NOTICE AND PUBLIC EXPLANATION OF ESQUER PARK IMPROVEMENT PROJECT IN FLOODPLAIN
The City of Tucson Housing & Community Development Department (COT-HCDD) under 24 CFR Part 58 has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order(s) 11988, as amended by Executive Order 13690, 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 activity is funded under HUD Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant programs, grant numbers B-22-MC-04-0505, B-23-MC-04-0505, and AZ9E004CNP18.
The proposed project is located at 1415 North 14th Avenue, Tucson, Pima County, AZ 85705, Pima County Assessor Parcel Numbers 115-18-007F and 115-18-171A and is located in the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain. The extent of the FFRMS floodplain was determined using the freeboard value approach.
The Esquer Park Dog Parks and Park Improvement Project includes design and construction of two dog parks in portions of the existing park and reconstruction of a stormwater detention basin, construction of new concrete walking paths circling the dog parks, disturbance of the Bronx Wash for utilities to provide lighting for the dog parks and walking paths, design and construction of a new pedestrian bridge over the Bronx Wash providing connectivity to the existing walkway south of Bronx Wash, installation of a public art sculpture, and rainwater harvesting and landscape and irrigation improvements. Construction of the dog parks and park improvements will be conducted in the north and central areas of the existing park. Site preparation includes clearing the site and removing debris and other materials within the construction area. Subgrade preparation will be conducted for the basin reconstruction and beneath the curbs and walking path. The floodplain that will be affected provides floodwater conveyance and urban habitat for flora and fauna and the project location, Esquer Park, provides recreational value to the community.
The Francisco Elias Esquer Park is approximately 4.88 acres of City-owned property. The site is in FEMA Flood Zone AE, FIRM panel 04019C 2276L, effective 6/16/2011. The Bronx Wash is a designated riverine according to the National Wetlands Inventory. The US Fish and Wildlife Service has determined the Bronx Wash is an ephemeral wash and not a wetland. The Bronx Wash within the park area is designated by the City of Tucson’s Master Plan Tucson Stormwater Management Study (TSMS) as a TSMS Xeroriparian Intermediate Habitat.
COT-HCDD has considered the alternatives and mitigation measures to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial functions and intrinsic values of the existing floodplain.
COT-HCDD has reevaluated alternatives to building in the floodplain and has determined that it has no practicable alternative to floodplain development. Environmental files documenting compliance with Executive Order 11988, as amended by Executive Order 13690, are available for public inspection, review, and copying upon request at the times and location below and in the attached notice.
Written comments must be received by the City of Tucson Housing & Community Development Department (COT-HCDD) at the following address on or before June 20, 2025: City of Tucson Housing & Community Development Department, PO Box 27210, Tucson, AZ, 85726, Attention: Rolanda Mazeika, Environmental Project Coordinator. Comments may also be submitted via e-mail to rolanda.mazeika@tucsonaz.gov.
A full description of the project may be reviewed weekdays, 8 AM to 4 PM at 310 N Commerce Park Loop, Tucson, AZ 85745 or can be accessed online at www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Housing-and-Community-Development/Documents/Environmental-Review. Questions regarding the project may be directed to Rolanda Mazeika at rolanda.mazeika@tucsonaz.gov or by phone at 520-668-4453.
A copy of the public notice language regarding this project is attached.
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