Valley Stream needs green streets

To the Editor:

In reference to the Herald’s article of June 7-13, “Stream project to alleviate flooding,” I commend the village board for seeking out and being awarded a federal grant for stream improvements. Focusing on removing debris and sand will certainly improve the flow of water and alleviate flooding. Another valuable method for mitigating flooding and preventing debris and pollutants from entering our waterways begins on our streets.

As I have recently proposed to the village board, “Green Streets,” as defined by Portland, Oregon’s Bureau of Environmental Services, are “Landscaped curb extensions in streets or landscaped areas next to streets that slow storm water runoff and allow water to soak into the ground and be absorbed by plants.” By carefully identifying and converting excess pavement on our streets to landscaped areas, we can simultaneously increase the time it takes for storm water to reach our streams, decrease the amount of storm water making it there, and catch debris and other pollutants before they enter our waterways.

Implementing green streets will reduce the amount of pavement needed when repaving a street. In certain applications, it will aid pedestrians in crossing streets, and also reduce speeding and other traffic violations. Last but not least, it will add value and allure to our neighborhoods by extending the beauty of our parks to our streets.

As with any idea, green streets take careful planning and implementation. Including this idea as a component of the village, town and county road program would help identify and implement green street opportunities as roads are repaved in our community. I encourage the village board and our community to consider, explore and ask questions about the viability of green streets in Valley Stream.

David Sabatino
President
Envision Valley Stream