Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity in a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Designated Floodplain or Wetland To: All interested Agencies, Groups and Individuals This is to give notice that Responsible Entity under 24 CFR Part 58 has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order(s) 11988, as amended by Executive Order 13690, and/or Executive Order 11990, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 in Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Wetlands Protection. The activity is funded under the Community Project Funding (CPF) Program. The proposed project(s) is located 2219 Marglyn Drive & 2597 Mount Harmony Church Road in Matthews, Mecklenburg County. There are approximately 5.02 acres of Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain within the project area. The extent of the FFRMS floodplain was determined using 0.2 percent flood approach. The purpose of the project is to build a publicly accessible trail to connect to the current greenway trail system in the area and build affordable housing along the western portion of the project area. There are approximately 1.48 acres of wetland within the project area and potential impacts to wetlands are anticipated. Wetlands on site were assessed for quality using the North Carolina Wetland Assessment Method (NCWAM) and scored medium/high quality. These wetlands would provide floodwater storage, groundwater recharge, and limited habitat for plant and animal life. The wetland areas contain a mix of native and invasive herbaceous species and saplings. A forested wetland is located on site that contains mature trees. The wetlands are assessed as having minimal educational, recreational, scientific, historic or cultural value. Mature trees on the site are suitable foraging and/or roosting habitat for the proposed endangered tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus). Any tree clearing required for the project will adhere to the latest guidance on tree clearing moratoriums for the tricolored bat in Mecklenburg County. The preferred alternative would potentially impact 0.0002 acres of wetland and would avoid impacts to floodplains. The Town of Matthews has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial functions and intrinsic values of the existing floodplain/wetland: The town considered other proposed sites, however, these did not meet the goals of the project. The preferred alternative was selected as it avoided floodplain impacts and had minimal wetland impacts. During final design, different methods of wetland crossing will considered to further minimize impacts and preserve natural functions Considered mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse significant impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values include the following: 1.) Locate the activity outside of the wetland/floodplain to greatest extent practical. No impact to floodplains are proposed and selecting an alternative property to avoid wetland impacts would not meet the goal of the proposed project. Selection of an alternate site is not practical as there are no available properties in the area that could accommodate the goal of the proposed project. 2.) Alternative Actions. Alternative alignments of the proposed greenway trail were considered but these would have greater impacts to floodplains, wetland, or both. As currently designed, impacts to the FFRMS floodplain have been avoided and wetland impacts have been minimized to 0.002 acre. As such, wetland impacts will be subject to permitting under Section 404/401 of the Clean Water Act which will also require appropriate mitigation measures. Compensatory mitigation will not be required for wetland impacts because they does not meet the area threshold that requires mitigation. Suitable mitigation actions will be identified during the permitting process. 3.) Impact of taking no action, would fail to meet the purpose and need of the proposed action by not constructing the project, thereby decreasing affordable residential opportunities and not providing a public access greenway trail. If construction did not take place, the property could be purchased and developed for market-value residential or commercial sues. Based on this information, the project will be in compliance with applicable wetland/floodplain protection procedures and regulations. The Town of Matthews has reevaluated alternatives to building in the wetland and has determined that it has no practicable alternative to wetland development. Environmental files documenting compliance with Executive Order 11988, as amended by Executive Order 13690, and/or Executive Order 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. There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in wetland 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 and request for public comment about wetland 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 wetland, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk. Written comments must be received by the Town of Matthews at the following address on or before November 13, 2025 : Town of Matthews, 232 Matthews Station Street, Matthews, NC, 28105 and 704-847-4411, Attention: Mr. Jay Camp, Planning Director. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at 232 Matthews Station Street, Matthews, NC, 28105. Comments may also be submitted via email at jcamp@matthewsnc.gov. Date: November 5, 2025 IPL0286810 Nov 5 2025