To: HUD, SHPO, City of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Housing Authority, and all other interested Agencies, Groups, and Individuals.

This is to give notice that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under part 50 has determined that the following proposed action under FloatLab and HUD – Choice Neighborhood grant number PA3A002CNP117 is located in the 100-year floodplain and floodway, and HUD will be identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action in the floodplain and the potential impacts on the floodplain from the proposed action, as required by Executive Order 11988 in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands.  The proposed project, FloatLab, is a floating structure that integrates art, science, and programming to create a unique platform for connection and learning about the Schuylkill River. FloatLab will bring focus to improvements of the water and not simply the waterfront. FloatLab will synthesize disparate programs and concepts: industrial areas and botanical gardens, toxic remediation and ecological growth, science, and art. This structure will be located within one of William Penn Foundation’s Great Public Spaces Investment Areas, Bartram’s Garden, and adjacent to another, Bartram’s Mile Trail/Park. The intent is to educate the public on the remediation efforts taking place in the river in a safe and aesthetically pleasing way. This installation will also add needed infrastructure for activities centered on general environmental stewardship. The project will have a positive impact on public health, safety, and the environment.

Designed to provide a unique experience of seeing water at eye level, FloatLab employs design techniques from architectural design, marine engineering and naval architecture. FloatLab was designed for the sole purpose of educating and connecting the community to the Schuylkill River; therefore it is necessary that this structure be constructed on the water. A landing platform and gangway will lead guests across the tidal shoreline to a hinged gangway attached to the edge of FloatLab that provides flexibility for the 6 to 7 feet tidal changes in the river. FloatLab has two prominent design features – the lookout point, where guests can experience the river, and the wider high point, where classes and larger groups can gather. During the day, FloatLab will host group activities like school field trips and science camps. FloatLab will add needed infrastructure for activities centered on general environmental stewardship. The project will have a positive impact on public health, safety, and the environment. 

The Project is needed to increase access to environmental/watershed education and engagement, foster education and community revitalization, conserve natural resources, facilitate waterway stewardship, and promote healthy lifestyles and a healthy environment in Southwest Philadelphia, which is a largely Black industrialized neighborhood. In addition to the area’s health and environmental injustices, Southwest Philadelphia is poorer than the city average, with more than 30% of residents living in poverty, including 46% of children under the age of 18. In 2019, a series of community planning meetings held at Bartram’s Garden identified community stewardship; STEM-based youth-enrichment opportunities; and watershed health as overwhelming neighborhood priorities as local residents grapple with the long-term economic and health impacts of industrialization and environmental injustice.  

The Proposed Action would result in long-term, permanent, significant, beneficial impacts to the EJ population due to the improved recreational, socioeconomic, and educational opportunities for the local community and K-12 students.  The Proposed Action will also provide long-term benefits with regard to water quality, conservation of natural resources, protection of fish and wildlife habitat and the overall promotion of healthy lifestyles and a healthy environment in Southwest Philadelphia.

The proposed location of FloatLab is at the southern section of Bartram’s Garden riverfront adjacent to its freshwater tidal wetland along the west bank of the Schuylkill River in Southwest Philadelphia. The dock and gangway proposed for FloatLab will be located at the broadest section of Bartram’s riverfront at 3101 S 56th Street in Philadelphia, PA, Philadelphia County. and is set back from the Schuylkill River channel.

The proposed project will consist of the installation of a partial landing platform and gangway that lead out to the FloatLab ring (approximately 75 feet in diameter). Nine 16-inch diameter pipe piles and four 36-inch diameter mooring piles will be installed as part of the project. The piles will consist of reinforcedstructural concrete, forming the structure of the rock socket. Riprap will be installed near the shoreline. A water line will be installed so that the platform, gangway and FloatLab ring can be cleaned.  A compost filter sock will be installed downslope of the waterline installation to protect wetlands that are located outside of the project area. A turbidity curtain will also be installed, which will temporarily impact an approximately 0.55-acre (24,024 square feet) area around the project. The permanent impacts will be 0.12 acres in the floodplain, and 0.02 acres in the floodway.

Emergency egress lighting (1 foot candle) will be installed on the FloatLab, which does not intend to shine light into the river.  Solar navigation lights will also be placed in the water around the dock. No lighting or sounds will be broadcast into the river.

The proposed project is located outside of the navigation channel. The project location was selected to avoid impacts to wetlands and potential archaeologic resources.

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.  Commenters are encouraged to offer alternative sites outside of the floodplain, alternative methods to serve the same project purpose, and methods to minimize and mitigate impacts.  Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about floodplains 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 floodplains, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.

Written comments must be received by HUD at the following address: The Director, Office of Public Housing, U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development, The Strawbridge’s Building, 801 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107 on or before November 1, 2022:  HUD, Attention: The Director, Office of Public Housing, U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development, and email address: philaPIH@hud.gov.  A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm weekdays and weekends at Bartram’s Garden, 5400 Lindbergh Boulevard, Philadelphia 19143.  Comments may also be submitted via email at bartram@pha.phila.gov