Voss Senior Capstone Report S24

INTRODUCTION

Executive Summary

The Overbrook Environmental Education Center (6134 Lancaster Ave) engaged with the Landscape Architecture program at Thomas Jefferson University (TJU) to create green network concepts for the Overbrook Neighborhood, especially along Lancaster Ave in West Philadelphia. In this conceptual planning series, students in the Landscape Architecture program at TJU evaluated current conditions, current and potential uses, and mitigation of polluted air, vacant lots usage, and waste management of the Overbrook neighborhood.

ThisreportcoversElizabethVoss’research,analysis, andproposalforastructuredstormwatermanagement systemalongLancasterAveinWestPhiladelphia.Itis proposedtocreategreenspaceinvestments,especially

investmentsingreenspacepreservationandgreen stormwaterinfrastructure(GSI)systemsalongLancaster Avebetween52ndand63rd.Theproposaladdressesthe ThreeCommunityConcerns(Figure1.1)withinthegreen network.

Methodology

Develop a network of connected sites with Best Management Practices (BMP) and GSI systems (ranging from stormwater wetlands to rain barrels) along Lancaster Ave in a predetermined range that incorporates advocation strategies for surrounding neighborhoods. Use existing sites and vacant lots, and work with businesses and residents within site boundaries to establish a connected network along the corridor.

TJUStudentsandFacultymeetOEECStakeholdersanddiscussimplementationofvaryingecodistricts

Philadelphia Water Department

Philadelphia’s combined sewer system serves about 60 percent of the city. During wet weather, this older section of our system often overflows. As a result, billions of gallons of stormwater and diluted sewage flow into local waterways each year. State and federal regulations, including sections of the Clean Water Act, require Philadelphia to reduce at least 85 percent of this pollution—or face steep fines. To meet state and federal regulations, we created Green City, Clean Waters: a 25-year plan to reduce the volume of stormwater entering combined sewers using green infrastructure and to expand stormwater treatment capacity with traditional infrastructure improvements. The effort officially began in 2011 and Philadelphia is scheduled to meet pollution reduction goals by 2036, in accordance with our Long Term Control Plan.

(Excerptfromwater.phila.gov/green-city/)

Why PWD Green Stormwater Infrastructure Strategic Framework?

The framework uses a green-first approach to stormwater management and flood reduction, measuring success in the form of ‘greened acres’ (the volume of stormwater managed by green infrastructure). This project addresses goals in the Parks Program, the Vacant Land Program, and Residential Program, and is working to contribute to the goal of 9,564 green acres by 2036.

Other Neighborhood Improvement Programs from the Philadephia Water Department

Soak it Up Adoption: Neighborhood groups work with PWD to maintain and protect local green tools through community grants.

(Excerptfromphillywatersheds.org/adoption)

Rain Check: Homeowners can choose and pay for a landscaping tool that manages their stormwater.

(Excerptfromphillywatersheds.org/raincheck)

The City of Philadelphia promotes clean neighborhoods by enforcing the City’s property maintenance codes through inspections and cleanups. There are approximately 40,000 vacant lots in Philadelphia, and over 74 percent of these vacant lots are privately owned. Property owners are responsible for maintaining their property, disposing of any litter on their property, and keeping the property safe.

The City’s Vacant Lot Program deals with properties that are overgrown or full of litter. Residents can call 311 to request a vacant lot cleanup. The City will then send the property owner a warning notice, telling them to clean up their property. If the owner doesn’t clean up the property within the period listed on the warning notice, City crews will clean up the property and bill the owner for the cleanup cost. This process may take up to 90 days.

(Excerptfromphila.gov/programs/vacant-lot-program/)

The

Bachelors

of Landscape Architecture Program at Thomas Jefferson University

Landscape architects are instrumental in the design of healthy and equitable cities and environments. We consider impacts on the environment from climate change and natural disasters as well as the health of humans and wildlife alike. We design parks, gardens, streetscapes, and restore habitats — while architects are designing buildings and landscape architects design everything else! In our accredited program, you will learn to be not only a responsible and creative designer who listen, build trust and advocate for the environment but also a leader in the profession. Our design process is equitable, inclusive and creative. Design real-world projects that are resilient, sustainable and beautiful in our award-winning program. Our students receive job offers and begin careers at some of the best firms, nonprofits and public agencies, such as, OLIN, Jonathon Alderson, Philadelphia Water Department, Aramark and many others!

