Even though there are greener parking lots out there, I thought that this lot down at the intersection of Church, Delaware and The Skyway was one of the better ones that I have seen in Buffalo. The water from the lot actually drains into flower and plant beds adjacent to the lot. If you’ve ever talked to Riverkeeper Julie O’Neill, then you know that one of the biggest problems with our waterways is excessive drainage from roadways and parking lots. As the storm-water flows into the outdated sewer lines, the water capacity is exceeded and the combination of sewage and rainwater can release into our natural water sources.
Due to the fact that the Western New York area has an abundance of lots and roadways, it’s good to see someone take some green measures. We recently saw a very green Artspace walkway that allows rainwater to drain directly into the ground. This scenario is the next best solution that I have seen (locally). The plant beds act as a visual buffer to the stark parking lot, and even the trees get plenty of water. I would imagine that the plant-life would have to be hardy to withstand some of the pollutant runoff, but if the groundskeeper knows what to plant, then the problem is solved. Obviously these plants are thriving in this rather harsh environment.
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