Finding of No Significant Impact and Notice of Intent to Request a Release of Funds – Gafney Home Senior Affordable Housing Project

Finding of No Significant Impact and Notice of Intent to Request a Release of Funds – Gafney Home Senior Affordable Housing Project

March 31, 2022

The City of Rochester
31 Wakefield St.
Rochester, NH 03867
603-335-7519

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

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS

On or about Tuesday, April 12, 2022 the City of Rochester will submit a request to the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority for the release of NH CDFA Community Development Block Grant funds under Title I of the Community Development Act of 1974, Public Law 93-383, to undertake a project known as the Gafney Home Senior Affordable Housing Project for the purpose of renovating the former nursing home located at 90 Wakefield St., Rochester, NH 03867 to create individual affordable housing units for low-income senior residents.

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

The City of Rochester 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 the City of Rochester’s Office of Economic & Community Development, 33 Wakefield St., Rochester, NH 03867 and may be examined or copied weekdays 9 AM to 5 PM.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the City of Rochester’s Office of Economic & Community Development. All comments received by  Monday, April 11, 2022 will be considered by the City of Rochester prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.  Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION

The City of Rochester certifies to NH Community Development Finance Authority that Blaine Cox in his capacity as City Manager 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. NH CDFA’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the City of Rochester to use Program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

NH CDFA will accept objections to its release of fund and the City of Rochester’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 Rochester (b) the City of Rochester 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 NH CDFA; 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 NH CDFA at 14 Dixon Ave., Suite 102, Concord, NH 03301. Potential objectors should contact NH CDFA to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Blaine Cox, City Manager