Environmental Review Part 55 Floodplain Management Subpart C. 8-Step Decision Making Process

Transcription

1 Environmental Review Part 55 Floodplain Management Subpart C 8-Step Decision Making Process Project: Acquisition and Demolition of a Blighted Structure - 1 North Strawberry Avenue, Marietta PA Description: The Marietta Restoration Associates is requesting the use of CDBG funding for the acquisition and demolition of a vacant, blighted structure on a 0.5-acre tract of land located partially in the 100-year floodplain. The future use of the land will include public parking and greenspace to support two nearby public facilities. There is a potential impact in the floodplain with the proposed construction of the parking lot. The proposed project is located 1 N. Strawberry Ave, Marietta, PA, Lancaster County. Document Table of Contents: Step 1. Portion of the property is located in the 100-year Floodplain. Step 2. - Attached FIRM Map - Attached FEMA ESRI Map Early Notice and Public Review of Activities in a 100-Year Floodplain was published on May 24 th, Comment period ended June 9 th, 2016 after a minimum 15-day comment period was conducted. Four (4) comments were received during this time. Step 3. - Early Notice and Public Review of Activities in a 100-Year Floodplain - Proof of Publication - Copy of Comments Received - Copy of Correspondence with Informal Meeting to address comments. - Documentation on the identification and evaluation of practical alternatives to locating the proposed action in a floodplain. Following Steps were conducted by a consultant, RGS Associates, with expertise in storm water management, land planning and design, and construction practices. Step 4. Step 5. Step 6. - Documentation on the identification of the potential direct and indirect impacts associated with the occupancy or modification of the floodplain - Documentation on design or modification on proposed action to minimize the potential adverse impacts within the floodplain and to restore and preserve its natural and beneficial values.

2 Step 7. - Documentation on the Reevaluation of the proposed action Final Notice and Public Explanation of Proposed Activities in a 100-year Floodplain was published on June 20 th, Comment period will end June 28 th, 2016 after a minimum 7-day comment period is conducted. - Documentation of Reevaluation that there is no practicable alternative to locating the proposal in the floodplain - Final Notice and Public Explanation of Proposed Activities in a 100-year Floodplain.

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9 FEM A's N ational Flood Hazard Layer (Official) Data from Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) where available digitally. Try (Unofficial) if this map is down National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA); Delta State University; Esri scott.mcafee@fema.dhs.gov

10 Early Notice and Public Review of Proposed Activities in a 100-Year Floodplain To: All interested Federal, State, and Local Agencies, Groups and Individuals This is to give notice that Lancaster County under Part 58 has determined that the following proposed actions under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and Grant Number B-15-UC is located in the 100-year floodplain, and Lancaster County will be identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action in the floodplain and the potential impacts on the floodplain from the proposed actions, as required by Executive Order 11988, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands. The Redevelopment Authority of the County of Lancaster is requesting the use of CDBG funding for acquisition of a 0.5-acre tract of land located in the 100-year floodplain for the development of a recreational trail facility to support the Borough of Marietta s portion of the Northwest Gateway Trail. There is potential impact in the floodplain with the proposed development of a recreation structure and parking. The proposed project is located 421 West Market Street in Marietta, PA, Lancaster County. The Marietta Restoration Associates is requesting the use of CDBG funding for the acquisition and demolition of a vacant, blighted structure on a 0.5-acre tract of land located partially in the 100-year floodplain. The future use of the land will include public parking and greenspace to support two nearby public facilities. There is a potential impact in the floodplain with the proposed construction of the parking lot. The proposed project is located 1 N. Strawberry Ave, Marietta, PA, Lancaster County. There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, 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. Second, 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. Third, 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 Lancaster County at the following address on or before June, 9, 2016: Lancaster County Redevelopment Authority, 202 N Prince Street, Ste. 400, Lancaster, PA and , Attention: Matthew Sternberg, Executive Director. A full description of the projects may also be reviewed from 8AM to 4:30PM at the address listed above and at Comments may also be submitted via at jeby@lchra.com. 5/23/2016