Our real-world approach offers students pathways into the landscape architecture profession by working in professional offices as interns for credit or as paid interns with our faculty on research and design projects during the semester or over the summer. Research and design side by side with your professors, all the while healing the environment!

TheBachelorofLandscapeArchitectureisaSTEMdesignatedprogram(CIPCode04.0902).

(Excerptfromjefferson.edu/academics/colleges-schoolsinstitutes/architecture-and-the-built-environment/ programs/landscape-architecture)

The Overbrook Environmental Education Center

The Overbrook Environmental Education Center (OEEC) is a community based center dedicated to Environmental Education, Conservation, Public Health and Personal Enrichment.

The mission of the OEEC is to remove barriers from the public’s full appreciation of our region’s technological and environmental resources. This center promotes public education, and participation in sustainable technological and environmental projects.

The OEEC identifies creative and exciting ways to develop environmentally friendly behaviors that reduces pollution and contamination of our waterways, land and air.

(Excerptfromoverbrookcenter.wixsite.com)

In 1998, Jerome and Gloria Shabazz established JASTECH (Juveniles Active in Science and Technology) Development Services, INC. to ensure a more livable, sustainable, and equitable community in the City of Philadelphia. In 2002, JASTECH established the Overbrook Environmental Education Center (OEEC) as a community based center dedicated to the preservation of our built and natural environments; improved public health; and for the promotion of sustainable and livable communities.

Now known as the Overbrook Environmental Education Center, this organization fulfills its mission through the development of great partnerships with both local and national organizations. Although JASTECH serves the entire Philadelphia area, it has a targeted focus on environmental justice communities in zip codes 19131, 19139, & 19151. JASTECH strives to promote smart growth and sustainable best management practices for livable communities in an urban setting.

The center (a former brownfield site), located at 6134 Lancaster Avenue in the Overbrook/Wynnefield section of West Philadelphia, was repurposed by removing 20 tons of trash and debris, reintroducing native fauna, adding bioretension systems, urban forestry, agriculture, and orchards. The OEEC offers programs for the entire family in nutrition, environmental education, arts & literacy, and public health.

(Excerptfromoverbrookcenter.wixsite.com)

OEEC History

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT ANALYSIS

Analysis of Overbrook Neighborhood, Lancaster Avenue, and Philadelphia

For this report, the conditions needed to be analyzed from historical, current conditions, and projected expectations approaches In this section, the history will be reiterated from the OEEC and the Lancaster Avenue CDC to emphasize the wealth and extent of industrialization and other changes the neighborhood experienced over time. From a hydrology angle, the historical streams have been redirected and put underground in order to accommodate the boom of industry and the railroads in the area. The site was once part of the Lenni Lenape ancestral lands which are now converted to highly industrial and residential areas- most of which is zoned for mixed commercial usage. Unfortunately, this is a common trend across industrialized cities such as Philadelphia.

Another trend across industrialized cities is the

undistinguishable urban soil mixes that would need to be retested and most likely remediated in each individual site. The majority of the Lancaster Avenue subsect researched in this report (Lancaster Ave bisecting 52nd St to 63rd St) sits in the Piedmont Uplands, with the tail end (just before 52nd St) resting in the Piedmont Lowlands. The entire subsect feeds into the Delaware River via the Schuylkill River watershed.

Focusing entirely on hydrology, projected models for the future of Philadelphia indicates an increase in number of extreme storms, which will lead to rising flood rates both in number of occurrences and intensity of water. Seeing that the specific geographic extent along Lancaster Avenue is more than 63% impermeable, the impacts of increased stormwater will affect the Overbrook neighborhood greatlya concern for the OEEC. There is also a brief overview of PWD GSI systems and a hydrology diagram of the site.

White Star denotes location of the Overbrook Environmental Education Center

OVERBROOK

Overbrook Neighborhood History

In the many millennia before European settlers arrived, Overbrook and the surrounding area had been considered a well-watered wooded area, reputed to be good hunting grounds for the local Native Americans. When the first whites began to make their way inland from the Delaware River shortly after Philadelphia was founded in 1682, they were attracted to the locality by these same features. The land, once cleared of trees, proved to be fertile farmland. The small streams, once dammed, provided power for numerous mills. Grist mills ground grains into flour and meal. Sawmills took the trees cleared from the land and turned them into lumber for local buildings and those in the nearby city. Paper mills and gunpowder mills were also in operation along the local creeks for a time. In the 19th century, with the coming of the Industrial Revolution, textile factories were built that employed hundreds of men, women, boys and girls. Even after these factories converted to steam power by the mid-19th century, they still used the creeks as sources of water for their bleaching and dyeing operations, and as receptacles for their wastes.

