December 29, 2016

Combined Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact and Notice of Intent to Request Release of Funds

December 29, 2016

City of San Diego
1010 2nd Avenue, East Tower, Suite 1200, MS 413
San Diego, CA 92101
619-578-7474

This notice, which is published in the San Diego Union Tribune and posted on the San Diego Housing Commission’s website, shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the City of San Diego.

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS

On or about January 14, 2016, the City of San Diego will submit a request to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of approximately $5,250,000 in HOME program funds under Title II of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act of 1990 as amended, and to approve the use of forty-nine (49) Project-Based Housing Vouchers under the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998, to undertake a project known as Lofts at Normal Heights located at 3808 El Cajon Boulevard in the Normal Heights community of San Diego. The funds will be used to construct a 50-unit affordable housing development targeted to homeless veterans and individuals.

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

The City of San Diego 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. An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for this project is available for review at the San Diego Housing Commission office, 1122 Broadway Avenue, Suite 300, San Diego, CA  92101 open on Housing Commission business days between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. To review the ERR, contact the Housing Commission at 619-578-7474. This information is also available in alternative formats for persons with disabilities.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency disagreeing with this determination or wishing to comment on the project may submit written comments to the San Diego Housing Commission, Attn: Cameron Shariati, or by sending email comments to Camerons@sdhc.org. All comments received by close of business on January 13, 2016, will be considered 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 San Diego certifies to HUD that Alyssa Muto in her capacity as Deputy Director 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 San Diego to use HOME program funds and project-based vouchers.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City of San Diego’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 San Diego; (b) the City of San Diego 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 has committed funds or incurred costs 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) and shall be addressed to HUD at: Director, Office of Community Planning and Development, 300 N. Los Angeles St., Suite 4054, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Alyssa Muto, Deputy Director, Planning Department