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

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS

On or about September 18, 2024, the City of Boston, acting through its Mayor’s Office of Housing (MOH), and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, acting through its Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC), will individually submit requests to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of Federal funds through the HOME Investment Partnerships Program pursuant to the authority of Title II of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act, as amended (t42 U.S.C. 12701 et seq.). The developer anticipates seeking federal HOME funds and future awarding and release of Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) funds under Section 8, The Housing Act of 1937, as amended for the following project:

495 Dot Ave:  495 Dot Ave. (the ‘Project’), located at 495 Dorchester Avenue in South Boston, MA, is the proposed new construction of a 7-story, 94-unit income-restricted mid-rise building for seniors, as well as a 237-unit market rate, 16-story residential building, both joined by a shared podium. The Project will contain approximately 326,000 square feet of gross floor area, including approximately 11,710 square feet of ground-floor retail/commercial space and 88 below-grade parking spaces. The senior mid-rise building will have dedicated amenities and services common to service-enriched senior housing as well as full access to shared amenities within the planned community, such as a gym, social activities, retail services, and newly created open space. The programming will include supportive services to enhance the resident experience and quality of life and to maintain independent living as they age. Rogerson Communities has agreed to be the services partner for the Project and will bring its very thorough program of services coordination and dedicated and community-based services to this senior community.  The total project cost is approximately $257,500,000, including up to $2,000,000 in federal HOME funds from the City of Boston. The developer anticipates seeking federal HOME funds (and Project Based Vouchers from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts). 

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) on file at the MOH Compliance Unit, 12 Channel Street, 9th Floor, Boston, MA, or at EOHLC, 100 Cambridge St, Suite 300, Boston, MA, 02114, and may be examined or copied weekdays 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., excluding legal holidays.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the MOH Compliance Unit, 12 Channel St, 9th Floor, Boston, MA 02210, via email at erresponse@boston.gov, or to EOHLC, 100 Cambridge St, Suite 300, Boston, MA 02114 (dan.tobyne@mass.gov).  All comments received by September 17, 2024 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, in her official capacity as Mayor, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts certifies to HUD that Catherine Racer, in her official 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. HUD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities, and allows the City of Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to use Program Funds. 

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City of Boston’s 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: 

• The certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of either the City of Boston or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts;
• the City of Boston or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts  has omitted a step or failed to make a decision of finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58;
• 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
• 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 emailed to the Environmental Officer, US Department of Housing and Urban Development, at CPDRROFBOS@HUD.gov.  Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Mayor, City of Boston

1 City Hall Plaza

Boston, MA  02201

Catherine Racer, Associate Director

Department of Housing and Community Development

100 Cambridge Street

Suite 300

Boston, MA 02114