Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity in a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Designated Floodplain

To:  All interested Agencies (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Michigan State Housing and Development Authority (MSHDA), Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Water Resources Division (WRD) and the City of Lansing, Michigan.

This is to give notice that HUD under 24 CFR Part 50 has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order 11988, as amended by Executive Order 13690, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 in Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Wetlands Protection. The activity is funded under HUD’s Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) Program. The proposed project is located at 220 E. Kalamazoo Street in Lansing, Ingham County, Michigan and is located in a Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) according to FEMA National Emergency Flood Hazard Layer Map 26065C0131D effective 8/16/2011 and confirmed through an ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey. The proposed project includes the demolition of the current (vacant) commercial building which is currently partially located within the 100-yr floodplain and the existing parking lot, and the construction of a new 4-story, approximately 20,406SF building containing 63 residential units and approximately 2,130SF of commercial space. The proposed project will provide 28 RAD Project-based Rental Assistance (PBRA) units, 28 project-based Voucher (PBV) units and 7 market rate rental units. The proposed building will be constructed in the western portion of the site, outside of the 100-yr floodplain; however, the northern portion of the proposed paved parking lot and the driveway off will be Cherry Street will be located within the 100-yr floodplain; the remainder will be developed with sidewalk or maintained as landscaped yard

The Lansing Housing Commission and HUD considered three other properties that met the initial site selection conditions for the proposed project; however, the sites were declined due to not being available for purchase or timing and demolition cost restraints. No equivalent practicable alternative locations were identified for this project.   The following mitigation measures to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial functions and intrinsic values of the existing floodplain are planned for the project:

• Proposed construction will elevate the parking lot above the 100-year floodplain and create additional greenspace along the eastern property boundary to mitigate flooding an increase permeable ground surface for groundwater recharge.
• The proposed building will be oriented in the western portion of the property out of the floodplain and all relevant building mechanicals (HVAC, cogeneration, hot water heating, and all other systems) and all residential units are designed to be above the 500-year floodplain. Two entrances to the parking lot, one from Cherry Street (within the 100-year floodplain) and the other from S. Grand (outside of the 500-year floodplain) are planned in the event of flooding. 

The Lansing Housing Commission and HUD have reevaluated alternatives to building in the floodplain and has determined that it has no practicable alternative to floodplain development. Environmental files documenting compliance with Executive Order 11988, as amended by Executive Order 13690, are available for public inspection, review and copying upon request at the times and location delineated in the last paragraph of this notice for receipt of comments.

There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in floodplain and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment should be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about floodplain can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks and impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas. Third, as a matter of fairness, when the Federal government determines it will participate in actions taking place in floodplain, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.

Written comments must be received by HUD at the following address on or before December 11, 2024: HUD Office of Recapitalization, Metcalfe Federal Building, 77 W. Jackson Blvd, Room 2301, Chicago, IL 60604, Attention: Ladrenna A. Figueroa, Branch Chief or via phone at (312) 913-8290. A full description of the project may be reviewed upon request from the HUD Office of Recapitalization at the address stated above. Comments may also be submitted via email at Ladrenna.A.Figueroa@hud.gov.

Date: December 4, 2024