Carlisle, PA

This is to give notice that the Borough of Carlisle has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order 11988, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 C.F.R. §55.20, Subpart C, Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands, to determine the potential affect that its activities in the floodplain and wetland will have on the human environment using HOME Investment Partnerships funds for the following activity on a site that is within the 100-year floodplains of the of the LeTort Spring Run drainage area of Carlisle Borough. The Borough of Carlisle proposes to undertake the following project with funds provided under DCED HOME Contract #C000069523, FFY 2018-2022:

 Acquisition and Demolition of Duplex - The overarching purpose of this HOME-funded project is to create two safe, decent, and sanitary affordable housing units for sale to credit-worthy, low-/moderate-income first-time homebuyers. The first phase of this project consists of acquisition of 157-159 East South Street, a duplex on 0.19 acres located in the Borough of Carlisle National Register-listed Historic District. The duplex has been vacant since 2013 and sustained significant façade damage in a 2015 fire. The condition of the dwellings are such that they cannot be rehabilitated without significant cost, which would vastly decrease their affordability to low-/moderate-income buyers. The second phase of this project is demolition of the existing duplex. After demolition of the duplex, the foundation will be excavated and removed, and the front half of the lot – located in the 100-year floodplain – will be graded for construction of an off-street parking area. The third phase of the project involves construction of a new duplex outside of the 100-year floodplain.

 There are three primary purposes for this notice: 1) 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. Commenters are encouraged to offer alternative sites outside of the floodplain, alternative methods to serve the same project purpose, and methods to minimize and mitigate impacts. 2) An adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about floodplains can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks and impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas. 3) 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 the Borough of Carlisle at the following address before close of business on April 6, 2020: Cumberland County Housing & Redevelopment Authorities, 114 North Hanover St., Carlisle, PA 17013. Attention: Chris Rafferty, Community Development Director. Mr. Rafferty may also be reached via email at crafferty@cchra.com. The project description may be viewed at www.cchra.com and on www.carlislepa.org, or scanned and emailed (because of the COVID-19 virus threat) upon request by calling (717) 249-0789, extension 130, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Tim Scott
Mayor, Borough of Carlisle