Ads for City of Pittsfield in Pittsfield, MA

City of Pittsfield Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity in a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Designated Floodplain To: All interested Agencies, Groups, and Individuals This is to give notice that the City of Pittsfield under 24 CFR Part 58 has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order(s) 11988, as amended by Executive Order 13690, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 in Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Wetlands Protection. The activity is funded by a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program grant, HUD grant number B25-MC-2500-20, The proposed project location is 30 John Street - Durant Park in Pittsfield, Berkshire County, MA and is located in the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain. The extent of the FFRMS floodplain was determined using a 0.2 percent (or 500-year) flood approach using FEMA produced FIRM documents. The proposed activity involves the construction of new splashpad equipment as part of the existing park and playground. The existing site is a 2.1 acre playground and park. The proposal includes the installation of a 700 square foot splashpad and associated equipment and infrastructure. The site is located within a 500-year floodplain or 0.2% FFRMS for the Housatonic River which abuts the site. The proposed new construction will not significantly impact the natural value or function of the river or floodplain (FFRMS). The City of Pittsfieldhas considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial functions and intrinsic values of the existing floodplain/wetland:Due to the nature of the activity involving the improvement of an existing park and playground and the presence of FFRMS throughout the entire park location it is not possible to relocate this activity outside of the FFRMS floodplain. A no-action alternative was considered but as it is an existing neighborhood park located in a CDBG eligible low-moderate income area of the City's Westside neighborhood, a determination not to approve the proposed action would create a negative impact as well as prove to be a detriment to the public facilities currently available to the neighborhood children. For this reason the no-action alternative was rejected. The improvements will be installed in conformance with the Order Of Conditions issued by the Pittsfield Conservation Commission in September of 2024 under the Massachusetts Wetland's Protection Act. The City of Pittsfield has reevaluated alternatives to conducting this activity in the floodplain and has determined that it has no practicable alternative to performing this activity in the FFMRS floodplain. Environmental files documenting compliance with Executive Order 11988, as amended by Executive Order 13690, 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 a floodplain 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 floodplain 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 participate in actions taking place in a floodplain, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk. Written comments must be received by the City of Pittsfield at the following address on or before March 13, 2026: City of Pittsfield, Department of Community Development, 70 Allen Street, Room 205 and (413) 499-9358. Attention: Nate Joyner, Community Development Program Manager. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM at Pittsfield City Hall, Department of Community Development, 70 Allen Street, Room 205. Comments may also be submitted via email at njoyner@pittsfieldma.gov. Ad# 100466 03/05/2026