Corrective Notice – Notice of Intent to Request Release of Funds

Corrective Notice - Notice of Intent to Request Release of Funds

On or about January 22, 2025, the City of Erie will submit a request to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of community development block grant (CDBG) program funds under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-383) (Act), as amended, to undertake renovations to the existing building at 1001 State Street. This is a corrective notice to revise the previous publication on December 19, 2024, which had an error in description of the project. The corrective notice also provides an explanation on the funding that will be used for the project and provides additional information on the type of cosmetic updates that will be completed.

This project will renovate 1001 State Street in the core of downtown Erie into a community accessible, mixed-use property with hospitality, office, public meeting areas, performance spaces and associated amenities such as retail and restaurant use. By transforming the current office space into a multi-use building it will become an economic driver for the creation of over 145 full-time jobs for non-traditionally educated or trained workers. It will also create entrepreneurial opportunities for minority, women, and immigrant owned businesses. Finally, it will aid with homelessness amelioration and prevention, blight elimination, improved street life and public safety through partnerships with local government and non-profit entities.

The rehabilitation of the building will include new HVAC, plumbing, windows, and a basement transformation into a restaurant and bistro for hotel operations. The work will also include an upgraded elevator and stairways, fire and safety system, and roof. Interior and exterior cosmetic updates will be made which will be in line with the original design of the building. Such cosmetic upgrades include new compatible exterior lighting will be attached at the base and masonry joints to have minimal impact on historic materials; new painted gypsum board walls and simple compatible trims including baseboards and windowsills; installation of vinyl tile floors and tile drop ceiling. Exterior upgrades will be done with in-kind materials to match the existing. All historic ornamental features will be retained.

CDBG FY2024 Funding: $581,621.66. Total Project Cost (estimated): $48,500,000.

The activity/activities proposed are categorically excluded under HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58 from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements per 58.35 (a)(3)(iii). An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for this project is on file at https://cityof.erie.pa.us. and with the Department of Economic and Community Development at 626 State Street, Room 404, Erie, PA 16501 and may be examined or copied weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to Debra Smith, Department of Economic and Community Development, 626 State Street, Room 404, Erie, PA 16501, or by email to [email protected]. All comments received by January 21, 2025, will be considered by the City prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION

The City certifies to HUD that Joseph V. Schember, Certifying Officer, in his capacity as Mayor of the City of Erie, 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 to use Program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

Because this is a corrective Notice, the HUD objection period will run concurrently with the City of Erie's comment period. HUD will accept objections to its release of fund and the City'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 of the City; (b) the City 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 the HUD Pittsburgh Field Office of Community Planning and Development (CPD), Attn: Jill Moyer, CPD Director, by mail 1000 Liberty Avenue, Suite 1000, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 or by email to [email protected]. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Joseph V. Schember, Mayor