New Orleans Times-Picayune | Advocate (Jefferson Parish)
September 5, 2026
PUBLIC NOTICE - - - Final Notice and Public Review of a Proposed Activity in a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Designated Floodplain To: All interested Federal, State and Local Agencies, Groups and Individuals This is to give notice that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under 24 CFR Part 50 has determined that the following proposed action under Federal Housing Administration (FHA), Section of Act (SOA) 221(d)(4) is located in the FFRMS floodplain, 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. Canal Street Lofts is a proposed new construction 212-unit, mid-rise, multifamily complex. There will be 1 building that will be 6 stories tall (2 stories of parking with 4 stories of residential above) on an approximately 1.401-acre tract of land. The proposed project is located at 1717 Canal St, New Orleans, Orleans Parish, LA 70112. The project site is located in Zone X 0.2% floodplain, (BFE 0.00 Feet) (0.48 Acres) and 0.921 acres in Zone X, Area With Reduced Risk Due to Levee, as indicated on Flood Insurance Rate Map 22071C0229F effective 9/30/2016. The affected area of the FFRMS is approximately 0.48 acres. Natural and beneficial functions of the floodplain which may be adversely affected by the proposed project include natural flood and erosion control, surface water quality maintenance, groundwater recharge and biological productivity. HUD has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values: A. Locations outside and not affecting the FFRMS floodplain HUD is not required to consider alternative sites on multifamily projects involving HUD mortgage insurance that are initiated by third parties. B. Alternative methods to serve the identical project objective, including but not limited to design alternatives such as repositioning or reconfiguring proposed siting of structures and improvements or incorporating natural systems, ecosystem processes, and nature-based solutions to avoid floodplain and wetland impacts During the course of the planning for the development, the site was designed to minimize the floodplain impact. The site is a 95.1 impervious area according to the site survey, and this new construction will reduce the impervious area. The affected area is approximately 0.48 acres on site. This revised design reduces the potential costs of property losses from flooding and potentially the cost of flood insurance. C. A determination not to approve any action proposing the occupancy or modification of a floodplain. The no action alternative is not practicable because it would not provide for severely needed rental housing in the area. D. Mitigation Measures The project was designed to have the least effect on the floodplain. The drainage plans will be approved locally. The natural flow of the water in the floodplain is maintained by the use of a stormwater drainage system that preserves the natural direction of the flow. HUD has reevaluated the alternatives to building in the floodplain and has determined it has no practicable alternative. Environmental files that document compliance with steps 3 through 6 of Executive Order 11988 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 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 on or before September 14, 2026 2026: HUD, Multifamily Southwest Region, 400 State Avenue, Suite 200, Kansas City, KS 66101-2406, Office: 913-551-5821, Attention: Kristina Stine, Program Environmental Specialist. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 9:00 am to 4:00 PM, Tuesday and Thursday at the above address. Comments may also be submitted via email at Kristina.m.stine@hud.gov Date: September 5, 2026 199714-SEP 5-1T $643.02
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