CITY OF WHEELING, WV
FINAL NOTICE AND PUBLIC EXPLANATION OF A PROPOSED ACTIVITY
IN A 100-YEAR FLOODPLAIN
Publication Date:
Thursday, March 9, 2023
To:
All Interested Agencies, Groups, and Individuals
Notice is hereby given that the City of Wheeling has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order 11988, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands. The following activity is funded under the FY 2022 EDI – Community Project Funding/ Congressionally Directed Spending (Grant No. B-22-CP-WV-1008). The proposed project is located in the City of Wheeling, Ohio County, West Virginia.
ACTIVITY
DESCRIPTIONS:
The following project proposed for FY EDI-CPF funding is subject to the eight-step decision-making process in 24 CFR 55.20:
* Wheeling Artisan Center – 1400 Main Street, Wheeling. FY 2022 EDI-CPF funds will be used for interior renovations of the first level of the existing Artisan Center building. The proposed work includes removing the vacant interior restaurant area on the Main Street side of the building and consolidating it with the existing bar area along the 14th Street side of the building. The former restaurant space will be renovated to allow for potential new retail tenants, and the atrium area will be focused on gallery space. No ground disturbing activities are being proposed as a result of this interior renovation project. The estimated project budget is $1,548,323, which includes $1,000,000 in FY 2022 EDI-CPF funds.
COMMENTS ON FLOODPLAIN ACTIVITIES:
The City of Wheeling considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values:
The City of Wheeling has reevaluated the alternatives to the proposed interior building renovations project at the Wheeling Artisan Center including no action, identifying sites located outside the floodplain, and identifying sites located in different areas of the floodplain. The City of Wheeling has determined that it has no practicable alternative to realize the project’s objectives. Specifically, the project’s objectives are to upgrade the commercial tenant space within the Wheeling Artisan Center building to meet current business tenant demands and customer expectations for commercial activity within the City’s central business district. Although some potential projects may exist in downtown areas outside of the 100-year floodplain, the City must prioritize and address the economic development needs and opportunities throughout the downtown to ensure the vitality of the City’s central business
district. None of the proposed interior renovation activities associated with this project will affect the floodplain, change its water flow or hydrology, or obstruct the water course. No ground disturbance will be conducted as a part of this project. Environmental files that document compliance with steps 3 through 6 of Executive Order 11988 are available for public inspection, review and copying upon request. The City of Wheeling acknowledges its obligation to comply with state and local floodplain protection procedures. 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. 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 the City of Wheeling by Thursday, March 16, 2023 or seven (7) days from the date of the publication of this notice. Written comments may be submitted to the City of Wheeling, Department of Economic and Community Development, via mail to:
ATTN: Nancy Prager,
Director,
1500 Chapline Street, Wheeling, WV 26003
or via email to:
[email protected].
A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday at the previously noted address.
Mr. Robert Herron,
City Manager
City of Wheeling
1500 Chapline Street
Wheeling, WV 26003.
Int. Mar 9, 2023