Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity in a Protected Floodplain To: All Interested Agencies, Groups, and Individuals This is to give notice that the New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) intends to use federal HOME funds and Project-Based Vouchers from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for Oneonta Heights. Housing Visions Consultants, Inc. proposes new construction of six buildings and the rehabilitation of one building, for families and persons 62 or older, with 60 residential units, on scattered sites in the City of Oneonta, Otsego County. The project is an intergenerational project that will provide 20 units of rental housing for families through the development of (6) buildings with off-street parking and green space, and 40 units of quality rental housing for persons 62 or older in a new construction single building. Public water and sewer are available at the site. Site work will include clearing, grading and excavation, construction of driveways, parking areas and sidewalks, finish grading and landscaping. No project buildings will be located within the floodplain, only a small portion of the Spruce Street Extension Access Road will affect the floodplain. The developer of the project considered all practicable alternatives to the proposed project site including; locations outside and not affecting the floodplain and alternative methods to serve the identical project objective. Practicability of alternative sites were evaluated in according to the following aspects: Natural values such as topography, habitat, and hazards; Social values such as aesthetics, historic and cultural values, land use patterns, and environmental justice; and Economic values such as the cost of space, construction, services, and relocation. The developer chose the proposed project site based on site availability. The project site work did not originally propose disturbance of the floodplain, but the City's Fire Department required the gravel road to be paved for additional emergency access to the project site. The floodplain impacts have been minimized to the maximum extent practicable, and limited to only minor unavoidable impacts of floodplain (0.08 acres). The grading plan was designed to not affect how the floodplain would operate and drain. The impact of filling a small portion of the floodplain has been mitigated by designing a stormwater infiltration basin to treat and detain runoff from the proposed site. This detains the runoff that would otherwise flow into the floodplain area. This notice is required by Section 2(b) of Executive Order 11988 for Floodplain Management, and is implemented by HUD Regulations found at 24 CFR 55.20(c) for the HUD action that is within and/or affects a floodplain area. HCR is reviewing the action for its effects on the floodplain, for alternatives to development in a floodplain area, and for consistency with federal, state and local policies and regulations on development in floodplains. HCR invites all interested persons to participate in the decision whether to assist with federal funds this proposed development. In addition to this publication, this notice with a request for comment has been sent to the regional office of the NYSDEC. The dissemination of information about floodplains can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas. Additional information may be obtained by contacting Sara-Melissa Conklin, HCR Environmental Analysis Unit, at (518) 486-7564 or Sara-Melissa.Conklin@nyshcr.org. Written comments must be received by HCR at the following address on or before December 14, 2015, Environmental Analysis Unit, NYSHCR, Hampton Plaza, 38-40 State Street, Albany, New York 12207. December 7, 2015
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