These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the City of Reading.
NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS
On or about April 19, 2024, the City of Reading will submit a request to the US HUD for a Request for Release of Grant Funds for HUD Community Development Block Grant funds under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, to undertake the following project:
Project Title: City Park Pond Rehabilitation
Location: City Park, Reading PA
Project Description and Purpose: City Park Pond Rehabilitation: Replacement of the pond liner and reinstallation of a perimeter wall similar to the historic structure. The project will increase the water depth in the pond to 3+ feet throughout, to ensure the exclusion of volunteer cattails. The project will also include installation of a float switch to fill the pond with potable public water as needed and the installation of a recirculating pump to operate the pond’s fountains for aeration. The purpose of the project is to restore and maintain the health of the pond.
Mitigation Measures/Conditions/Permits (if any): The project requires an 8 stage Wetlands Review and DEP permits: G- 3, 11 and Chapter 105 permits for pond impacts.
Estimated Project Cost: CDBG B-23-MC-42-0031 $224,500
Total Estimated Costs: $500,000
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 City of Reading, Community Development Department, 815 Washington Street, Reading, PA 19601, and may be examined or copied weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The review is available electronically for public examination, upon request, to [email protected] .
FINAL NOTICE AND PUBLIC EXPLANATION OF A PROPOSED ACTIVITY IN A WETLAND
This is to give notice that the City of Reading has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order 11990, in accordance with HUD regulations pursuant to 24 CFR Part 55, §55.12(a) and §55.20, respectively) to evaluate practicable alternatives to the proposal and to mitigate potential adverse effects of the project in a Wetland, to determine the potential affect that its activities in the wetland will have on the human environment. The proposed project involves the City replacing the pond liner, reinstalling of a perimeter wall similar to the historic structure, increasing the water depth in the pond to 3+ feet throughout, installation of a float switch to fill the pond with potable public water, and the installation of a recirculating pump.
The City of Reading has considered alternatives and mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values and has determined that it has no practicable alternative and that there will be no significant impact on the environment. The following mitigation measures will be taken:
The City will be in accordance with erosion and sedimentation control plans consistent with Federal, State and local requirements for construction activities in the wetland.
The City will comply with and obtained the required DFEP permits, G3 and G11, and Chapter 105 permit prior to construction.
All future activities will be undertaken in conformance with sound engineering practices to assure minimal impacts to wetlands.
Environmental files that document compliance with steps of Executive Order 11990 are available for public inspection, review and copying upon request at the times and location noted in the last paragraph. The Special Conditions established above should minimize any adverse effects of the wetland on the proposal, and the proposal’s impacts on the wetland.
The proposed project will cause no negligible infringement upon the wetland, and the City of Reading has concluded that the above-referenced projects will not result in new or adverse effects on the natural or beneficial floodplain or wetlands values.
There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in 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. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information about wetlands can facilitate and enhance federal efforts to reduce the risks associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas. Third, as a matter of fairness, when the federal government determines it will participate in actions taking place in floodplains, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the City of Reading, Reading City Hall, Community Development Department, 815 Washington Street, Reading, PA 19601, (610) 655-6423. All comments received by April 19, 2024, will be considered by the City of Reading prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.
ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION
The City of Reading certifies to HUD that Eddie Moran, 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 Reading to use Program funds.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
HUD will consider objections to its release of funds and the City of Reading’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 or other officer of the City of Reading.
(b) The City of Reading has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulation 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 Philadelphia Office of Community Planning and Development at [email protected] . Potential objectors should contact HUD/State to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