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18 Step 3. Identify and evaluate practicable alternatives to locating the proposed action in a floodplain. CDBG funds are being requested for acquisition and demolition of a blighted property adjacent to two public facilities (shaded in black) that do not have adequate or dedicated parking. The building structure sits on the edge of the 500-year floodplain, but because the end use, as parking and greenspace, there exists a potential of impact on the 100-year floodplain, or lower portion of the property. Subject property (1 N Strawberry Ave) was identified for future parking and public space because of the condition of the property and structure. The property was certified blighted by the Vacant Property Reinvestment Board and Lancaster County Planning Commission. There were concerns with the integrity of the structure and all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. No other locations, within proximity of the public facilities, existed with similar characteristics of that of a vacant/underutilized and unlivable property. Alternative parking locations were sought. Two locations were identified as potential temporary parking solutions; however, because of the density and residential make-up of the surrounding area, no other potential vacant or public land was identified for permanent parking for the two public facilities. Location A Susquehanna Waldorf, private school, with approximately 35 spaces available for parking and located adjacent to one of the public facilities, Old Town Hall. Because of evening and weekend events at the school, there may be conflicts for leased or mutually agreed upon use of the lot. Location B U.S. Postal Service, with approximately 20 spaces available for parking and located adjacent to one of the public facilities, Union Meeting House. Parking is not available during weekdays, evenings, or weekends because of use of the facility. Mail trucks are parked in the lot, residents and others park during the week while visiting the facility for USPS services and incoming/outgoing mail deliveries prohibit parking during the evenings and weekends.

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21 N. Strawberry Avenue Step 4: Identify Potential Direct and Indirect Impacts Associated with Floodplain Development Locating the project at N. Strawberry Avenue per the proposal will have minimal impacts to the floodplain. According to FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map Number 42071C0316F, Panel 316, there are 500 and 100 year floodplains located at approximately and 269, respectively. The proposed site of a lower parking area is at an average elevation of approximately 266. The highest priority of this review is to prevent the loss of life. Because the proposed design does not include any habitable structures, evacuation of residents from the area during a flooding emergency will not be applicable. In addition, the design will not inhibit the evacuation of inhabitants from adjacent properties during warning periods prior to flooding. The proposed site development will not affect wetlands nor damage water, biological, and societal resources. The site has been previously developed, and the design of the future parking area will include appropriate Stormwater Best Management Practices to prevent any quantifiable impact on plant and animal life. The proposed development of this parking area will serve two existing historic structures which presently lack parking amenities. Future flooding will minimally affect the design or structural stability of the proposed parking areas. P:\2016\2016C20-003\Flood\N. Strawberry Avenue/Step 4.docx

22 N. Strawberry Avenue Step 5: Where practicable, design or modify the proposed action to minimize the potential adverse impacts to lives, property, and natural values within the floodplain and to restore, and preserve the values of the floodplain. (a) Preserving Lives: In order to preserve lives, the National Weather Service and the emergency broadcast system will implement an early warning announcement, should flooding conditions occur. The proposed parking areas will be constructed in order to allow efficient evacuation from the area. There will not be any structures proposed on the site to require specific evacuation protocol. (b) Preserving Property: In order to preserve property, flood insurance will also be acquired and maintained in order to mitigate possible flood damage. All proposed features will be designed in a manner to prevent debris from damaging adjacent properties. (c) Preserving Natural Values and Minimizing Impacts: The site will utilize a combination of traditional and pervious surfaces across the site. Additionally, stormwater Best Management Practices will be implemented to ensure water quality and to mitigate drainage impacts. P:\2016\2016C20-003\Flood\N. Strawberry Avenue\Step 5.docx

23 N. Strawberry Avenue Step 6: Reevaluate the Alternatives Although the Strawberry Avenue Site is within a FEMA designated floodplain, the project has been adapted in order to minimize effects on floodplain values. Additionally, steps were taken in order to minimize risks to human life and property as described in prior Steps 4 and 5. Alternative locations for the parking do not exist, given the density of surrounding proposed desirable Borough development and distances between historic venues and parking amenities. The lots which contain the historic structures are further constrained and unable to accommodate parking due to existing topography, limited site access, and an existing cemetery. Constructing the proposed improvements above the 100 year floodplain would require the placement of significant fill within the floodplain. This placement of fill would create a greater environmental impact, and would also make the proposed site redevelopment financially unviable. Due to the developed Borough context, this N. Strawberry Avenue site is the most ideal location to provide a low impact, safe solution to the need for additional parking facilities. P:\2016\2016C20-003\Flood\N. Strawberry Avenue\Step 6.docx

