Early Notice and Public Review of Proposed Activity

Early Notice and Public Review of a Proposed Activity in a 100-Year/500-year Floodplain or Wetland

To:  All interested Agencies, Groups, Individuals and Tribes

This is to give notice that the City of Tallahassee, as the Responsible Entity under Part 58, has determined that the following proposed action under the Tallahassee Housing Authority and FL073000002 is located in the 100-year or 500-year floodplain, and the City will be identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action in the floodplain and the potential impacts on the from the proposed action, 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 project involves the demolition and redevelopment of the existing Orange Avenue Apartments.  The subject property covers just over 29 acres and is currently used for 200 units of public housing. Built in 1971, the property contains from one to five-bedroom units and is home to over 550 people. A third of the units were built in a regulated 100-year flood plain and floodway. HUD inspections cite soil erosion issues throughout the property. The property is plagued with plumbing issues as well, due to the crumbling underground pipes, insufficient shutoff valves and clay pipes. The housing authority plans to demolish the units and rebuild onsite in multiple phases.  The proposed project(s) is located at 2710 Country Club Drive, Tallahassee (Leon County), Florida.

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 at the following address on or before March 16, 2021 and may be sent by U.S. Mail to: City of Tallahassee; 301 S. Adams Street, B-27; Tallahassee, FL; Attention: Jean Amison, Housing Administrator.  Comments may also be submitted by email to housing@talgov.com.  A full description of the project may be viewed online at https://www.tallha.org/orange-avenue-apartments-redevelopment, or reviewed in person upon request and by appointment

Date: February 26, 2021