office of Housing & Community Development will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the release of Community Development Block Grant funds under Title [1] of the Housing and Community Development Act of [1974], to undertake the following project: Oakland Beach Playground, Splash Pad, and Stormwater Improvements, located at at the end of the area commonly referred to as the Oakland Beach Midway (Oakland Beach Avenue) and near the intersection of Oakland Beach Avenue and Stender Avenue (~41.684268 -71.39552) on Warwick Tax Assessor’s Plat & Lots Plat/Lot – 375/562 & 376/549. The purpose of the activity is to remove the existing playground equipment and foundation walls from a previously abandoned section of the boardwalk. The activity further calls for the installation of new playground features with corresponding pervious safety surface (poured in place rubber), the installation of a seasonal splash pad with integrated shade structure on a concrete pad, ADA compliant walkways and access points, site furnishings including tables, benches, and trash receptacles, coastal dune restoration along the beach and boardwalk. In addition, the City proposes to create stormwater improvements that will capture the run-off from the facility and from Oakland Beach Avenue aiding in improving the water quality of Greenwich Bay. The estimated cost of the project is $1,200,000.00 ($575,000 CDBG/HUD funds and $625,000 State of RI funds).
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
The City of Warwick 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 the City of Warwick’s Office of Housing & Community Development, 65 Centerville Road, Suite I (2nd Floor), Warwick, RI 02886 where the record is available for review and may be examined or copied weekdays 8:30 A.M to 4:30 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the City of Warwick Office of Housing Community Development, 3275 Post Road, Warwick, RI 02886. Comments can also be emailed to william.r.facente@warwickri.gov. All comments received by January 11, 2023 will be considered by the City of Warwick prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.
RELEASE OF FUNDS
The City of Warwick certifies to HUD that Mayor Frank J. Picozzi, in his capacity as Mayor 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 Warwick Office of Housing & Community Development to use Program funds.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City of Warwick’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 City of Warwick; (b) the City of Warwick 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 HUD Region 1 at CPD_COVID-19OEE-BOS@hud.gov or via the following address:
Community Planning and Development
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Boston Regional Office, Region 1
Thomas P. O’Neill Jr. Federal Building, 3rd Floor
10 Causeway Street, Boston, MA 02222-1082
617-994-8374
Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
Frank J. Picozzi, Mayor
City of Warwick
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