Public notice regarding floodplain activity and proposed renovations in Sharon Springs.

SCHOHARIE COUNTY

LEGAL NOTICE





FINAL NOTICE AND PUBLIC EXPLANATION OF A PROPOSED ACTIVITY IN THE 100-YEAR FLOODPLAIN. To: All interested Agencies Office of Community Renewal (OCR), New York State: Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), Schoharie County, Town of Sharon and Village of Sharon Springs, Groups and Individuals. This is to give notice that the Village of Sharon Spring and The Klinkhart Hall Arts Center has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order 11988 and/or 11990, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management, to determine the potential affect that its activity in the floodplain and wetland will have on the human environment for HCR and Office of Community Renewal (OCR) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) under Project #1063PF139-24. The proposed project(s) is located 191 Main Street in the Village of Sharon Springs, Schoharie County. The building is located on a 0.2 acre parcel with a building footprint of 3,500 SF and total of about 10,000 SF for the 3 floors, including basement. The entire parcel is within the 100-year floodplain, approximately 3’ above the existing grade of the basement level. The proposed renovations of the building include stabilization and restoration of the building as a community center. This includes renovations and finishing of the basement level for support space for community use on the 1st and 2nd floor, including building systems and equipment. The proposed renovations of the basement level would include the construction of an exterior flood wall to protect the basement level from flooding that may occur from the 100-year storms. The Village of Sharon Springs has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values: Elevation of the building, relocation and Mitigation measures to provide flood protections. The Village Board passed a resolution on July 20, 2023 citing that the most viable option to comply with floodplain mitigation for this historical building in the Sharon Springs Main Street district would be mitigation improvements to provide flood protection of the lower basement level. This includes elevation of mechanical equipment and installation of flood walls. The Village of Sharon Springs has reevaluated the alternatives to building in the floodplain and has determined that it has no practicable alternative. Environmental files that document compliance with steps 3 through 6 of Executive Order 11988 and/or 11990, are available for public inspection, review and copying upon request at the times and location delineated in the last paragraph of this notice for receipt of comments. This activity will have no significant impact on the environment for the following reasons: This building is existing within the floodplain, there will be no expansions of the building to further impact the floodplain area, only mitigation to prevent the building basement level from flooding. There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in floodplains and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment should be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information about floodplains can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas. Third, as a matter of fairness, when the Federal government determines it will participate in actions taking place in floodplains, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk. Written comments must be received by The Village of Sharon Springs at the following address on or before February 27, 2026: The Village of Sharon Springs, PO Box 217, 129 Main Street, Sharon Springs NY 13459 and 518-284-2625, Attention: Hope Bayes, Village Clerk during normal business hours. Comments may also be submitted via email at clerk@voss.com.