Project
Photo
Notes
Permeable Soft Surface Alley
A sloped alley was rebuilt using gravel and a plastic grid structure to keep the road surface level and allow stormwater to drain instantaneously. This east-west alley is just north of the 1400 block of W. Catalpa. (Chicago Department of Environment pilot 2001)
Permeable Concrete Paver Alley
Permeable pavers were installed at the ends of the soft surface alley (see above) to better bear the weight of turning vehicles yet maintaining a drainable surface. Alderman Smith has requested additional paver alleys but none have been built as yet. (Chicago Department of Transportation pilot 2003)
French Drains in Alley
Targeting water ponding spots in alleys, French drains intake stormwater and diffuse it directly into the sandy soils below. Alderman Smith is calling for more French drains to be installed as a routine measure to divert stormwater from the CSO system. (Chicago Department of Transportation pilot 2003)
Rain Gardens
Planted in parkways sometimes in combination with French drains, rain gardens contain native plants which have deeper root systems, keep the ground more permeable for stormwater absorption, and require less watering, fertilizing, pesticides and general maintenance. (Chicago Department of Environment pilot 2002)
Parkway Bio-Infiltration
Exemplified by the Filterra product and placed up-flow from a curbside sewer catch basin, a parkway bio-infiltration system captures and biologically processes stormwater before it seeps into the earth below or outflows, during heavy rains, into the CSO system. (Chicago Department of Environment, current)
Rain Barrels
New city program which sells 55-gallon rain barrels at a discount to Ward residents. Instructions are provided on how to disconnect downspouts from the sewer system in order to run the downspout into the rain barrel. (Chicago Department of Environment pilot 2004)
Downspout Disconnection
Working with the Departments of Water Management and Environment, Alderman Smith encourages local residents to disconnect their downspouts from the sewer system when a yard or permeable surface is nearby to absorb the rain flow.
Rooftop Gardens
Assisted through an Urban Heat Island Mitigation grant, a rooftop garden was planted at the Park Tower Condos. (Chicago Department of Environment, 2001)
Parking Lots, Green Designs
Alderman Smith facilitated the development of the heavily landscaped parking lots of the Community Counseling Centers of Chicago (Broadway & Hollywood), the Broadway Armory fieldhouse (Broadway & Thorndale), and Walgreens (Broadway & Ridge); the development of the Institute for Cultural Affairs (Sheridan & Lakeside) brick paver parking lot; and the current planning for a green parking lot design for St. Ita’s Church (Broadway & Catalpa).
Green Space Reclamation
A every opportunity, Alderman Smith has reclaimed green permeable spaces from previously concreted or asphalted areas. In the 48th Ward, numerous gardens have been created in traffic circles, intersection bumpouts, parkways, planters and streetends.
Native Beach Plant Restoration
In cooperation with the Chicago Park District, native plants were reintroduced in Osterman Beach, providing a natural means to deal with drifting sand along the lakefront paths. (2003)
Auto Use Reduction/Air Quality Improvement
Pedestrian and bike path improvements along with general traffic calming have created a more walkable and bikeable environment in the 48th Ward.
Tree Planting
Every possible public location for additional trees is identified each year and trees are planted. (photo is Clark Street streetscape 2003)
Community Gardens
New community gardens are planted each year in a variety of locations, including parkways, corners, parks, schools and libraries. (photo is W. Hollywood at N. Magnolia)
Car Sharing Service
The car sharing program, I-go, has made ultra-low emission cars available in our ward for those choosing not to own a car but "subscribing" to one.
Salt Alternative Deicing Pilot
Anti-icing is a new method to control snow and ice on road surfaces. While traditional methods focus on removing snow and ice after a storm has passed, anti-icing works by treating the roadway before snow falls with a liquid solution of magnesium chloride that lowers the freezing point and delays ice formation.