Early Notice and Public Review of a Proposed
Activity in a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Designated Floodplain and Wetlands
To: All interested Agencies, Groups, and Individuals
This is to give notice that the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Renewal (HUD), under 24 CFR Part 50 has determined that the following proposed action under a Federal Housing Authority mortgage insurance program (No. 051-35902) for new construction of a multifamily development is located in the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain and wetlands, and HUD will be identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action within the floodplain and wetlands and the potential impacts on the floodplain and wetlands from the proposed action, as required by Executive Order 11988 and Executive Order 11990, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 in Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands. The proposed project location is 5900 Northampton Boulevard in Norfolk, Virginia on a property with Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain and wetlands.
The approximate 7.2707-acre subject property consists of unimproved wooded land. The site is proposed to be cleared and graded for development with The Metro Apartments multifamily residential development. The site is proposed for development with four (4) four-story residential buildings that would house a total of 176 units. Unit floorplans would consist of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment units. Additional improvements would consist of an amenity building, swimming pool amenity area, paved parking areas, and associated landscaping. Additional ground-disturbing activities associated with the proposed development include site grading and excavation for building foundations and underground utilities.
Based on a review of FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Community Panel Numbers 5101040039H and 5101040077H, both dated February 17, 2017, the subject property is primarily located in Zone X (Unshaded), areas of minimal flood hazard outside of the 100- and 500-year floodplains. Additionally, a small portion of the subject property in the southeastern corner is located within Zone AE. Zone AE consists of areas within the 100-year floodplain with Base Flood Elevations (BFEs) established. The BFE in the area of the subject property is identified as 7 feet. The extent of the FFRMS floodplain was determined using the freeboard value approach (BFE + 2 feet) and includes all the area on the property below 9 feet. A total of 78 square feet of FFRMS floodplain, inclusive of 26 square feet of Special Flood Hazard Area, has been determined to occur on the subject property. The area of floodplain has minimal functional value on the property due to its small size, but functions primarily to retain, convey, and control stormwater volume in conjunction with the adjacent offsite area of floodplain. Additionally, a total of 0.604 acres of palustrine, temporarily flooded, forested, broad-leaf deciduous wetlands occur on the subject property. The wetlands on the property function to retain stormwater, filter sediment and pollutants, and provide aquatic resource habitat.
A total of 26 square feet of FFRMS floodplain located in the 100-year floodplain would be impacted to grade the site in preparation of construction. A total of 0.163 acres of FFRMS floodplain, inclusive of 0.112 acres of 100-year flood plain, would be impacted offsite with site grading, demolition of an existing asphalt walk, and to construct right-of-way pavement, sidewalk, and stormwater piping. Additionally, a total of 0.604 acres of wetlands are proposed to be filled to construct the club house, housing units, and parking area. Permits have been obtained to fill the wetlands.
There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in floodplains and wetlands 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. Commenters are encouraged to offer alternative sites outside of the floodplain and wetlands, alternative methods to serve the same project purpose, and methods to minimize and mitigate project impacts on the floodplain and wetlands. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comments about floodplain and wetlands can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks and impacts 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 floodplain and wetlands, it must inform those who may be put at continued or greater risk.
Written comments must be received by HUD at the following address on or before May 26, 2026: To: Stacey L. Ashmore, Multifamily Production Division Director, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Northeast Region, 26 Federal Plaza, 35th Floor, New York, New York 10278-0068, (212) 542-7840 or (212) 542-7730. Comments may also be submitted via email at NE.PublicNotice@hud.gov .
May 10, 2026 -
72039
