Winston Salem Times

The City of Winston-Salem has announced a proposed development project under the Project-Based Voucher program through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. The project, known as Lofts at Motor Road, is planned to be located in a wetland area at 4738 Mount Pleasant Drive, Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, NC. This development will include 216 rental housing units spread across seven three-story apartment buildings.

In compliance with Executive Order 11990 and HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands, the city is tasked with identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to placing this project in the wetland area. The evaluation will also consider potential impacts on the wetland.

The site includes approximately one acre of riverine wetland (R5UBH) situated in its north-central part. These wetlands provide benefits such as natural flood and erosion control, surface water quality maintenance, wildlife habitat preservation, and groundwater recharge.

This notice serves three main purposes: allowing those affected by activities in wetlands to express concerns; serving as an educational tool about federal efforts related to wetlands; and ensuring fairness by informing those who may face increased risks due to federal actions in these areas.

Public comments are invited until April 5, 2025. Written feedback can be sent to the City of Winston-Salem's Planning and Development Services or directly addressed to Matthew Burczyk, Project Planner. Comments can also be submitted via email at mattbk@cityofws.org.