News · March 16, 2026
Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact on the Environment and Notice of Intent to Request Release of Funds
Date of Notice: March 16, 2026Responsible Entity: City of PottsvilleAddress: Pottsville City Hall, 401 North Centre Street, Pottsville, PA 17901Telephone: 570-628-4417
These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the City of Pottsville.
On or about April 1, 2026, the City of Pottsville (City) will submit a request to the PA Dept. of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for the release of Community Development Block grant (CDBG) funds under Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-383) (Act), as amended, to be used for the project known as Harrison Street Retaining Wall. The project proposes the replacement of the retaining wall located on Harrison Street between N 3rd Street and N 4th Street in Pottsville, PA. The wall is in danger of collapsing. Temporary measures using a concrete block wall are in place as of March 2025 to stabilize the wall. The existing deteriorated wall will be partially removed approximately four feet, to lower it below the elevation of the new sidewalk. A new retaining wall will then be constructed in front of the temporary wall that was previously installed to provide additional structural support for the street and the project area. A sidewalk will be poured over the tops of all three walls to help prevent future water erosion. Additionally, a four-foot-high barrier or fence will be installed along the top of the new wall to protect pedestrians from potential fall hazards. New sidewalks and curbs will be installed along Harrison Street and 3rd Street, limited to the areas directly affected by the work. A barrier or fence will only be placed in locations where there is a drop-off on the far side of the retaining wall; no barrier will be installed where the sidewalk transitions to ground level. Estimated CDBG Funding: FY 2021 - $166,082; FY 2022 - $150,986; FY 2025 - $154,229. Total estimated project cost: $471,294.
The City has determined that the above projects 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 Records (ERR) on file at City of Pottsville City Hall, 401 North Centre Street, Pottsville, PA 17901 and may be examined or copied weekdays 8:00 A.M to 4:00 P.M.
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to Lisa Shuman, Acting City Administrator, 401 North Centre Street, Pottsville, PA 17901 or by email to [email protected] . All comments received by March 31, 2026, will be considered by the City prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.
The City of Pottsville certifies to DCED that Thomas B. Smith, Certifying Officer, in his capacity as Mayor, 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. DCED's approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the City to use program funds.
DCED will accept objections to its release of funds and the City of Pottsville's 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:
• the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the City of Pottsville;
• the City of Pottsville has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 58;
• 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 DCED; or
• 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 via email in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development at [email protected] . Potential objectors should contact DCED to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
Thomas B. Smith, Mayor