COMBINED PUBLIC
NOTICE THAT INCLUDES:
(1) NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS (NOI / RROF); AND
(2) NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT (FONSI)
DATE OF NOTICE: Wednesday, May 24, 2023
RESPONSIBLE ENTITY NAME: City of Wheeling, WV
RESPONSIBLE ENTITY ADDRESS: 1500 Chapline Street, Wheeling, WV 26003
TELEPHONE: (304) 234-3701
TO ALL INTERESTED AGENCIES, GROUPS AND PERSONS: The purpose of this notice is to satisfy two (2) separate but related procedural notification requirements for activities to be undertaken by the City of Wheeling, WV.
(1) NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS (NOI-RROF)
On or about Friday, June 9, 2023, the City of Wheeling will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds under Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended (P.L. 93-383), to undertake a project funded with Section 108 Loan Guarantee CDBG funds for the purpose of redeveloping the former Ohio Valley Medical Center (OVMC) complex at 2000 Eoff Street, Wheeling, WV 26003.
ASSESSED PROJECT
Former Ohio Valley Medical Center (OVMC) Redevelopment: Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program, under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, loan funds will be used to demolish and clear the site of the former Ohio Valley Medical Center (OVMC) complex. The site will be redeveloped by WVU Health System to construct a new Cancer Treatment Center. Jobs made available to low- and moderate-income persons will be created and retained. The project will include the demolition of eight (8) buildings on the former OVMC complex site and the sky bridge connecting the OVMC West Building to the multi-story parking garage across Chapline Street. The new Cancer Treatment Center will be a four-story, approximately 75,000 to 90,000 square foot building. The estimated demolition and abatement costs are $9.2 million to $12.4 million, and the total estimated project cost is $80 million, of which approximately $3.3 million will be Section 108 CDBG Loan Guarantee Program funds. Demolition activities are anticipated to begin in Calendar Year 2023 and are expected to take 12 to 15 months to complete. Construction of the new Cancer Treatment Center is anticipated to begin in Calendar Year 2025 and is expected to take 28 to 32 months to complete.
(2) NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT (FONSI)
The City of Wheeling has determined that the above-identified 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. The subject project is assessed under HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58 from NEPA requirements. Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file at the City of Wheeling Department of Community and Economic Development, 1500 Chapline Street, Wheeling, WV 26003, and is available for public
examination and copying, upon request, during normal business hours Monday through Friday, 9a.m. to 5p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the City of Wheeling, Department of Economic and Community Development, via mail to: 1500 Chapline Street, Wheeling, WV 26003 or via email to:
[email protected].
All comments received by Thursday, June 8, 2023 will be considered by the City of Wheeling prior to authorizing submittal of a request for release of funds to HUD. Commenters should specify which Notice provided herein they are addressing.
ENVIRONMENTAL
CERTIFICATION
The City of Wheeling certifies to HUD that Mr. Robert Herron, in his capacity as City Manager, 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 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 Wheeling to use Section 108 CDBG Loan Guarantee funds.
OBJECTIONS TO
RELEASE OF FUNDS
HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City of Wheeling’s certification for a period of fifteen (15) 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 basis: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the City of Wheeling; (b) the City of Wheeling has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations are 24 CFR Part 58; (c) the City of Wheeling 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 projects are unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Section 58.76), and shall be addressed to the CPD Director, HUD Pittsburgh Field Office, via email to [email protected], or by calling (412) 644-5846. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
Mr. Robert Herron,
City Manager
City of Wheeling
1500 Chapline Street
Wheeling, WV 26003
Int. May 24, 2023