NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS – Independence Place II
December 10, 2025
Housing and Community Development, Pinellas County Government, 440 Court Street, 2nd Floor, Clearwater, FL 33756
Community Development Division (727) 464-8263
These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by Housing and Community Development Department.
REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS
On or about December 27, 2025 the Housing and Community Development Department will submit a request to the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of the HOME Investment Partnerships American Rescue Plan Program (HOME-ARP) funds under 24 CFR Part 92 under Title II of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (NAHA), in accordance with Section 288 (42 U.S.C. 12838) to undertake a project known as Independence Place II located at 13000 Park Boulevard, Seminole, Pinellas County, Florida 33776. Independence Place II will consist of the second phase of an independent permanent supporting housing community for adults with a developmental disability and will help address the challenges for special needs and qualifying populations with life classes, peer-lead support, and referrals to basic behavioral healthcare. Independence Place II will consist of a total of 14 units (10 one-bedroom and 4 two-bedrooms units). The units will be housed in one duplex (both two-bedrooms units) and four triplexes (one triplex with two-bedrooms units and one-bedroom unit, and three triplexes with one-bedroom units). Seven units will be leased to the HOME-ARP qualifying population, and all 14 units will be for the developmentally disabled. The approximate total development cost is $7,259,693. Funding sources include a HOME-ARP loan in an amount up to $1,599,100; a State Apartment Incentive Loan in an amount up to $4,200,000; Pinellas County Subsidy in the amount of $825,000; and deferred fee in the amount of $509,593. As stipulated by HUD, an Environmental Review is required of the subject property according to 24 CFR Part 58.
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
Pinellas County, Housing and Community Development 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 Housing and Community Development Department, 440 Court Street, Second Floor, Clearwater, FL 33756, and may be examined or copied weekdays between 9:00 A.M to 4:00 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the Housing and Community Development Department, 440 Court St, Second Floor, Clearwater, FL 33756, Attention: Ms. Andrea Ramirez or via e-mail at aramirez@pinellas.gov. All comments received by December 26, 2025, will be considered by the HCD Department, prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.
ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION
The Housing and Community Development Department certifies to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that Mr. Gregg Mims, in his capacity as the Director of the Housing and Community Development Department, Pinellas County Government, 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 Housing and Community Development Department, Pinellas County, Government to use Program funds.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
HUD will accept objections to its release of fund and the Housing and Community Development Department’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: (a) the certification was not executed by the Director of the Housing and Community Development Department; (b) the Housing and Community Development Department 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 has committed funds or incurred costs 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 via email in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to CPDRROFJKV@hud.gov or written submission to U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development, Community Planning & Development Division, Jacksonville Field Office, Attention: CPD Environmental Review, 400 W. Bay Street, Suite 1015, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Potential objectors should contact the HUD Jacksonville Field Office at the same email address at CPDRROFJKV@hud.gov to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
Mr. Gregg Mims, Director
Housing and Community Development Department
Pinellas County Government.