CITY OF EAST LANSING NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS

On or about Thursday, September 29, 2022, the City of East Lansing will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (Pub. L. 93-383), as amended, to undertake a project known as the Emerson Park Improvement Project. The existing site will continue to serve as a public park. Proposed improvements to Emerson Park include: Installing a pavilion with picnic amenities and an electrical outlet for public use, installing a permanent cornhole set up and hammock poles, widening the park's main walkway in order to ensure ADA accessibility, adding ADA accessible walkways to the playground and drinking fountain, adding edging around the playground to decrease park maintenance needs, removal of three dilapidated, non-ADA accessible parking spots (the area where these spots are will be converted into green space), and adding a new ADA accessible on-street parking spot. These improvements will require the removal of three trees (one of which is invasive) and some green spaces areas in Emerson Park. The proposed Emerson Park Improvement Project has total project funding of $111,560.00. Emerson Park is located on Arbor Drive in East Lansing’s Red Cedar Neighborhood (Parcel Number 33-20-01-24-119-003). FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
The City of East Lansing 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 East Lansing, City Hall located at 410 Abbot Rd, East Lansing, MI 48823. Files may be examined or copied weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the City of East Lansing Planning, Building, and Development Department, 410 Abbot Road, East Lansing, MI 48823. All comments can be addressed to Matt Apostle via email at mapostle@ cityofeastlansing.com. All comments received by Thursday, September 29, 2022, will be considered by the City of East Lansing prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice the public is addressing. ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION
The City of East Lansing certifies to HUD that George Lahanas in his capacity of 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. HUD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the City of East Lansing to use CDBG Program funds. OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
HUD will consider objections to its release of funds and the City of East Lansing’s certification received by Friday, October 14, 2022, or a period of fifteen days from its 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 or other officer of the City of East Lansing approved by HUD; (b) the City of East Lansing 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 (e) the City of East Lansing has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 55. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58 or 24 CFR Part 55) and shall be emailed to CPD_COVID-19OEE-DET@hud.gov. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Date: September 14, 2022 George Lahanas, City Manager City of East Lansing
410 Abbot Road
East Lansing, MI 48823

CP#22-200