(Excerptfromoverbrookcenter.wixsite.com)

Lancaster Avenue History

Lancaster Avenue is known as one of the main shopping streets in West Philadelphia.

The business district bridges communities the length of the Avenue. Residents from communities of Mantua, Powelton, Belmont, Mill Creek, Cathedral, Carroll Park and Overbrook, reflect a page in the history, having experienced the geographic and cultural transition of the community neighborhoods and business corridor throughout the years. Lancaster Avenue business corridor of West Philadelphia ranges from 34th through 63rd. Lancaster Avenue has been a trade and transportation route moving goods and people between Philadelphia and the outlying rual counties. In the early 1820’s it was referred to as Lancaster Turnpike which became a part of the Lincoln Highway and for transportation on Lancaster Avenue long distance tarveling the Conestoga Wagons were used. For short distance commuting, residents and vistors would use the Horse -car lines. By the 1900’s “Electric Cars” replaced the Horse - car lines that the Columbia / PA Railroad operated. Lancaster Turnpike stretched from Lancaster County to Philadelphia County to 32nd & Lancaster Avenue. In later years the City

of Philadelphia abolished tolls in Philadelphia County, and Lancaster Turnpile was renamed as Lancaster Avenue in the city and some suburban towns.

The Historical Lancaster Avenue is remembered as a bustling commercial corridor and remains as a major transportation route to and form Center City and Lower Montgomery County. Visiting and resident pioneers also remember Lancaster Avenue as the Rodeo’ Drive of West Philly. As shown by the faded signage on the side wall of the now small business that occupies the property. The name LA Rodeo’ Drive was selected because of the quality of goods, diverse shops and services that supported the momentum of Lancaster Avenue businesses that met the needs of the bridging communities in the mid 1700 -1900’s.

(Excerptfromthelaba-cdc.org)

LandUseMapfrom1962showsLancasterAveinurbanarea

1895PhiladelphiaAtlasshowingLancasterAve anddevelopingurbanarea

1855PhiladelphiaCity(ProposedbyR.LBarnes)showing LancasterTurnpikethroughrelativelyruralareas

Soils of Philadelphia

In this Philadelphia Soils Survey from the Delaware River Watershed Initiative which used two datasets based on USDA’s SSURGO and STATSGO databases shows Lancaster Aveto be filled with Udorthents, smoothed (Ub) soil type. The soils in the surrounding larger parks for the Overbrook Neighborhood- especially West Fairmount Park and Cobbs Creek diversifies slighty with Udorthents, Chester complex (UdB) with more variation deeper into the parks. However, due to Lancaster Avenue’s heavily industrial past, soil remediation is needed in most potential ‘green lots’.

(DatafromPASDAandDelawareRiverWatershedInitiative) (DescriptionofSoilsandTablefromUSDA-NRCSSoil SurveyDatabase)

White Star denotes location of Lancaster Avenue

Physiographic Regions of Philadelphia

Philadelphia County sits on two physiographic regions: the Atlantic Coastal Plains and the Piedmont. Lancaster Avenue runs through both physiographic regions. The specific site for this study (Lancaster Ave through N 52nd St to N 63rd St) is concentrated in the Piedmont Uplands.

(DatafromPASDAandCommonwealthofPennslyvania DepartmentofConservationandNaturalResources) (DescriptionofPhysiographicRegionsfromCommonwealth ofPennslyvaniaDepartmentofConservationandNatural ResourcesBureauofGeologicalSurvey)

Star denotes location of Lancaster Avenue

White

TheneighborhoodofOverbrookisat50%riskformorethan1’ofrainwateronanannualbasis

Why Choose GSI Systems?

Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) reduce overflows by decreasing how much runoff gets into sewers. Stormwater is soaked by plants and soil and evaporates into the air, or is released into the sewers more slowly. Trees, plants, and other natural elements provide benefits for the people and environment while also managing stormwater. (Excerptfromwater.phila.gov/green-city/)

Increased Precipitation = Increased Need for GSI

Philadelphia has been subject to rainfalls of increasing intensity (e.g. 3” of rain in one hour on March 23, 2024) causing flooding issues in underserved neighborhoods such as Overbrook. The more stormwater that is managed, the less it enters through windows, doorways, and other openings to buildings and less cause for sewage to back up through pipes, drains, and cracks on floors and walls.

