Final Floodplain Notice: Broadway Corridor Affordable Housing Project

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 Portland Housing Bureau, acting as the Responsible Entity under 24 CFR Part 58, has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order 11988 and in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20, Subpart C, Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Wetlands Protection. The activity is partly funded under the HUD's Project Based Section 8 Vouchers program.

The proposed project location is 751 NW Hoyt St in Portland, Oregon, Multnomah County at the intersection of NW 9th Ave. and NW Johnson St (Broadway Corridor Block 4a). The extent of the FFRMS floodplain was determined using the 0.2 percent flood approach, and the entire 0.69-acre project site is within the 500-year floodplain. The proposed project site has been in continuous use since the 1890s. It has primarily served as a rail car service and repair yard and is currently a paved parking lot. Home Forward intends to develop the proposed parcel into one 14-story affordable housing building with a total of 231 units. The building will also include a workforce development center, two community rooms, a 2nd floor roof courtyard, a playground, computer stations, community kitchen, laundry, bike storage, property management and supportive services offices, and meeting rooms. Landscape features will incorporate increased pervious surface areas planted with trees, shrubs, and perennial forbs.

The recipient's consultant, under the purview of the Portland Housing Bureau, has considered alternatives and mitigation measures to minimize adverse impacts to the floodplain and to preserve and restore its remaining natural and beneficial functions. The affected floodplain is an urban floodplain that has been previously disturbed and developed. Existing natural and beneficial floodplain functions are limited due to historic and current site conditions; however, the floodplain continues to provide floodwater conveyance and storage functions. Alternatives locating the project outside of the floodplain and alternative development configurations were considered. The recipient's consultant, under the purview of the Portland Housing Bureau, considered modifying the project to avoid or minimize floodplain impacts; however, this alternative was rejected because the entire site is located within the FFRMS floodplain and design or siting changes would not avoid floodplain impacts, leaving relocation as the only avoidance option, which was determined to be impracticable. The No Action alternative, under which the site would remain an underutilized surface parking lot, was also rejected because it would not address Portland's affordable housing needs or support redevelopment goals for the Broadway Corridor. Constructing the development as proposed would result in permanent impact to 0.69 acres of FFRMS floodplain but would provide 231 affordable housing units and associated community facilities, and, given the absence of wetlands or sensitive habitats and the incorporation of mitigation measures, was identified as the preferred and practicable alternative. Mitigation measures incorporated into the project include elevating residential uses above the ground floor, limiting floodplain disturbance, and increasing pervious surface areas through landscaping to improve stormwater infiltration. No FEMA Letters of Map Revision (LOMR) or Letters of Map Amendment (LOMA) are applicable to this project. The project will comply with all applicable state and local floodplain management requirements.

The recipient's consultant, under the purview of the Portland Housing Bureau, has reevaluated alternatives to development within the floodplain and has determined that there is no practicable alternative to locating the proposed activity within the FFRMS floodplain. Environmental review records documenting compliance with Executive Order 11988 are available for public inspection, review, and copying upon request at the location identified below.

There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in the floodplain and those who have an interest in protecting the natural environment are provided an opportunity to express their concerns and submit relevant information. Second, this notice serves as an important public education tool to inform the community about floodplain issues and to support Federal efforts to reduce risks associated with floodplain occupancy and modification. Third, as a matter of fairness, when the Federal government participates in actions within a floodplain, it must inform those who may be placed at greater or continued risk.

The Early Floodplain Notice was published on February 3, 2026.

Public Comments

Written comments must be received by the Portland Housing Bureau on or before June 23, 2026.

Email comments to:

Anna Shook, Certifying Officer, and Meriam Rahali, Responsible Entity
Anna.Shook@portlandoregon.gov
Cc: Meriam.Rahali@portlandoregon.gov

Portland Housing Bureau
1900 SW 4th Ave #7007
Portland, OR 97201

A full explanation of the project may be reviewed at the address listed above during normal business hours.