The Division of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) wants public input on the actions it takes and the decisions it makes. We post notices here to ask for public input. If no announcements are posted, it means that there are no opportunities open for public input.
Announcements
FONSI and ERR for New Africa Center
NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND
NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS
Date of Notice: April 9, 2026
City of Philadelphia, Division of Housing and Community Development
1234 Market Street, 17th Floor’ Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-686-9760
These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the City of Philadelphia’s Division of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).
REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS
On or about Apri 29, 2026, the City of Philadelphia 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 of 1974, as amended; and the City of Philadelphia will authorize the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) to submit to HUD a request for release of funds under Section 9 funds under the United States Housing Act of 1937, as amended, to undertake the following project: New Africa Center.
Project Title: ER-25-024; New Africa Center
Purpose: The applicant requests funding to construct a 5-story building, with a cultural center on the ground floor, and 33 affordable units above. Two of the four lots are currently vacant, while the other two have 3-story mixed use attached buildings that are vacant and will be demolished
Location: 4237, 4239, 4241, 4243 Lancaster Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Estimated Cost: The total development cost is $10,643,383
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
The City of Philadelphia 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. The full legal notice can be accessed
POSTING INFORMATION
This Notice will be posted at the Haverford Library Branch located at 5543 Haverford Avenue; Philadelphia, PA 19139 and on this website. Download or view the full FONSI and ERR
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to DHCD. All comments received by April 28, 2026, will be considered by the DHCD prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.
ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION
The City of Philadelphia certifies to HUD that Jessie Lawrence, in his capacity as Director of the Department of Planning and Development/Division of Housing and Community Development 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.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City’s certification for a period of 15 days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later). Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58) and shall be addressed to the Philadelphia Office of Community Planning and Development at CPDRROFPHI@hud.gov. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
Notice types and posting requirements
We receive federal funding for local housing and community development programs. To use this federal funding, there are certain public notice requirements we need to meet. We post notices asking for public feedback at hearings or through written comments. Notices are posted publicly for 30 days.
Notices about the planning and budgeting process
Every year, we share the following information about housing and community development funding and programs:
- Annual Action Plan: A plan describing all housing and community development programs, including funding amounts and goals. The plan describes how these programs comply with federal regulations.
- Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER): A report showing program accomplishments during the previous fiscal year.
- Consolidated Plan: A longer plan including a needs assessment, market analysis, and strategic plan. This plan is published every five years.
We also collect public feedback about these planning processes. To ask for feedback, we post public notices about:
- How to participate in public hearings. This is where we learn about community needs and get feedback about how programs are working.
- How to submit comments on draft plans and reports and on proposed changes to older plans.
Environmental Review notices
An Environmental Review investigates a project and its potential environmental impacts to make sure that the project:
- Will meet federal, state, and local environmental standards.
- Won’t have a negative impact on the environment.
- Won’t have negative environmental or health effects on those who will use the property site.
The Environmental Review process is required for all projects supported by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). We post public notices about the Environmental Review for certain projects, including:
- Notices of intent to request release of funds.
- Notices of finding of no significant impact.
While every project’s environmental impact must be reviewed, the extent of the review varies. However, every project must comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and related laws.