CITY OF MESA PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS AND NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
Date of Publication: May 29th, 2025
These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the name of RE or grant recipient.
REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS
On or about June 16, 2025, the City of Mesa will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Planning and Development for the release of Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) funds under Title III of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act, as amended, to undertake the following project:
NSP1
NSP1 established by Section 2301(b) of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (Pub. L.110–289, approved July 30, 2008), also known as HERA.
NSP2 authorized under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, (Pub. L. 111–5, approved February 17, 2009), also referred to as ARRA or “the Recovery Act.
NSP3
NSP3 authorized by Section 1497 of the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (Pub. L. 111–203, approved July 21, 2010), also known as the “Dodd-Frank Act.”
Senior Affordable Housing Development Project: City of Mesa Community Services Department Project
Purpose: To acquire the property at 17 West University Drive in Mesa for development of 62 units of senior affordable housing.
Location: 17 West University Drive, Mesa, Maricopa County, AZ 85201
Project/Program Description: The City of Mesa is proposing to acquire the 0.9-acre vacant lot at 17 West University Drive in Mesa for future development of senior affordable housing. No construction or ground disturbance activities are currently proposed.
Future plans for the property include the development of 62 units of senior affordable housing. The units would be a mix of one- and two-bedroom units with affordable rents for seniors aged 55 and older. Proposed on-site amenities would include a community room, covered parking, elevators, social services, a fitness center, and free Wi-Fi as well as ADA-compliant units and
common areas. The project would also incorporate energy-efficient design and green building practices to reduce environmental impact. Support services such as meal programs, healthcare coordination, resource and referral navigation, and access to the neighboring Aster Senior Center would be provided. The development would provide safe, comfortable, and accessible living spaces for low-income seniors, promoting community integration and enhancing their quality of life. Further evaluation will be required for the future development.
The City of Mesa proposes to utilize NSP funds as well as City of Mesa General Funds for the proposed acquisition.
Level of Environmental Review Citation: 24 CFR Part 58.36
Mitigation Measures/Conditions/Permits (if any): N/A
Estimated Project Cost: $2,100,000.00 - City of Mesa General Funds and NSP funds (City of Mesa General Fund - $174,000 and NSP -$1,926,00 and).
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
The City of Mesa 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. An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for this project is on file at City of Mesa, 200 South Center Street, Building 1, Mesa, AZ 85201 and may be examined or copied between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Written comments on the ERR may be submitted to the City of Mesa Housing and Community Services Department, 200 South Center Street, Building 1, Mesa, AZ 85201 or by email: Michelle.Albanese@mesaaz.gov. All comments received by Friday, June 13, 2025, (Time By 5:00pm or close of business. Also be sure the public comment period does not start or stop on a weekend or holiday) will be considered by the City of Mesa prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.
ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION
The City of Mesa certifies to HUD that Michelle Albanese, Certifying Officer, in her capacity as Housing and Community Development Director 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 State of Arizona’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the City of Mesa to use HUD program funds.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City of Mesa’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 Mesa; (b) the City of Mesa 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 at One Sansome Street, Suite 1200, San Francisco, CA 94104-4430 or mailbox:rrofsfro@hud.gov. Potential objectors should contact HUD Arizona Field Office to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
Please call AZRelay 7-1-1 for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Si necesita asistencia o traducción en español, favor de llamar al menos 48 horas antes de la reunión al 480-644-2767.
Michelle Albanese, Housing & Community Development Director
(Certifying Officer - City of Mesa)