On or about April 22, 2026, the City of Allentown will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of $50,000 in HOME Investment Partnership funds under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, for the purpose of constructing a new affordable housing development administered by the City of Allentown, Pennsylvania in conjunction with the County of Lehigh and Soteria Cortex – Urban Place Apartments.
Date of Notice: April 1, 2026
Name of Responsible Entity (RE): City of Allentown, PA
Address: 435 Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18101
Telephone Number (RE): (610) 437-7610
These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the City of Allentown.
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
The City of Allentown 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 City of Allentown, 435 Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18101 and may be examined or copied on weekdays from 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.
The purpose of the project is to construct a new, three-story apartment building with 18 1-bedroom units, 5 2-bedroom units, and 10 3-bedroom units for a total of 33 units. The Project Site is located at 43 South Seventh Street, at the corner of South Seventh Street and Walnut Street, Allentown, PA 18101. The proposed project is designed to redevelop an underutilized surface parking lot located in downtown Allentown into a three-story apartment building that will provide 33 high-quality, affordable residential units.
HUD HOME Investment funds will allow this project to provide additional affordable housing in downtown Allentown, which is still a significant need in the community. The rent of the affordable housing units will not exceed 30% of a household’s income. Ownership of the residential property and units will be transferred to the developer, Cortex Residential and Soteria Housing, Inc. The total estimated cost of the project(s) (HUD and non-HUD funds) is estimated to be $14,000,000, which includes $50,000 of HUD HOME Investment funds from the City of Allentown (FY 2024). The project is anticipated to begin in calendar year 2026 and to be completed in calendar year 2027.
The activities proposed are categorically excluded under HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58 from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements. An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations of the project included in this notice is on file at the City of Allentown Department of Community and Economic Development, located at 435 Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18101, and may be examined or copied weekdays 8AM to 4:30PM.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to Teresa Dakuginow at 610-437-7610 x2748, Teresa.Dakuginow@allentownpa.gov or by U.S. mail at the following address: 435 Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18101. All comments received by April 22, 2026 will be considered by the City of Allentown prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.
ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION
The City of Allentown certifies to HUD that Matthew Tuerk in his capacity as Mayor and NEPA Certifying Officer 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 the City of Allentown to use program funds.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City of Allentown’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 City of Allentown; (b) the City of Allentown 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 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 in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) 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.
Matthew Tuerk, Mayor
City of Allentown