LEGAL NOTICE
COMBINED NOTICE OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS
September 23, 2025
Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC)
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 300
Boston, MA 02114
This notice shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by EOHLC.
REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS
On or about October 9, 2025, EOHLC will submit requests to the HUD Boston Regional Office for the release of; Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) funds under Section 8, The Housing Act of 1937, as amended, for the purpose of attaching project-based vouchers to be utilized in a project known as Treehouse at Easthampton Meadow in Easthampton, MA. Treehouse at Easthampton Meadow is a 60-unit intentional, intergenerational community that integrates family housing for households who have adopted children who have experienced the foster care system with households aged 55 years or older who agree to mentor the children. Beacon Communities built the development 17 years ago on behalf of the Treehouse Foundation. The development is comprised of 48 1-bedroom apartments for seniors clustered in 17 one-story buildings, and 12 3- 4- and 5-bedroom townhouses for families clustered in six 2-story buildings. The development also includes a 5,100 square foot community center and a 1,200 square foot maintenance facility. Of the 60 units at Treehouse, 55 are affordable at incomes of 30% to 60% Area Median Income (AMI) or below, and the remaining 5 units are set at market rates. The renovation scope at Treehouse is focused on undertaking a deep energy retrofit and full electrification at the property and maximizes carbon reduction and value achieved per dollar spent, achieving energy savings of 50% and a carbon emissions reduction of 33% compared to the existing building performance Expected additional public funding includes Federal and State low-income housing tax credits. The project sponsor is Beacon Communities. The total estimated project cost is approximately $29,412,552.
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, Division of Rental Assistance, 100 Cambridge Street Suite 300, Boston, MA 02114. All comments received by October 8, 2025, 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: | September 23, 2025 |
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