Orlando Standard

The City of Orlando's Housing and Community Development Department has announced its intent to request the release of funds for tiered projects and programs. On or after August 14, 2024, the city will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Program Office for the release of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, and under Title II of the Cranston-Gonzales National Affordable Housing Act, as amended.

The project in question is the City of Orlando Housing Rehabilitation Program. The program aims to preserve affordable housing and assist low-income homeowners by providing CDBG funding to rehabilitate owner-occupied housing for income-qualified households making up to 80% of Area Median Income (AMI). The program is city-wide and aligns with the Five-Year Consolidated Plan goals of preserving affordable housing. Eligible homes will be repaired or rehabilitated according to current building code standards for health, safety, and welfare.

The program is expected to continue over five years (Fiscal Years 2024-2025 through 2028-2029), with approximately $500,000 dedicated per year, totaling around $2,500,000 over five years. Funding amounts may fluctuate annually based on availability.

Tier 2 site-specific reviews will address laws and authorities not covered in the Tier 1 broad review when specific addresses are identified. These reviews will cover airport hazards, flood insurance requirements, contamination and toxic substances policies, endangered species protection, floodplain management protocols, historic preservation standards, noise abatement measures, and wetland protection.

Mitigation measures include evaluating properties for potential airport hazards under section 24 CFR 51 Subpart D; ensuring compliance with flood insurance requirements per The Flood Disaster Protection Act; verifying properties are free from hazardous materials; assessing impacts on endangered species; adhering to floodplain management guidelines; conducting historic preservation reviews; implementing noise abatement strategies where necessary; and ensuring compliance with wetland protection regulations.

The estimated project cost is $500,000 annually from sources including CDBG B-24-MC-12-0015. The project activities are categorically excluded from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements per HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58.35(a)(3)(i). An Environmental Review Record (ERR) documenting environmental determinations is available at Orlando City Hall or online.

Public comments on the ERR can be submitted to the City of Orlando Housing and Community Development Department until August 13, 2024. The city certifies that Mayor Buddy Dyer consents to accept federal court jurisdiction if an action is brought regarding environmental review responsibilities.

Objections to HUD’s release of funds or the city's certification can be submitted within fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or actual receipt date. Objections must meet specific criteria outlined in HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58 Sec. 58.76 and should be addressed to Larry T. Hayes at larry.t.hayes@hud.gov or via mail at HUD's Jacksonville Field Office.

Mayor Buddy Dyer

Certifying Officer

City Hall

400 South Orange Avenue

Orlando, Florida