Lighthouse Project Final Notice & Public Explanation of a Proposed ActivitySouthwest Renewal Foundation of High Point’s The Lighthouse Project, High Point, NC

Southwest Renewal Foundation of High Point's The Lighthouse Project, High Point, NC

To: All interested Agencies, Groups, and Individuals

This is to give notice that the Southwest Renewal Foundation of High Point, with support from the Piedmont Triad Regional Council and the City of High Point, has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order 11988, as amended by Executive Order 13690, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management. The proposed creation of a neighborhood park and recreational space is to be funded through the HUD Community Project Funding (CPF) program. The subject property is located at 422 Tomlinson Street in High Point, Guilford County, NC, with some work scheduled to occur in the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain. The extent of the FFRMS floodplain was determined using the 0.2 Percent-Annual-Chance Floodplain Approach. The proposed project will include site work, tree planting, trail installation, and the adaptation of a former retail structure to serve as a shared community space. The 2.15-acre site is not currently in active use but functioned in the past as a mattress store and auto repair shop. The total acreage in the FFRMS floodplain (500-year and 100-year) is 0.54, with no construction of buildings or walled structures planned to take place in the 100-year floodplain. The natural and beneficial functions of the floodplain in the project area mainly provide floodwater conveyance, groundwater recharge, and erosion control.

The Southwest Renewal Foundation of High Point has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values of the FFRMs floodplain:

• A) The partial demolition of the existing structure on site, resulting in a roofed, open-air pavilion open to the public for light programming and casual use.
• B) The abandonment of plans to adapt the existing structure on site and the removal of community programming from the park's offerings. The structure would be demolished and the footprint left vacant.
• C) "No Action Alternative"

The Southwest Renewal Foundation of High Point has reevaluated the alternatives and has determined that it has no practicable alternative to the project as planned. The potential positive impact of the current proposal to rehabilitate the walled structure on site and make it available for community use is significant and has been considered alongside a small but actual risk to public facilities and individuals. The proposed alternatives, while reducing the footprint of public resources in the case of Alternative A and Alternative B, significantly diminish the potential impact of the project for a community with large populations of families, children, and seniors.

Environmental files that document compliance with steps 3 through 6 of Executive Order 11988 and 13690 are available for public inspection, review, and copying upon request at the times and location delineated in the last paragraph of this notice for receipt of comments.

There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in floodplains and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment should be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about floodplains can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks and impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas. Third, as a matter of fairness, when the Federal government determines it will participate in actions taking place in floodplains, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.

Written comments must be received by the PTRC at the following address or via email on or before October 4th. Comments can be sent via US Mail to the PTRC at 1398 Carrollton Crossing Drive, Kernersville, NC 27284, Attention: Alex Bennett or via email to Alex Bennett. A full description of the project, including a site plan,n may also be reviewed at the PTRC offices from the hours of 8:30 am to 5 pm or may be requested via email to email to Alex Bennett.

Date of publication: September 26, 2025