Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity in a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Designated Floodplain
To: All interested Agencies, Groups and Individuals
This is to give notice that the City of Wilmington under 24 CFR Part 58 has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order(s) 11988, as amended by Executive Order 13690, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 in Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Wetlands Protection. The activity is funded under The Choice Neighborhoods program, HUD Grant #DE3A001CNG122. The proposed project(s) is located at 1120, 1122, 1124,1126,1127,1128,1130,1134,1142, and 1144 Davis Street, Wilmington, DE, 19802 in New Castle County. The extent of the FFRMS floodplain was determined using a Climate Informed Science Approach (CISA). This project involves the acquisition of the above-listed vacant parcels for the construction of ten affordable homes that will be sold to low-income families and individuals. Each home provides 1,300 square feet of overall living space, including three (3) bedrooms, and two & one-half (2 ½) baths. Homes will be built on a slab foundation with a one-car garage on the ground floor. All building materials and specifications will fully comply with all applicable City of Wilmington and NCC building code specifications. This project is not likely to adversely impact the floodplain, but it has the potential to meet some of the outstanding need for affordable housing in the area. The project involves less than one acre located in an FFRMS floodplain.
The City of Wilmington has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial functions and intrinsic values of the existing floodplain/wetland:
(i) This project should take place in the floodplain because these vacant lots have been identified as prime candidates for the construction of infill housing. Infill housing in vacant plots of already-developed urban areas is an established method of providing affordable housing while also limiting land-use conversions of rural land and preserving nature and farmland.
(ii) The following Alternatives were considered:
Do Nothing: The City of Wilmington suffers from a shortage of affordable housing. If these plots are not acquired and the proposed housing not built, this portion of the affordable housing gap in Wilmington will not be filled.
Undertake at Jurisdiction’s Expense: Because of limited local funds undertaking this activity with local funds would unduly slow the process of increasing the affordable housing stock in the City of Wilmington.
Locate the project outside of the floodplain: The City of Wilmington did not consider any alternative sites. These plots have been identified as prime candidates for infill housing. Infill housing in vacant plots of already-developed urban areas is an established method of providing affordable housing while also limiting land-use conversions of rural land and preserving nature and farmland.
(iii) Major adverse impacts are not expected; however, care will be taken in on site storage of equipment and waste material to prevent problems if flooding occurs during project work. The 2100 estimated sea-level rise amount is 4 ft, corresponding to a FFRMS flood elevation of 12 FT NAVD88. The project will be constructed above the FFRMS flood elevation. Flood insurance policies will be obtained for these properties upon completion of construction. The project will comply with all state and local floodplain procedures.
The City of Wilmington has reevaluated alternatives to building in the floodplain and has determined that it has no practicable alternative to floodplain development. Environmental files documenting compliance with Executive Order 11988, as amended by Executive Order 13690, 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 floodplain 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 floodplain 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 floodplain, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.
Written comments must be received by the City of Wilmington at the following address on or before December 2, 2024: City of Wilmington Dept. of Real Estate and Housing, Louis L. Redding City/County Building 800 N. French Street, 7th Floor, Wilmington, Delaware 19801 and (302) 576-2620, Attention: Robert Weir, Director or by email address at rlweir@wilmingtonde.gov. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM at the address above.
