Intent to Request Release of Funds: True North Townhouses for New Construction

Portland Housing Bureau
1900 SW 4^th Ave, Suite 7007
Portland, OR 97201
503-823-2802

This notice shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the City of Portland, Oregon and Habitat for Humanity.

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS

On or about May 1, 2026, the City of Portland and Habitat for Humanity will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of Congressional Direct Spending Funds, authorized by the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act of 2026, to undertake the following project:

TRUE NORTH TOWNHOUSES FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION

Address: 6767 N. Syracuse Street, Portland OR, 97203

The proposed project consists of new construction of an affordable townhouse homeownership cluster-style development by Habitat for Humanity, Proud Ground and OnPoint Community Credit Union consisting of approximately 50 townhouse units of 2-, 3-or 4-bedroom townhouses of 1-2 stories of wood construction. OnPoint will offer affordable 30-year fixed-rate loans and Proud Ground will provide permanent affordability and lower purchase prices through the Community Land Trust model. The project has no proposed basements, with on-site surface parking and community green spaces. Site excavation and ground disturbance are anticipated to support typical foundational construction design and stormwater management drywells. Public works improvements propose new streets, sidewalks and public works utility improvements along N Minerva Ave, N Syracuse Street, and N Oberlin. The proposed project is on a site of contiguous undeveloped parcels in a single-family residence neighborhood in North Portland.

Estimated Portland Metro Bond Funds and Interstate Corridor Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds via the Portland Housing Bureau are approximately $8,087,267.00; total development costs of the affordable housing portion of the project are estimated at approximately $29,157,204.00.

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

The City of Portland has determined that this 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 Records (ERRs) on file at the Portland Housing Bureau. Copies may be examined by contacting anna.shook@portlandoregon.gov.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency disagreeing with this determination or wishing to comment on the projects may submit written comments to Anna Shook, at anna.shook@portlandoregon.gov. All comments received by 5:00 pm April 30, 2026 will be considered by the Portland Housing Bureau prior to authorizing submission of a Request for Release of Funds and Environmental Certification to HUD. Please send written comments or email comments to anna.shook@portlandoregon.gov.

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION

The City of Portland certifies that Anna Shook, in her official capacity as the Certifying Officer for the City of Portland, 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/Portland's approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the City of Portland to use Program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

HUD will consider objections to its release of funds and the City of Portland's certification for a period of fifteen days following either the anticipated submission date (cited above) or HUD's actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if the objections are on one of the following bases:

1. that the Certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the City of Portland; 
2. the City of Portland has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58; 
3. the City of Portland has committed funds or incurred costs not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD; 
4. 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) and shall be addressed to the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development. 

Potential objectors should contact HUD directly at Portland_RROF@hud.gov to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Anna Shook, Analyst II
Certifying Officer Designee
Anna.Shook@portlandoregon.gov