High-contrastgraphicrepresentationofpermeableversusimperbeablesurfacesinthe Overbrookneighborhood-ashocking63%isimpermeableinthisgeographicexentalone

As part of an initial research presentation, there was a categorization of different Greenwater Infrastructure Systems (or Green Stormwater Infrastructure/GSI) that the Philadelphia Water Department has installed in and around Philadelphia. PWD is known to improve the immediate physical surroundings of their GSI installations, whether it be a new sidewalk, improved roads, an increase of greenery, or more, so it would be apt to take advantage of this existing and established system. The categories of PWD edits are the following: roof edits, specific for structurally sound buildings snd perhaps residential homes; lot edits, for unpaved green lots that hold potential for pedestrianfriendly parks and recreational spaces; street edits, for both major corridors such as Lancaster Ave and the more minor streets of the residential neighborhoods of Overbrook; sidewalk edits, potentially decreasing the percentage of hardscape and increasing green planting in both commercial corridors and neighborhood streets; and other edits for a myriad of sites: parking lots, homes, private use sites, and more.

In the appendix (please refer to pages 23-33 of this report) there is a sample of construction Computer-Aided Design (CAD) details that one should see in the plans for GSI implementations from the Philadelphia Water Department. The Overbrook Environmental Education Center can refer to these details to verify that stormwater will be properly managed upon implementation of GSI projects.

ThefollowingGSIImagesarefromwater.phila.gov

Hydrology Diagram Summary

Stretching across this spread is the final analysis diagram that helped determine the sample site for implementation recommendations for the Lancaster Avenue Stormwater Management Framework.

The historical streams, marked in bright blue solid lines, have been diverted to sewers and underground systems in order to accommodate the rail lines, houses, and industry in this neighborhood. The alternating blue and clear overlays indicate the differences in subwatersheds in the neighborhood- determined by the flow of water (the cerulean arrows) along the contours (grey lines for each 2’ difference) of the present neighborhood. The dark blue shapes on the diagram are the impermeable rooftops that would feed directly into Lancaster Avenue’s sewer systems. The high point noted on this diagram is tied to the ridge line found along 59th St, and the low point indicates a vacant short-dumping site at the intersection of 56th and Lancaster Ave.

The GSI Toolkit from PWD would apply extensively along Lancaster Ave and the rail line due to the varied grading changes of the entire corridor.

Site Selection for GSI Implementation

After looking at the full hydrology analysis diagram of the Lancaster Ave subsect, the ridgeline (indicated above in purple on 59th St) split the overall site into two sections of where stormwater will flow in extreme weather events. There is a significant low point at the 56th St and Lancaster Ave intersection, where there is an existing maintenance tunnel for the train tracks that run parallel to Lancaster Avenue. This particular tunnel floods significantly and often overflows into the 56th and Lancaster intersection during storm events.

There is potential for street, sidewalk, lot, and roof edits (at the nearby Overbrook High School). It is this intersection that was chosen to be further researched into and be the site of the GSI implementations seen later on in this report.

High Point (202’ above Sea Level) +

+ Low Point (143’ above Sea Level)

GISMapoverlaidonsatelliteimageoftheLancasterAvenuesubsect between52ndStand63rdStshowingimpermeableroofspaces,general directionofhydrologicflow,andhistorcialstreamlocations.

OVERBROOK FARMS

WYNNEFIELD

OVERBROOK

WEST PARKSIDE

CARROLL PARK

LANCASTER AVE

WEST FAIRMOUNT PARK

N 52ND ST

White Star denotes location of the Overbrook Environmental Education Center

IMPLEMENTATION RECCOMENDATIONS

Green Network Site-Based Charette

As a kick-start to the design portion of the capstone, a charette helped narrow down a site on Lancaster Ave between 56th and 59th streets. This was determined by a clear ridgeline (59th St) and a nearby flood point (Lancaster Ave and 56th St at the maintenance tunnel).

In addition, it best fits the hierarchy of stormwater management placement: 1st (highest priority) Main Roadways such as Lancaster Ave; 2nd (second-highest priority) Large Impermeable Surfaces such as the series of parking lots alongside Lancaster Ave at Dibb’s BBQ, the Overbrook High School campus, and various other lots; and 3rd with residential and smaller streets, which this project can encourage advocation strategies for the surrounding neighborhood.