24 N. Strawberry Avenue Step 7: Determination of No Practicable Alternative It is RGS Associates determination that there is no practicable alternative to partially locating the proposed parking area within the flood zone. This is due to the desirable distance between parking and the historic venues, the cost of fully adapting the parking area to be out of the floodplain via imported fill materials, and the ability to minimize public risk and danger. Additionally, the design reduces potential damage to adjacent properties, and contamination of environmental habitats. P:\2016\2016C20-003\Flood\Step 4.docx

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27 FILENAME: P:\2016\2016C20-003\CADD\Preliminary\Exhibits\ Strawberry Avenue.dwg PLOTTED: Friday, June 03, DATE: JUNE 3, 2016 PROJECT NO.: 2016C SCALE: 1" = 50' SHEET NO.: OF MARIETTA BOROUGH PROJECT TITLE N. STRAWBERRY AVENUE FLOODPLAIN DETERMINATION SHEET TITLE EXHIBIT A LANCASTER COUNTY, PA. CLIENT LCHRA 202 N. PRINCE ST. SUITE 400 LANCASTER, PA

28 Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activities in a 100-Year Floodplain To: All interested Federal, State, and Local Agencies, Groups and Individuals This is to give notice that the County of Lancaster under Part 58 has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order 11988, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Wetlands Protection. The activity is funded under the Community Development Block Grant Program under Grant Number B-16-UC The Redevelopment Authority of the County of Lancaster is requesting the use of CDBG funding for acquisition of a 0.5-acre tract of land located in the 100-year floodplain for the development of a recreational trail facility to support the Borough of Marietta s portion of the Northwest Gateway Trail. There is potential impact in the floodplain with the proposed development of a recreation structure and parking. The proposed project is located 421 West Market Street in Marietta, PA, Lancaster County. The County of Lancaster has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values: Alternative locations for the project site are restricted based on the location of the existing trail and the developed Borough context. Because the trail adjacent to the project site is entirely located within the floodplain, any feasible site to be analyzed for alternative construction to serve trail users would have similar design constraints. The new structure will include markings to identify past and estimated flooding elevations, the structure will be constructed of masonry block or comparable material to save on flood insurance cost and to enhance the structure s ability to withstand floods, will be placed at the maximum elevation practical within the design constraints of the site, and all construction will be elevated and consistent with FEMA s Lowest Floor Guide. All proposed development will be regulated at both a municipal level by Marietta s 2014 Stormwater Management Ordinance and at a County/Commonwealth/Federal level by the Chapter 102 regulations related to Post Construction Stormwater Management. The Marietta Restoration Associates is requesting the use of CDBG funding for the acquisition and demolition of a vacant, blighted structure on a 0.5-acre tract of land located partially in the 100-year floodplain. The future use of the land will include public parking and greenspace to support two nearby public facilities. There is a potential impact in the floodplain with the proposed construction of the parking lot. The proposed project is located 1 N. Strawberry Ave, Marietta, PA, Lancaster County. The County of Lancaster has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values: Alternative locations for the parking do not exist, given the density of surrounding proposed desirable Borough development and distances between historic venues and parking amenities. The lots which contain the historic structures are further constrained and unable to accommodate parking due to existing topography, limited site access, and an existing cemetery. The site will utilize a combination of traditional and pervious surfaces across the site, stormwater Best Management Practices will be implemented to ensure water quality and to mitigate drainage impacts. All proposed development will be regulated at both a municipal level by Marietta s 2014 Stormwater Management Ordinance and at a County/Commonwealth/Federal level by the Chapter 102 regulations related to Post Construction Stormwater Management.

29 The County of Lancaster has reevaluated the alternatives to building in the floodplain for the above activities and has determined that it has no practicable alternative. Environmental files that document compliance with steps 3 through 6 of Executive Order 11988, 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 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. Second, 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. Third, 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 County of Lancaster at the following address on or before June 28, 2016: Lancaster County Redevelopment Authority, 202 N Prince Street, Ste. 400, Lancaster, PA and , Attention: Matthew Sternberg, Executive Director. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 8AM to 4:30PM at the address listed above and at Comments may also be submitted via at jeby@lchra.com. 06/20/2016