December 9, 2024
City of Springfield
36 Court Street
Springfield, MA, 01103
(413) 750-3229

On or about December 17, 2024 the City of Springfield will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the release of Community Project Funding Grant (CPF) funds under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (P.L. 118-42) and the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (P.L. 118-47) to undertake a project known as Union Station Streetscape for the purpose of improving roadway safety for vehicular and pedestrian travelers through improved crosswalks, signage, and lighting. Additionally, elements of green infrastructure including street trees will provide beautification and increased sustainability of the improved streetscape. More Specific activities include: bioretention curb extensions, new tree plantings, re-designed tree wells using porous pavement, low-maintenance landscaping, and more.

Estimated funding: $4,116,279.00

Project location: The general area surrounding 55 Frank B. Murray St, Springfield, MA 01103. Specific locations are as follows: Lyman St. and Dwight St. intersection; Lyman St. from Chestnut St. to Dwight St.; Main St. and Frank B. Murray St. intersection; Liberty St. from Main St. to Dwight St.; Dwight St. from Frank B. Murray St. to Liberty St.; Chestnut St. and Liberty St. intersection; Railroad side-slope at Chestnut St. between Lyman and Liberty St.; Chestnut St. and Lyman St. intersection; and Dwight St. from Carew St. to Congress St.

The activities proposed are categorically excluded under HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58 from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements. A certificate of appropriateness will be issued. An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for this project is on file at 36 Court Street, Springfield, MA, 01103 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 Department of Technical Assistance and Compliance. All comments received by December 16th, 2024 will be considered by the City of Springfield prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION
The City of Springfield certifies to HUD that Domenic J. Sarno 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 Springfield to use Program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City of Springfield’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 Springfield; (b) the City of Springfield 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 U.S. Department of HUD, Office of Community Planning and Development, Thomas P. O’Neil Jr. Federal Building at 10 Causeway Street, Boston, MA 02222.  Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Domenic J. Sarno, Mayor 
City of Springfield

November 12, 2024
City of Springfield
36 Court Street
Springfield, MA, 01103
(413) 750-3229

These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the City of Springfield.

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS
On or about November 28, 2024 the City of Springfield will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) funds under Title II of the Cranston-Gonzales Affordable Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. §§202 et seq. to undertake a project known as Residences at the Vault for the purpose of rehabilitation and maintenance of two (2) buildings. The first building is 310 State Street which was the Federal Home Loan Bank building located in the downtown Springfield metro neighborhood. We have applied and received approval to individually list this historic building on the national register and have received approval from Mass Historic and the National Park Service. It is our plan to convert this vacant commercial building into 52 residential apartments. The 2nd nearby building is 878 Worthington St located in the Worthington Historic District which is an existing eight (8) unit apartment building which we plan to rehab resulting in 8 new 3BR apartments. When complete, Residences at the Vault will have an on-site office and 60 new apartments.

Estimated funding: $3,600,00

Project location: 310 State Street and 878 Worthington Street, Springfield MA 01105

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
The City of Springfield 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 36 Court Street Room 405, Springfield, MA 01103 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 Department of Technical Assistance and Compliance. All comments received by November 27, 2024, will be considered by the City of Springfield prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION
The City of Springfield certifies to HUD that Domenic J. Sarno 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 Springfield to use Program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City of Springfield’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 Springfield; (b) the City of Springfield 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 U.S. Department of HUD, Office of Community Planning and Development, Thomas P. O’Neil Jr. Federal Building at 10 Causeway Street, Boston, MA 02222. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Domenic J. Sarno, Mayor
City of Springfield