Final Notice and Public Explanation of A Proposed

Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity in an FFRMS Floodplain To: All interested Government Agencies, Groups and Individuals This is to give notice that HUD, under 24 CFR Part 50, has conducted an evaluation of practicable alternatives to locating this development in the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain and the potential impacts on the floodplain from the proposed action. This evaluation is required by Executive Order 11988 as amended by Executive Order 13690, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C, Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Wetland Protection. This project is being submitted under the HUD MAP 241a Program. The subject property, named Columbia Senior Residences at MLK Village, is located at 125 SE Logan St, in Atlanta, GA, and consists of one four-story age-restricted apartment structure constructed in 2006. The structure contains a total of 122 age-restricted residential dwelling units and is situated on 2.597 acres of land. The proposed transaction will consist of the rehabilitation of the existing age-restricted apartment complex with no significant ground disturbing activities. According to FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) #13121C-0357F, dated 9/18/13, most of the subject property is located in Unshaded Zone X, designated as an area outside of the 100- and 500-year floodplain. However, a portion of the subject property along the northern property boundary and a portion of the parking lot in the southern portion of the subject property are in Shaded Zone X, designated as an area within the 500-year floodplain. Approximately 0.2 acres of FFRMS floodplain are located on the subject property. With the 500-year floodplain mapped/defined, that is the extent of the FFRMS floodplain via the 0.2% Annual Chance Floodplain Approach (0.2PFA). According to the FEMA Flood Map Service Center, there are no preliminary or pending FIRMs for the subject property. The onsite floodplains provide the function of water storage. As the proposed action involves existing man-made improvements located within the FFRMS floodplain and triggers substantial improvement as defined by 24 CFR 55.2(b)(12), it is subject to the regulations and requirements of the FFRMS Final Rule. No impacts are proposed within the onsite FFRMS floodplains. HUD has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values of the FFRMS floodplains: Floodplains provide natural and beneficial values by acting as natural filters, providing water storage, and recharging groundwater aquifers. They can also provide habitat for a variety of biologically unique flora and fauna. However, the subject property had previously been developed and no longer represents a floodplain in its natural state. As a refinance transaction for an existing apartment complex with no ground-disturbing activities proposed in the FFRMS floodplains, the proposed transaction will not aggravate the current hazard to other floodplains or disrupt floodplain values. The proposed activities will not result in the removal of a floodplain area in its natural state or the placement of fill within an FFRMS floodplain. The no-action alternative would not achieve any of the benefits attributed to the proposed undertaking. Therefore, proceeding with the proposed transaction is justifiable and appropriate. The floodplains are currently not known to have any archaeological, historic, or recreational value of public interest. Environmental files that document Steps 3 - 6 of Executive Orders 11988 are available for public inspection, review and copying upon request at the times and location delineated in the last paragraph of this notice for receipt of comments. There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in floodplains and wetlands, and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment should be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about floodplains and wetlands can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks and impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas. Third, as a matter of fairness, when the Federal government determines it will consider actions taking place in floodplains and wetlands, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk. Written comments must be received by HUD at the following address no later than 7 days after the publication date of this notice. Comments should be addressed to: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development MLK Federal Building, 77 Forsyth Street SW, Atlanta GA, 30303 Attention: Greg Adams, Review Appraiser, Technical Team A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 8:00am to 4:30pm at the above address. Comments may also be submitted via email at: greg.w.adams@hud.gov Jonathan Mosley, acting in his capacity as Production Division Director of the HUD Multifamily Southeast Regional Center, is the HUD Approving Official. 3-19-25