Public Notice Regarding Section 106 Review of Proposed Stabilization, Mothballing, and Demolition of Buildings at Andrew J. Bell Middle School, 1010 N. Galvez Street, New Orleans, LA - Applicant: Recovery School District (RSD) - Seeking Public Comment Marked aerial photograph showing the location of Andrew J. Bell Middle School Andrew J. Bell Middle School The high winds and heavy rains of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and the subsequent widespread flooding damaged many buildings in Orleans Parish. In the aftermath of the hurricanes, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is issuing this public notice as a part of its responsibilities under 36 CFR Part 800, the regulations implementing Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended. This notice applies to activities carried out by FEMA's Public Assistance (PA) program implemented under the authority of the Robert T. Stafford Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 5152-5206. In 2009, FEMA, the RSD, the OPSB, the Louisiana State Historic Preservation Officer, and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation entered into a Secondary Programmatic Agreement (RSD/OPSB 2PA) in order to fulfill FEMA's responsibilities under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and 36 CFR part 800 regarding the implementation of the School Facilities Master Plan, which will be funded with assistance from FEMA and other Federal agencies. As part of the School Facilities Master Plan, the RSD is requesting that FEMA provide funds for the following projects on the Andrew J. Bell Middle School campus: Stabilize and Mothball Building A (St. Joseph's Catholic Church/Academy Building/St. Ambrose Hall) Mothball Building B (Benjamin Franklin Elementary School) and the Administration Building (Diamond Jubilee Memorial Building) Demolish Buildings C (Classroom), D (Band), E (Custodial Lodge), F (Physical Education) The regulations at 36 CFR Part 800 and the RSD/OPSB 2PA require FEMA to identify if any of the properties are listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP); to assess the effects the work will have on historic properties; and to seek ways to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any adverse effects. The Bell Middle School campus is located within the Esplanade Ridge NRHP Historic District. FEMA has identified Buildings A, B, E, and the Administration Building as contributing resources. Buildings C, D, and F are less than 50 years of age and FEMA has determined that they are ineligible for NRHP listing. FEMA has determined the proposed stabilization/mothballing projects for Buildings A, B and the Administration Building will result in no adverse effects to historic properties conditional upon digital recordation; submission of security/maintenance schedule, conditions survey, and monitoring reports; securely storing the copper cornice; and notifying FEMA of any changes to the roofing plans. All work will be in accordance with the National Park Service's (NPS) Preservation Brief 31, "Mothballing Historic Buildings." Digital recordation will follow NPS Standards and be archived at the University of New Orleans Library, the State Archives and the State Library. FEMA has determined that the proposed demolition of Buildings C, D, and F will have no adverse effects to historic properties conditional upon archaeological monitoring. FEMA has determined that the proposed demolition of Building E will have an adverse effect to historic properties and is proposing to mitigate the adverse effects through Standard Mitigation Measures (digital recordation) in accordance with Stipulation IX.A.2 of the RSD/OPSB 2PA. Archaeological monitoring will also be required. Any member of the public is encouraged to provide views on how the project may affect historic properties and ways that these effects may be avoided, minimized, or mitigated. Comments may be submitted to FEMA for a 15-day period starting September 16, 2011 by regular mail or at www.crt.state.la.us/culturalassets/fema106. Mailed comments should be sent to: FEMA Mail Center Historic Preservation 1 Seine Court, 1st Floor Mail Room: New Orleans, LA 70114 If mailed, comments and requests must be postmarked by October 3, 2011.