NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNFICANT IMPACT
AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS
Date of Notice: March 5, 2023
Grantee Name: Town of Cicero
Address: 1634 S. Laramie Ave.
Cicero, IL 60804
Telephone: 708-656-8223
These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the Town of Cicero.
REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS
On or about 3/21/2023 the Town of Cicero Department of Housing will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Funds (CDBG-CV), for the following project: Town of Cicero Inclusion Park, for the purpose of constructing an Inclusion Park to be built on land owned by the Town of Cicero at 1834-1940 South Laramie Avenue, Cicero, Illinois. The general scope of the proposed development includes demolition and site preparation (as necessary) and the construction of the recreational park. The Inclusion Park will include a new parking lot, paved walkways with appropriate lighting throughout the park, new rubber ground in the playground areas, and the installation of new playground equipment which will be inclusive for those with disabilities and for use with disability aides. The proposed project will benefit the low to moderate income neighborhoods and local area. The goal of the project is to provide a playground and recreational area for both children and adults which will play host to community activities and promote physical wellness and social health. The Inclusion Park will positively impact the low to moderate income residents as it will provide a cost-free option for physical activity and positive social interactions. The Inclusion Park will also convert currently vacant industrial/commercial land into a recreational space which will beautify the surrounding area and provide recreational opportunities to students at the adjoining school and residents of the surrounding area. The Town of Cicero is requesting the release of $569,373.59 from the CDBG-CV grant awarded to the Town to go towards this project.
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
The Town of Cicero 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 Town of Cicero Department of Housing; 1634 S. Laramie Avenue, Cicero, IL 60804 and may be examined or copied Monday to Thursday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The ERR is also available on the Town’s website at www.thetownofcicero.com/departments/housing-department. PUBLIC COMMENTS Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to Argelia Marquez, Assistant Grant Administrator for the Town of Cicero Department of Housing, amarquez@thetownofcicero.com. All comments received by 3/20/2023, will be considered by the Town of Cicero Department of Housing prior to authorizing submission of a Request for Release of Funds and Environmental Certification to HUD.
ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION
The Town of Cicero Department of Housing certifies to HUD that Tom M. Tomschin in his official capacity as Executive Director for the Town of Cicero Department of Housing, 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 Town of Cicero Department of Housing to utilize federal funds and implement the project.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
HUD will consider objections to its release of funds and the Town of Cicero Department of Housing certification for a period of fifteen days following either the anticipated submission date (cited above) or HUD’s actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if the objections are on one of the following bases: (a) that the Certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the Town of Cicero Department of Housing; (b) the Town of Cicero Department of Housing has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58; (c) the Town of Cicero Department of Housing has committed funds or incurred costs not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD; (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
CPD_COVID-19OEE-CHI@hud.gov, Attention: Donald Kathan, Director, Community Planning and Development U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Potential objectors may contact HUD directly to verify the actual last day of the objection/comment period.
Tom M. Tomschin, Executive Director
PDF: NOI-RROF_TOC_INCLUSION PARK
Environmental Assessment
Determinations and Compliance Findings
for HUD-Assisted Projects
24 CFR Part 58
Project Information
| Project Name: | Inclusion Park (1834-1940 Laramie Avenue) |
| HEROS Number: | 900000010243305 | |
| Responsible Entity (RE): | Town of Cicero, 4915 W. 25th Street, Cicero, IL, 60804 | |
| RE Preparer: | Mr. Jose Alanis |
| State / Local Identifier: | 2019-0028-915 |
| Certifying Officer: | Mr. Tom Tomschin | ||
| Grant Recipient (if different than Responsible Entity): N/A | |||
| Point of Contact: N/A |
| Consultant (if applicable): Specialty Consulting, Inc. |
| Point of Contact: | Ms. Chrystine Shelton |
| Project Location: | 1834-1940 S Laramie Avenue, Cicero, IL 60804 (see Figure 1) |
For the complete Findings, please Click Here.