Date of publication: 8-9-22

To: All Interested Agencies, Groups, & Individuals

This is to give notice that City of Lewiston has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order 11988 for floodplain management, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management, to determine the potential affect that its activity in the floodplain and/or wetland will have on the human environment for Community Development Block Grant under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (PL 93-383). The proposed project(s) is located at 130 Oxford Street in Lewiston, Androscoggin County.

The Lewiston Housing Authority is planning to use Choice neighborhood grant funding to purchase a property to provide low-moderate income housing. The lot is 0.11 acres and includes an 8 unit residential building with an existing footprint of 77 feet by 34 feet which is partially in the 100 year flood zone area AE. The lot is urbanized lawn and recreation space which does not support flood zone or wetland wildlife. Approximately 0.08 acres are in the floodplain, which encompasses the back yard and the rear 50% of the building.  

City of Lewiston has considered the following alternatives to building in a floodplain and has determined that it has no practicable alternative. Environmental files that document compliance with steps 3 through 6 of Executive Order 11988 for floodplain management, 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.

184 Bartlett Street project was considered and projected to be $435,000 including acquisition and required improvements cost, which is over budget.

85 East Avenue Lot 205 project was considered and projected to be $2,240,000 (based on recent construction costs for 82 Pine Street) including acquisition and construction costs, which is far over budget. This project would also delay unit availability by over one year.

This activity will have no significant impact on the environment for the following reasons:

The purchase of this property will maintain 8 safe housing units for low-moderate income families with no displacement or delay for housing. No construction or landscape alterations will be conducted at this time. Lewiston Housing Authority, funded by Housing and Urban Development, will closely follow federal regulations for future maintenance, insurance, and property improvements.

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 about floodplains can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks 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 City of Lewiston at the following address on or before 8-17-22 [a minimum 7 day calendar day comment period will begin the day after the publication and end on the 8th day after the publication]: City of Lewiston, Community Development, 27 Pine Street, Lewiston ME 04240 and 207-513-3126 Attention: Heather Hunter. Comments may also be submitted or further information can be requested via email at ECDevelopment@LewistonMaine.gov . A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 9 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday at the above address.