Public Notice: Ritz Theater and Cultural Center
NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS
May 18, 2026
City of Albany, Georgia
401 Pine Avenue
Albany, Georgia 31701
229-483-7650
On or about May 26, 2026, the City of Albany, Georgia will submit a request to the HUD’s Office of Community Planning and Development for the release of Community Project Funding funds under Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, as amended, to undertake a project known as Ritz Theater and Cultural Center for the purpose of restoring and renovating into an operational, cultural venue that supports community engagement, arts education, and economic revitalization. Project location is 225 S Jackson Street, Albany, Georgia 31701. The community project funding is $2,200,000.00.The activities proposed are categorically excluded under HUD regulations at 24CFR Part 58 from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements. An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for this project is on file at City of Albany Department of Community and Economic Development, 230 South Jackson Street, Albany, Georgia 31701 and may be examined or copied weekdays 8:00A.M to 5:00 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the City of Albany Department of Community and Economic Development, 230 South Jackson Street, Albany, Georgia 31701. All comments received by May 25, 2026, will be considered by the City of Albany, Georgia prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.
ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION
The City of Albany, Georgia certifies to HUD’s Office of Community Planning and Development, Office of Economic Development that Terrell D. Jacobs, MPA, ICMA-CM, in his capacity as City Manager consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. HUD’s Office of Community Planning and Development, approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the City of Albany, Georgia to use Program funds.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
HUD’s Office of Community Planning and Development, will accept objections to its release of fund and the City of Albany, Georgia certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the City of Albany, Georgia; (b) the City of Albany, Georgia has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 58; (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD’s Office of Community Planning and Development, Office of Economic Development; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to HUD’s Office of Community Planning and Development, at 77 Forsyth Street, S.W., Atlanta, GA 30303. Potential objectors should contact HUD’s Office of Community Planning and Development to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
Terrell Jacobs, MPA, ICMA-CM, City Manager
City of Albany, Georgia