COMBINED NOTICE FOR CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD PROGRAM MURAL PROJECT
Last updated on April 01, 2024
COMBINED NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT
TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS FOR TIERED PROJECT AND PROGRAM
Date of Posting: April 1, 2025
City of Orlando
Housing and Community Development Department
400 South Orange Avenue
Orlando, FL 32801
407.246.3944
On or after April 22, 2025, the City of Orlando will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Program Office for the release of program funds under Section 24 of the U.S. Housing Act of 1937 and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (Public Law 117-328, approved December 29, 2022) (“FY 2023 Appropriations”), (collectively the “Choice Neighborhoods Authorization”), to undertake the following project:
Tier 1 Broad Review Project/Program Title: LIFT Orlando and Orlando Housing Authority (OHA) Choice Neighborhood Program Early Activity – Mural Project
Project Description and Purpose: LIFT Orlando Inc. and the Orlando Housing Authority received a $500,000 FY 2023 Choice Neighborhood Planning Grant from HUD to redevelop the Lake Mann and Lorna Doone, West Lakes neighborhood. The Grant Number is FL4H543CNP12. All grantees are expected to implement an Early Action Activity, as such both entities decided to implement a Mural Project estimated to cost $100,558.
The Mural Project aims to create approximately three digital murals, and four murals on standalone structures, or on physical buildings. Each mural will feature unique depictions of notable individuals from the Choice Neighborhoods' focus area who have made a meaningful impact on the community. The proposed 'Hidden Figures' Mural Project stems from multiple touchpoints with the Choice Orlando community, including an open request for Early Action Activity proposals, discussions with the Strategic Advisory Group, and discussion at the Neighborhood Working Group meeting, all of which referenced the need for the significant history of this area to be preserved and displayed through art. This project aims not only to highlight the area's historical significance but also to assure residents that their rich culture and unsung heroes will be recognized and honored throughout the planning and revitalization of the Choice Communities. This Environmental Review Record (ERR) pertains exclusively to the Mural Project. As the mural locations have yet to be finalized, the ERR is categorized as a Tiered ERR, accompanied by a written strategy and a checklist to be completed once the final locations are chosen.
Tier 2 site specific reviews will be completed for those laws and authorities not addressed in the Tier 1 broad review for each site under this program when specific locations are selected.
Location: Lake Mann and Lorna Doone, West Lakes neighborhood, City of Orlando, Orange County, Florida 32805
Level of Environmental Review Citation: 24 CFR 58.36 – A full Environmental Assessment has been performed for the project.
Tier 2 Site Specific Review: The site specific reviews will cover the following laws and authorities not addressed in the Tier 1 broad review: Flood Insurance [Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 and National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994]; Floodplain Management [Executive Order 13690, The Flood Disaster Protection Act and 24CFR Part 55]; Historic Preservation [National Historic Preservation Act of 1966]; and Wetland Protection [Executive Order 11990, particularly sections 2 and 5]
Mitigation Measures/Conditions/Permits (if any):
Floodplain Management and Flood Insurance
In order to achieve compliance with The Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973, the City will ensure that all improvement and/or construction projects that receive CDBG assistance are either located outside of the 100 year floodplain or floodway, or will require flood insurance for the life of the structure The City will review the most recent FEMA floodplain maps and where available the CISA Maps to determine whether flood insurance is required. Evidence of flood insurance by NFIP will be required before funds are released for properties located within 100-and 500-year floodplains. Financial assistance may not be approved to any action located in a floodway, unless the rehabilitation, including minor improvements, meet FEMA elevation and construction standards (section 55.8 (a)(3) (ii) will be followed).
Historic Preservation
The City will ensure compliance with the Historic Preservation factor by either conducting a site visit and/or reviewing property records and master site files for each 50+ year property that is ready for funding. After the initial review, potentially historic properties will receive review by the City's Historic Preservation Officer to determine any effect of the project. Finally, the City will send documents and a determination to the State Historic Preservation Office for a concurrence letter. This letter will be included in the site specific ERR.
Wetlands Protection
The City will review each individual site to ensure compliance with the Wetlands requirement. Providing review and analysis of any property that requires any significant ground disturbance due to necessary utility repairs near a designated wetland in accordance with Executive Order 11990.
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
The City of Orlando 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). The ERR will be made available to the public for review either electronically or by U.S. mail. Please submit your request by U.S. mail to the Housing and Community Development Department, 400 South Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL, 32801 or by email to: elena.escovar@orlando.gov. The public may also examine and copy the ERR at Orlando City Hall, Monday to Friday between 8 A.M to 5 P.M, located at 400 South Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801, in the Housing and Community Development Department located on the 7th Floor. The ERR can also be accessed online at the following website: CPD Public System.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the City of Orlando Housing and Community Development Department. All comments received by April 21, 2025, will be considered by the City of Orlando prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.
ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION
The City of Orlando certifies to HUD that Buddy Dyer, Certifying Officer, in his capacity as Mayor 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 Orlando to use HUD program funds.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City of Orlando’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 Orlando; (b) the City of Orlando 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 with attention to Alesia Scott-Ford (alesia.scottford@hud.gov) Field Office Director, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Charles East Bennett Federal Building, 400 W. Bay Street, Suite 1015, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Potential objectors should contact the HUD office via email at tonya.r.madison@hud.gov, Environmental Review POC, to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
Mayor Buddy Dyer, Certifying Officer