These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the City of Yakima.

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS

On or about November 4, 2024, the City of Yakima will submit a request to the HUD Office of Environment and Energy for the release of HOME-ARP funds under Title II of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to undertake a project known as Casa de la Mora for the purpose of constructing a new, 2.1-acre, 73-unit apartment complex serving households with incomes ranging from 0 to 60% of the Yakima County Area Median Income (AMI). This development will include a single 4-story apartment building with associated parking and landscape areas. The building will be located on a 1.69-acre parcel (Yakima County Parcel 19131844027; 115 North 10th Street) on the east side of North 10th Street. The second parcel (Yakima County Parcel 19131844027; 116 North 10th Street) is located on the west side of North 10th and south of MLK Jr. Blvd and is an existing overflow parking lot for the facility. The parking lot will be seal coated and restriped as part of the project.

Casa de la Mora will include a fully accessible elevator building. The building will have community spaces for classes, case management, community-wide functions, a community kitchen, a library, and respite. A children’s play area, outdoor seating, and drought-tolerant landscape will also be featured at the development. The plan includes 25 units for homeless young adults supported by Project Based Vouchers from the Yakima Housing Authority, 17 units for disabled residents eligible for HUD 811 Project Rental Assistance, and 30 units targeted to 30%-60% incomes. 

CCHS will offer service and case management models to assist individuals and families as they stabilize from homelessness and housing insecurity.

The activities proposed comprise a project for which a Finding of No Significant Impact on the environment is concurrently being published on the City of Yakima’s accessible public government website. An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for this project is on file at the Office of Neighborhood Development Services, 112 S 8th St., Yakima, WA  98901 and may be examined or copied weekdays 8 A.M to 5 P.M.

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

The City of Yakima has 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 the Office of Neighborhood Development Services, 112 S 8th St., Yakima, WA  98901, and may be examined or copied weekdays 8 A.M to 5 P.M.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the City of Yakima’s Office of Neighborhood Development Services, 112 S 8th St., Yakima, WA  98901, or email to ask.planning@yakimawa.gov. All comments received by November 3, 2024, will be considered by the City of Yakima prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION

The City of Yakima certifies to HUD that Bill Preston in his capacity as Community Development Director 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 of Yakima to use Program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City of Yakima’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 City of Yakima; (b) the City of Yakima 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 HUD Office of Environment and Energy at 909 1st Ave. Suite 340, Seattle, WA  98104-1000.  Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Bill Preston
Community Development Director