Housing & Community Development

The mission of the Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) is to promote sound housing and community development in Delaware County with the use of federal, state and local resources. OHCD is responsible for the planning, administration, and oversight of three federal programs: the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) and Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) Programs. The office is also charged with oversight of state initiatives funded through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and County initiatives, as funds become available.

Recent Updates and Announcements

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NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND
NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS

DATE OF NOTICE:             July 30, 2025
RESPONSIBLE ENTITY:    County of Delaware
ADDRESS:                          201 West Front Street
                                             Media, PA 19063
TELEPHONE:                     610-891-4000

These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the County of Delaware (County).

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS

On or about August 15, 2025, the County will authorize ACCESS – A Community Center Established by the Surgent Family for Society to submit a request to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of Community Project Funding (CPF) grant funds under the Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed Spending authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022, (P.L. 117-103), to be used for a project known as ACCESS Community Center. In partnership with the City of Chester, the planned ACCESS Community Center is hoped to be the spark that will help revitalize the surrounding community by improving the long vacant and blighted property located at 2820 W 7th St, Chester, PA 19013. The project proposes the construction of a new gymnasium adjacent to the existing community center. The project will include the installation of interior basketball and volleyball fixtures, exterior landscaping, fencing, and other requirements for the complete build-out and stabilization of the gymnasium. This project is part of Phase II of the overall site redevelopment, which includes the creation of a gymnasium (in which the Community Project Funding will go towards), as well as a Splash Park and a 3,500 square foot park to complement the Phase I community facilities. Estimated 2023 CPF Funding: $850,000. Total estimated project cost: $3,700,000.

FINDING of No Significant Impact (FONSI)

The County has determined that the above project will have no significant impact on the human environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 is not required. Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file at the Delaware County Office of Housing and Community Development, 2 W. Baltimore Avenue, Suite 202, Media, PA 19063, and can be reviewed or copied weekdays between 8:00 AM to 4:30 P.M.

Public Comments

Any individual, group or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to Phillip Welsh, Delaware County Office of Housing and Community Development, 2 West Baltimore Avenue, Suite 202, Media, Pennsylvania 19063, or by email to welshp@co.delaware.pa.us. All comments received by August 14, 2025, will be considered by the County prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.
ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION

The County of Delaware certifies to HUD that Philip Welsh, Certifying Officer, in his capacity as Director of the Delaware County Office of Housing and Community Development 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 ACCESS to use CPF Program funds.

Objections to Release of Funds

HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the County of Delaware'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 Delaware County; (b) Delaware County 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.

Philip Welsh
Certifying Officer