Notices

The City’s Neighborhood Action Team (NAT) will be conducting neighborhood inspections throughout the summer. Our first sweep will occur this Friday in the area of Church Street. The NAT is one component of the City’s Neighborhood Housing Initiative and represent the elected officials commitment to revitalize the neighborhoods. The NAT is a team represented by every City Department which includes Code Enforcement, Police, Fire, Community Development, and the Street Department. Each department has their own focus during the sweep. Code Enforcement will be inspecting properties for any property maintenance issues or obvious code deficiencies. The Police Department will focus inspecting vehicles and any suspicious activity. The Fire Department will be inspecting hydrants and looking for any concerns for fire related issues. The Office of Community Development will proudly provide information on the sweep and how to seek funding from their office for home repairs. The Street Department completes street sweeping, maintenance of City owned property or vacant/abandoned property and related activities.

No actual fines are given during these sweeps unless there is a serious, life threatening issue. Property owners receiving notices are required to contact Code Enforcement within 24 hours of a notice to develop a plan of action. They are given up to 24 hours to correct violations such as high grass and up to 30 days (or more) to address more substantial issues. The purpose of the sweeps are to improve the neighborhoods and quality of life of our residents, and to remind homeowners of their obligation to maintain their properties in a safe and code compliant manner. The City utilizes the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) as published by the International Code Council for these standards. The International Code Council is dedicated to developing model codes and standards used in the design, build and compliance process to construct safe, sustainable, affordable and resilient structures. Most U.S. communities and many global markets choose the International Codes. More information about the IPMC may be found at https://codes.iccsafe.org/public/collections/I-Codes.

Homeowners that have code-deficient properties are encouraged to contact the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Pittston at 570-654-4601 or visit www.pittstonrda.com. Income eligible residents may qualify for programs to help make required repairs to their home. Rules and regulations apply and funds are limited.

An abandoned vehicle is one that does not have a current inspection. Vehicle owners are given 7 days to obtain an inspection before further enforcement action occurs.

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NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS

May 2, 2022

City of Pittston

35 Broad St., Pittston, PA 18640

Telephone Number: 570-654-4601

On or about May 11, 2022, the City of Pittston (City) will request that the PA Dept. of Community and Economic Development (DCED) release federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) (Public Law 116-136), signed into law on March 27, 2020 for the program listed below.

Tier 1 Broad Level Review Project/Program Title: CARES Act Regional Housing Rehabilitation Program, Multi-Year Program (2023-2026)

Purpose: The CARES Act Housing Rehabilitation Program will include a regional approach to keeping seniors, persons with disabilities and those adults with home or health conditions that could be impacted by COVID-19 from having to move into congregate living arrangements and housing modifications for individuals and families that have health conditions negatively impacted by or susceptible to COVID-19 such as asthma, lead and other environmental conditions. In addition, the program will provide consultations related to COVID mitigation strategies at home by Preferred Care at Home of Pittston.

Location: The following communities within Luzerne and Lackawanna County will be participating in this regional program; the City of Pittston, Borough of Avoca, Borough of Exeter, Borough of Hughestown, Jenkins Township, Borough of Laflin, Borough of West Pittston, Borough of Wyoming, Borough of Dupont, Borough of Duryea, Pittston Township and Borough of Taylor (Lackawanna County).

Project Description: Rehabilitation may include but not be limited to window/door removal and replacement, replacement of flooring, removal/replacement of roof components and gutters, improvements to HVAC systems, improvements to electrical and plumbing systems, improvements to kitchen areas including removal/replacement of cabinets and appliances, implementation of lead-based paint hazard controls and/or other environmental hazard remediation/mitigation measures, improvements to bathrooms including removal/replacement of tubs, sinks, vanities and toilets as well as ADA improvements, improvements to interior walls including new sheetrock and painting, exterior improvements including the installation of vinyl siding and painting, porch improvements and sidewalk/walkway improvement, as well as other similar general housing improvement work. Program rehabilitation activities will not increase density beyond four units, change the land use, or increase a building footprint in a floodplain or

wetland. The City estimates that 45 homes will be rehabilitated via this program from 2023 to 2026 using CDBG-CV funds.

Tier 2 site specific reviews will be completed for those laws and authorities not addressed in the tier 1 broad review for each address under this program when addresses become known.

Level of Environmental Review Citation: 24 CFR Part 58.5(a)(3)(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: contamination and toxic substances, historic preservation, noise and environmental justice.

Mitigation Measures/Conditions/Permits (if any): not applicable

Estimated DCED funding: $900,000

The activities proposed are categorically excluded under HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58, but are subject to National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements. An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for this project is on file at City Hall, 35 Broad St., Pittston, PA where the ERR may be examined or copied weekdays 9 AM to 4 PM and online at the City’s website https://www.pittstoncity.org/pittston-city- departments/office-of-community-development/.

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PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to Joseph Chacke at the above address or jchacke@pittstonrda.com. All comments received by May 10, 2022, will be considered by the City prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION

The City certifies to DCED that Michael Lombardo, 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 CDBG-CV Program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

DCED will accept objections to its release of fund and the City of Pittston’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 Certifying Officer of the name of the City of Pittston; (b) the City of Pittston 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 DCED; 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 in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to the Department of Community and Economic Development at: chrhowe@pa.gov  Potential objectors should contact DCED to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Michael Lombardo, Mayor

Certifying Officer