Notice Of Finding Of No Significant Impact And Notice Of Intent To Request Release Of Funds

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS

On or about February 11, 2025 the City of Boston and the Massachusetts Executive Office of Livable Communities (“EOHLC”) will each  submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the release of HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds under Title II of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (NAHA) of 1990, as amended; Community Development Block Grant funds authorized by Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended; Community Project Funding grant under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (Public Law 118-42), as amended to undertake a project known as the St. Mary’s Center Redevelopment Project at 90 Cushing Ave. in Dorchester, Massachusetts. The project will receive an estimated $1.2 million in federal HOME funds from the City of Boston and an estimated $1.2 million in federal HOME funds from EOHLC.  Additionally, the project will receive both 4% and 9% federal low-income tax credits and will be developed by three entities: 90 Cushing Limited Partnership, 90 Cushing North Four Limited Partnership, and 90 Cushing North Nine Limited Partnership. The project will also receive federal project-based operating subsidy through HUD’s Rental Assistance Demonstration, Section 8 or other programs.

The project will occur in two primary phases. The first phase includes demolition of certain existing structures and development of a 71-unit, affordable rental housing building for families previously experiencing homelessness. The second phase will include a full gut rehabilitation of two existing buildings and construction of space for two family shelter programs serving about 51 families.  The project will also include landscaping of the outdoor common areas and play spaces. Total project costs are estimated at $98,874,396.

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

The City of Boston has determined for itself and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts concurs 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) and can be made available for review electronically by submitting a request via email to the City of Boston at james.quealy@boston.gov or to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts at jessie.permar@mass.gov.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the Environmental Review Record to the DND Compliance Unit at james.quealy@boston.gov, or to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts at jessie.permar@mass.gov.  All comments received by February 10, 2025 will be considered by the City of Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts 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 Boston certifies to HUD that Michelle Wu, as Mayor, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts certifies to HUD that Catherine Racer, in her capacity as Certifying Officer, 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 and HUD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities, and allows the project  to use HUD program funds for the purpose specified.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City of Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' certification for a period of fifteen (15) 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 the City of Boston or the Commonwealth of MA; (b) the City of Boston or the Commonwealth of MA 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 project have 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 via email in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to Office of CPD - HUD at Bosenvironmental@hud.gov. Potential objectors should contact the HUD office via email to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Michelle Wu, Mayor

One City Hall

Boston, MA 02201

Catherine Racer, Undersecretary

EOHLC

100 Cambridge St., # 300

Boston, MA 02114