COMBINED NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

AND INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS

MARCH 24, 2025

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MARYLAND

1401 ROCKVILLE PIKE, 4TH FLOOR,

ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND 20850

TELEPHONE NUMBER: 240-777-3794

These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by Montgomery County.

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS

On or about April 9, 2025, Montgomery County will authorize the Housing Opportunities Commission to submit a request to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of funds for financing and new construction under the FHA Risk Sharing Program under Section 542(c) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (12 U.S.C. 1707). Section 235 of HUD's FY2001 Appropriation Act, Public Law 106-377, amended Section 542 to undertake the project known as Westside Shady Grove, Block B Apartments. The proposed project will include the new construction of a six-story residential building totaling 471,688 gross square feet and a 181,306 square-foot parking garage located at the intersection of 16000 Columbus Avenue (by the Shady Grove Metro station) and Baxter Street in Rockville, Maryland 20814. The residential building includes 413 total units, including studios, 1-bedrooms, 2-bedrooms, 3- 3-bedrooms, and approximately 7,000 square feet of commercial space. The project targets families earning at or below 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Thirty percent (30%) of the residential units are reserved for income-restricted units of 65% AMI, 50% AMI, and 30% AMI. The project will feature on-site bio-retention facilities, outdoor green spaces, and natural play elements. The estimated total project cost is $182,000,000. The property is expected to support a tax-exempt permanent mortgage, credit enhanced by FHA Risk Sharing of approximately $145,000,000. The rest of the funding will come from the State, Local, and private sectors.

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

Montgomery County 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). The ERR will be available to the public for review either electronically or by U.S. mail. Please submit your request by mail to Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs, 1401 Rockville Pike, 4 th Floor, Rockville, Maryland 20852, or by email to Trivens.Kargbo@Montgomerycountymd.gov. The ERR may be examined or copied on weekdays between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group or agency disagreeing with this determination or wishing to comment on the project may submit written comments on the ERR to the office of Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs. All comments received by April 8, 2025, will be considered by Montgomery County prior to the submission of a request for the release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION

Montgomery County certifies to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that Scott Bruton, in his 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 Montgomery County to use the program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and Montgomery County’s (RE’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 Montgomery County; (b) the RE 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 CER Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD; (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, 58.76) and shall be addressed; Attention Laurel Davis, Director, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Office of Public Housing - Washington DC Field Office, Office of Public Housing – Baltimore Field Office Bank of America Building, Tower II, 100 S. Charles Street, Suite 500 Baltimore, MD 2120. Potential objectors should contact HUD at 410-209-6533, to verify the actual last day of the objection.

Mr. Scott Bruton, Director, Department of Housing and Community Affairs

March 24, 2025

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