Public Comment Notice: 417 Jackson Avenue Environmental Review
June 4, 2026
Summary: Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact and Intent to Request Release of Funds
The City of Muskegon plans to authorize Samaritas to request HUD approval to use seven Project-Based Section 8 vouchers for the redevelopment of the former Froebel School at 417 Jackson Avenue.
The project will rehabilitate the long-vacant school building and convert it into 46 affordable housing units, along with community spaces and 59 parking spaces. The total project cost is approximately $16.2 million.
Following an environmental review, the City determined that the project will not have a significant impact on the environment, so no Environmental Impact Statement is required.
The Environmental Review Record is available for public review at Muskegon City Hall. Public comments will be accepted through June 22, 2026, and may be submitted:
- By mail to: City Manager Jonathan Seyferth, 933 Terrace Street, Muskegon, MI 49440
- By email to: [email protected]
- By phone at: (231) 724-6705
Comments should specify which notice they address.
Following submission of the request for release of funds, HUD will provide an additional period for formal objections as allowed by federal regulations.
NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS
6/4/2026
City of Muskegon
933 Terrace Street, Muskegon, MI 49440
231-724-6701
These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the City of Muskegon.
REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS
On or about June 23, 2026, the City of Muskegon will authorize Samaritas to submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of (7) Project-Based Section 8 Vouchers (PBVs) under Section 8(o)(13) of the Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. § 1437f(o)(13)) from the Muskegon Housing Commission (MHC), to undertake a project known as Froebel Place (proposed project) located at 417 Jackson Avenue in Muskegon, MI.
The former Froebel School in Muskegon, Michigan, will be rehabilitated into 46 affordable housing. It has been vacant since 2003 and has since been deteriorating and vandalized. The purpose of the project is to rehabilitate and preserve the currently vacant Froebel School building by converting it into 46 affordable family housing units with 59 parking spaces. The proposed units are further divided into 2-studio units; 35 one-bedroom units; 6 two-bedroom units; and 3 three-bedroom units.
The rehabilitation of the existing approximately 60,000 square foot building will include on the first floor an entrance vestibule, a large historic community room, a historic 400-seat auditorium, a reception area, a large interior courtyard, a management office, public restrooms, and an area for mail and packages. The second floor will include a small library and computer center, a secondary office for the community partner provided tenant services. Planned units on the first floor include two studio units, 21 one-bedroom units, 3 two-bedroom units, and one three-bedroom unit. The second floor will include 14 one-bedroom units, three two-bedroom units, and two three-bedroom units. All of the two and three-bedroom units will have 1.5 bathrooms.
In addition to the 7 PBVs from the MHC; the project will utilize $10,664,434 Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), $2,349,990 of HTC Equity, $851,925 Deferred Development Fee, Sponsor Loan of $1,680,000, and a $587,446 bank loan. The estimated total cost of the project is $16.2 million.
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
The City of Muskegon 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 Muskegon City Hall, 933 Terrace Street, Muskegon, MI 49440, and may be examined or copied Monday through Thursday 7:30 A.M to 5:30P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the City of Muskegon, attention: Jonathan Seyferth, City Manager, 933 Terrace Street, Muskegon, MI 49440, via email at [email protected] or via telephone (231) 724-6705. All comments received by June 22, 2026, will be considered by the City of Muskegon prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.
ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION
The City of Muskegon certifies to HUD that Ken Johnson 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. HUD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows Samaritas to use Program funds.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
HUD will accept objections to its release of fund and the City of Muskegon’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 Muskegon; (b) the City of Muskegon 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 has committed funds or incurred costs 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 Michelle King, PIH Representative, Detroit Field Office, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development at 477 Michigan Avenue 16th Floor, Detroit Michigan 48226. Objections can also be submitted via email at [email protected]. Potential Objectors should contact Michelle King via telephone at: 313.234.7397 or by email at [email protected] to verify the actual last day of the objection.
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Ken Johnson, Mayor