Department of Public Works will showcase green infrastructure improvements made in the Highland Park area on Thursday, as part of the City’s reinvestment in the area.
"Green infrastructure is an approach to stormwater management that protects, restores or mimics the natural water cycle and is an effective and economical way to enhance water quality. This is done through planting trees, restoring wetlands and installing permeable pavement. Permeable pavement is an alternative paving surface that allows stormwater runoff to filter through voids in the pavement surface to an underlying stone drainage system," officials said.
Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke, along with City Council members Demetrus Coonrod and Anthony Byrd, will attend the demonstration.
The presentation will begin at 2 p.m.
at the intersection of Anderson Avenue and South Hickory Street, near 1701 Anderson Ave. Portions of South Hickory Street and Anderson Avenue will be temporarily closed from 1:30-3 p.m.
“Investing in green infrastructure is just one of the ways the City and Public Works are reinvesting in areas like Highland Park,” said Justin Holland, Public Works administrator. “Additionally, this project supports water quality improvements by filtering and reducing stormwater runoff to nearby Dobbs Branch Creek.”
"This area was selected for the project due to its large right-of-way that could accommodate the green infrastructure elements and its location, which allows the City to easily monitor its performance due to its proximity to Dobbs Branch Creek. This project has spurred economic development in the area and the improvements satisfy a requirement of a 2012 Consent Decree," officials said.