NOTE: There Are 2 Public Notices Listed Below
City of Columbus
90 W Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215
June 26, 2026
Early Notice and Public Review 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 Columbus (as Responsible Entity under 24 CFR Part 58) has determined that the following proposed action under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Grant (Grant Number B-25-MC-39-0009) is located in the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain, and the City of Columbus will be identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action within the floodplain and the potential impacts on the floodplain from the proposed action, as required by Executive Order 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 Protection of Wetlands. The proposed project location is 900 N Nelson Road, Columbus, Ohio 43223, Parcel Number 010-212422-00.
The City of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department (CRPD) is redeveloping an area into North Star Park by including play equipment, reflective space, play mounds, seating areas, artistic installations, educational signage and a story trail. Improvements to the existing Hayden Park requires the CRPD acquire land from the adjacent Columbus Metropolitan Library. The park improvements improve connectivity to trails and surrounding community.
There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in the 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. 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 project impacts on the floodplain. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about the 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 the floodplain, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.
Written comments must be received by the City of Columbus at the email address grantsmgmt@columbus.gov on or before July 11, 2026.
NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS
July 13, 2026
City of Columbus
90 W. Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215
This notice shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the City of Columbus.
REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS
On or about, but not before, July 29, 2026, the City of Columbus, Department of Finance and Management 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 I of the Housing and Community Development Act, as amended, to undertake a project known as:
• Four Seasons Community Garden, for the purpose of constructing improvements to the Four Seasons Community Garden. Planned improvements include a community area with park-like landscaping, a small stage, pergola, fire pit, and grills. Behind the community area will contain space for planting beds, a small greenhouse, potting station, and orchard. The improvements will expand the garden area available for cultivation and add community spaces. The City of Columbus plans to request $161,500 in CDBG funds for the project.
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
The City of Columbus has determined that the 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. Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file at the Department of Finance and Management at the above address. The ERR is also available via email by contacting the Grants Management Section at grantsmgmt@columbus.gov.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on an ERR to the City of Columbus, Department of Finance and Management at grantsmgmt@columbus.gov. All comments received by July 28, 2026, will be considered by the City of Columbus prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.
ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION
The City of Columbus certifies to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that Christopher S. Long, in his capacity as Director, Department of Finance and Management, 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 that 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 Columbus to use HUD funds.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City of Columbus’ certification for a period of fifteen 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 bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the City of Columbus; (b) the City of Columbus has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58; (c) the grant recipient 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 project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to the HUD Columbus Field Office at email address: CPDColumbusRROF@hud.gov. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
Christopher S. Long, Director
Department of Finance and Management
90 W. Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215