New York City is installing its first large-scale porous pavement installation along seven miles of roadway in Brooklyn.
The project will keep 35 million gallons of stormwater out of the combined sewer system each year, according to a news release. Porous pavement will be installed along the curb line of streets, where stormwater typically drains towards a catch basin on the corner. The pavement can withstand the weight of motor vehicles, including trucks. New York has piloted the use of several different types of porous pavement for a few years in different boroughs, but this is the first large-scale implementation.
“Climate change is bringing with it rainstorms that can overwhelm our sewers and cause flooding across the five boroughs, which is why we are investing in tools that will divert rainwater away from the sewer system, such as porous pavement,” said New York City Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala. “Brooklyn got hit particularly hard by Tropical Storm Ophelia last September and this new porous pavement will help to ease pressure on the sewer system and protect residents during future storms.”
Over the last decade, the city has built the nation’s largest Green Infrastructure Program, the release says. Green Infrastructure intercepts stormwater before it can drain into sewers, thereby preserving some capacity in the system and helping to prevent, or reduce, flooding, backups, and overflows. Green infrastructure includes porous pavement, curbside rain gardens, permeable pavers, green or blue roofs, and underground storage. To date the city has built more than 13,000 green infrastructure installations, including more than 9,000 curbside rain gardens.
Related Stories
Urban Planning | Jan 25, 2019
Times are changing, and sustainable cities are taking notice
Two recent studies by Pew Research Center and WalletHub shined a light on where we are in the market transformation curve for environmentalism and sustainability.
Urban Planning | Oct 11, 2018
Shenzhen’s new ‘urban living room’
Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners is designing the project.
Urban Planning | Sep 11, 2018
The advantages of alleys
Believe it or not, alleys started off as public spaces.
Urban Planning | Jul 24, 2018
Deregulation for denser development in Los Angeles moves forward
The aim is to reduce housing costs, traffic congestion.
Urban Planning | Jul 10, 2018
Autonomous vehicles and the city: The urgent need for human- and health-centric policies
Rather than allow for an “evolutionary” adaptation to AVs, we must set policies that frame and incentivize a quicker “revolutionary” transition that is driven by cities, not by auto and tech companies.
Urban Planning | Jul 6, 2018
This is Studio Gang's first design project in Canada
The building’s hexagonal façade will provide passive solar heating and cooling.
Urban Planning | Jun 18, 2018
In the battle of suburbs vs. cities, could both be winning?
Five years ago, experts were predicting continued urban rebound and suburban decline. What really happened?
Architects | May 3, 2018
Designing innovative solutions for chronic homelessness
What’s stopping us from creating more Permanent Supportive Housing?
Urban Planning | Mar 14, 2018
Zaha Hadid Architects selected to design Aljada’s Central Hub
The hub will be the centerpiece of ARADA’s masterplan in Sharjah, UAE.
Architects | Mar 7, 2018
New National Building Museum exhibit explores the architecture of the Manhattan Project
The exhibit will run through March 3, 2019.
