Combined Finding of No Significant Impact and Notice of Intent to Request Release of Funds
Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity in a 100-Year Floodplain Roadway Apartments II -Brockton, MA - 3/11/2026
March 11, 2026
Massachusetts Office of Housing and Livable Communities
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 300
Boston, MA 02114
This notice shall satisfy three (3) separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC)
Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity in the 100 Year Floodplain
To: All interested Agencies, Groups and Individuals
This is to give notice that the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) under 24 CFR Part 58 has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order 11988 and in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 in Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Wetlands Protection. The activity is funded under the Housing Choice Voucher Programs (HCVP). The proposed project(s) is located at 1005 Belmont Street in Brockton, MA and is in the 100-year floodplain. The project known as Roadway Apartments II will create 29 new single-person apartments on 3.25 acres, with on-site support services. Roadway Apartments II will expand the existing on-site educational services for first-priority homeless individuals who frequently have disabilities and/or serious medical needs.
EOHLC has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial functions and intrinsic values of the existing floodplain/wetland: Project’s adjustments, include a reduced building footprint and added stormwater controls, with a focus on minimizing environmental impacts. The project site is 3.25 acres with a brook at the rear, surrounded by a floodplain and wetland. Proposed work is within a previously paved area, and improvements include removing 7,500 square feet of impervious surface, introducing a New England conservation mix for plantings, and implementing erosion controls. Additional changes include a reconfiguration of infiltration systems for stormwater management, with a notable reduction of 40% or more in stormwater runoff. The proposal also includes a 25-foot no-disturb zone around the wetlands, with fencing to restrict access and ensure emergency-only use. The plantings in this zone will be decided based on the Commission’s preference for either a seed mix or additional plantings.
Elyse Tripp from BETA explains that most concerns about stormwater and system configurations were resolved, with the final items left for the Commission to review being the approval of buffers, restoration within the 25-foot zone, and the proposed plantings. She highlights that these items do not pose significant obstacles but need Commission approval for administrative purposes.
Following discussion, the Commission decided on where conservation markers should be installed including what language to use on signage and that additional plantings were not necessary within the restoration area.
EOHLC has reevaluated alternatives to building in the floodplain and has determined that it has no practicable alternative to floodplain development. Environmental files documenting compliance with [Executive Order 11988, and 24 CFR 55], 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 the floodplain 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 the floodplain 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 a floodplain it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.
Written comments must be received by EOHLC at the following address on or before March 27, 2026: 100 Cambridge Street Suite 300 Boston, MA 02114 Attention: Dan Tobyne A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 9 am – 4 pm. Comments may also be submitted via email at Dan.Tobyne@mass.gov.
Request for Release of Funds
On or about March 28, 2026, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) will submit separate requests to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of the release of Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) funds under Section 8, The Housing Act of 1937, as amended to undertake a project to be known as Roadway Apartment II. The proposed project is located at 1003 Bemont Street Brockton, MA. The Roadway Apartments II will create 29 new single person apartments with on-site support services at 1005 Belmont Street in Brockton, MA. The new three-story building will include full elevator access with two wheelchair accessible units and one sensory impaired unit. On site offices will support 24-hour staffing, including both property management and supportive service staff.
The project anticipated additional public funding includes low-income housing tax credits (LIHTC) and additional State and local funds. The project sponsor is Father Bill’s and Mainspring, and the total estimated project cost is 12,769,930.00
Finding of No Significant Impact
EOHLC have 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) on file at EOHLC, Division of Rental Assistance, 100 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA 02114 and may be examined or copied weekdays from 9am to 4pm.
Public Comments
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to Dan Tobyne, Bureau of Rental Assistance, 100 Cambridge Street Suite 300, Boston, MA 02114. All comments received by March 27, 2026, will be considered by EOHLC prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.
Release of Funds
The Commonwealth of MA acting through EOHLC certifies to HUD that Catherine Racer is in her capacity as Certifying Officer, 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 project, to use HUD program funds for the purpose specified.
Objections to Release of Funds
HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the Commonwealth of Mass. 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 Commonwealth of MA; (b) the Commonwealth of MA have 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 project have committed funds or incurred costs 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 via email to CPDRROFBOS@hud.gov in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58) and shall be addressed to the Environmental Officer, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Boston, MA. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
For EOHLC
Catherine Racer, Undersecretary
| Date published: | March 11, 2026 |
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