NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS

November 27, 2024

The City of Baltimore – Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)
417 East Fayette Street, Suite 1101
Baltimore, MD 21202
410.396.1228

On or about December 5, 2024, the City of Baltimore will authorize the Baltimore Safe Haven to submit a request to the US Department Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of Community Project Funding (CPF) Grant funds from the Consolidated Appropriations Act FY-2024, Grant Number B-24-CP-MD-1024, to undertake the acquisition of 806 North Collington Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21205 for the purpose of creating twelve units of affordable rental housing for TLGBQIA+ individuals along with space for supportive service delivery, and administrative offices. The total acquisition cost for the building is estimated at $1,730,000.00 from all Federal, State and Private sources. The total Community Project Funding (CPF) grant funding for this undertaking is $1,000,000.00.

The acquisition activities proposed are Categorically Excluded under HUD Regulations at 24 CFR Part 58 from the National Environmental Policy Act requirements. An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for the location is on file at City of Baltimore – Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), 417 East Fayette Street, Suite 1101, Baltimore, MD 21202. All inquiries should be emailed to Joseph.Connor@baltimorecity.gov or via the above phone number.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the City of Baltimore – Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), 417 East Fayette Street, Suite 1101, Baltimore, MD 21202 or via email to Joseph.Connor@baltimorecity.gov. All comments received by December 4, 2024 will be considered by the City of Baltimore – (DHCD) prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.

RELEASE OF FUNDS

The City of Baltimore certifies to HUD that Alice Kennedy in her capacity as the Commissioner of the City of Baltimore – (DHCD) 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 Baltimore Safe Haven to use CPF funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City of Baltimore – (DHCD) 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 Baltimore – (DHCD); (b) the City of Baltimore – (DHCD ) 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 emailed to HUD as follows: Ms. Ebony Madyun, Director, Community Planning and Development Division, Ebony.M.Madyun@hud.gov.  Potential objectors should contact HUD at 410-209-6699, to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Alice Kennedy
Commissioner - The City of Baltimore – (DHCD)