News · March 16, 2026
Notice of Intent to Request Release of Funds for Tiered Projects and Programs
Date of Notice: March 16, 2026Responsible Entity: City of PottsvilleAddress: Pottsville City Hall, 401 North Centre Street, Pottsville, PA 17901Telephone: 570-628-4417
On or after March 24, 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 undertake the following project:
Tier 1 Broad Review Project/Program Title: Residential Demolition, Multi-Year FY2025-2029, City-wide
Purpose: To demolish residential structures that are a blighting influence and a threat to public health and safety in the City of Pottsville.
Location: City-wide, Pottsville, PA.
Project/Program Description: The project proposes the demolition of residential structures unsuitable for rehabilitation that present a blighting influence and are a threat to public health and safety. There is no immediate planned use for the properties after demolition. It is estimated that 2-3 buildings per year will be demolished throughout the city. Structures will be inspected for asbestos prior to demolition and debris will be disposed of at an approved site in accordance with applicable regulations.
Level of Environmental Review Citation: 24 CFR Part 58.35(4)(i)
Tier 2 Site Specific Review: The site-specific reviews will cover the following laws and authorities not addressed in the Tier 1 Broad Review: Endangered Species, Wetlands, Contamination and Toxic Substances, Floodplain Management, and Historic Preservation.
Estimated CDBG Funding: FY2025 $76,812
Estimated CDBG Funding: FY 2026-2029 $307,248
Estimated Total Project Cost: $384,060
The activities proposed are categorically excluded under HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58 from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements per 24 CFR Part 58.35(4)(i). An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for this project is on file at the 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 23, 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