NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS

Date of Notice: March 10, 2025

Name of Responsible Entity: City of Medford, Massachusetts

Address: Medford City Hall, 85 George P. Hassett Drive, Medford, MA 02155

Telephone Number: 781-393-2480

On or about March 19, 2025 the City of Medford will submit a request to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of Community Project Funding (CPF) funds under Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (Public Law 118-42) (the FY2024 Act), and the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (Public Law 118-47), as amended, to undertake a project known as the Hegner Building Renovation for the purpose of renovating the City-owned building located at 15 Maple Park Avenue, Medford to serve as a center for recreational programming as well as a community resiliency hub to respond to resident needs during an emergency. Work will include replacement of HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems, and windows and doors, replacement or repair of the roof as needed, abatement of any hazardous materials present, and renovation of existing rooms. The estimated to cost of the project is $1,350,000, including $850,000 in form of a CPF grant and $500,000 in other City funds.

The activities proposed are categorically excluded under HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58 from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements. An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for this project is on file in the City’s Office of Planning, Development & Sustainability (PDS). The ERR is available for public review online HERE and at City Hall, Room 308, 85 George P. Hassett Drive, Medford, MA.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to PDS by email at OCD@medford-ma.gov or in person at the PDS offices in City Hall, 85 George P. Hassett Drive, Room 308, Medford, MA 02155. All comments received by March 18, 2025 will be considered by the City of Medford prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION

The City of Medford certifies to HUD that Breanna Lungo-Koehn in her capacity as Mayor for the City of Medford 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 Medford to use Program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City of Medford’s 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 Medford; (b) the City of Medford 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 addressed to HUD’s Boston Regional Office, Thomas P. O’Neill, Jr. Federal Building, 10 Causeway Street, 3^rd Floor, Boston, MA 02222-1092.  Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Breanna Lungo-Koehn, Mayor, as Certifying Officer