NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS

Posted

February 8, 2024

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 February 27, 2024 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: Padula Square Improvements, located at the intersection of West Pontiac and Pontiac Streets in the East Natick section of Warwick (~41.720995 -71.486600).  The purpose of the project to be undertaken is to provide traffic calming in the densely populated neighborhood, restrict larger trucks from accessing the small neighborhood streets, and make streetscape improvements to Padula Square with a more plaza feel as outlined in the East Natick Neighborhood Master Plan.  The estimated cost of the project is $255,000 ($90,000 PY2020 CDBG/HUD funds and $165,000 of ARPA 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 melissa.j.foley@warwickri.gov. All comments received by February 26, 2024 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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