Further Implementations and Use of GSI Toolkit

As the project grew to be a more fully realized design, more Best Management Practices were incorporated to this site with additional GSI infrastructure, diversions and cachements along impermeable surfaces (both lots and rooftops), and increasing permeable surfaces for natural infiltration.

An initial consideration was adding in the parking lot for the strip mall on 56th and Lancaster, but the lot is new and most likely has its own set of BMPs and GSI systems. So instead of misspending time, the focus was concentrated onn managing all the potential stormwater runoff between 56th and 59th along Lancaster- using the GSI Toolkit for Overbrook High School and its adjacent lot, the mini mall, OBCEC, and Dibb’s BBQ lots, and Lancaster Avenue itself.

OVERBROOK FARMS

+ High Point (202’) + High Point (194’) + Low Point (174’)

ST

+ High Point (202’) +

+ High Point (214’)

OXFORD ST

LANCASTERAVE

+ Low Point (174’)

OHS Side Lot Potential

+ High Point (194’)

56th St to 59th St Hydrology (Top)

The ridgeline on 59th street feeds into Lancaster Ave from both the North and South directions, which should then drain into the underground combined sewage system on LAve. The stormwater from 59th and Lancaster will flow either West elsewhere or East down to the 56th and Lancaster Maintenance Tunnel Lot. W Oxford St also flows towards Lancaster via the 57th St intersection.

56th St to 59th St Sub-Watersheds (Bottom)

The entire impermeable surface network along 56th St to 59th St can be broken down to the Lancaster Ave roadway, the adjacent sidewalks, and the four parking lots along the roadway: a mini mall, a Philadelphia School District-owned lot for Overbrook High School, the Overbrook Beacon Community Development Center that has been converted to a tire lot, and Dibbs BBQ’s lot, directly next to the tunnel lot.

IMPLEMENTATIONS

56th and Lancaster Avenue Tunnel Lot

The key site for all reccommended implementations for the Lancaster Avenue Stormwater Management Framework is the Tunnel Lot at the intersection of 56th and Lancaster. For this, the GSI system implemented is somewhere between a rain garden and a wetland with a series of detention and retention basins that flow into each other and ultimately into the actual tunnel, where it floods regardless in every storm event. The basins are not only managing the water, but also allow for a walkable park and observation plaza that could also be used for recreational activities such as hanging with teenage friends, partaking in the multiple carry-out options in the immediate area (Strip Mall, Dibb’s BBQ, etc.) and a refuge from the busy corridor of Lancaster Avenue.

Ua Ulmus americana

TREE Axg Amalanchier x grandiflora

SHRUB Co Cephalanthus occidentalis

Ua Ulmus americana

SHRUB Cs Cornus sericea

SHRUB Vd Viburnum dentatum

Axg Amalanchier x grandiflora

PERENNIAL Ai Asclepias incarnata

PERENNIAL Cg Chelone glabra

Cs Cornus sericea

PERENNIAL Ep Eupatorium purpureum 'Baby Joe' Dwarf

PERENNIAL Lp Lupinus perennis

PERENNIAL Pd Penstemon digitalis

Formoreplantinginformation,pleasecheckpages32-33intheappendix

Birds, butterflies,

Butterflies, bees

The challenge was that the physical size of the Tunnel lot was not enough area for the required footprint of stormwater systems (1/16 of total DCIA) so that system is handling just a portion of the 56th to 59th subsect. In order to mitigate the full amount first 1.5” of rainfall in a storm event, a second GSI site was needed to divert some water from the basins.

The OHS side lot is closer to the ridge line and is frequently used by both faculty and students who commute to school via their private transportation. So for this implementation, keeping the lot to its current capacity was key, so the GSI system is entirely subgrade. Putting in a subgrade system under the lot allows for drivers to unconsciously be part of the management efforts of the neighborhood. The location and size of the subgrade enable the potential of the lot being converted to any other use- commercial, residential, and/or recreational in the near or far future.

In addition, along the sidewalk of Lancaster Avenue, there is a strong potential to reduce the extreme 10’ width of concrete to accommodate greenery such as with a GSI tree trench. The north side of Lancaster Ave does not have any overhanging wires, which is great for larger and more long-lived street trees (such as sycamores and elms) which would help reduce pollution, urban heat island effect, and a myriad of other sustainability causes.

Both systems functioning mostly underground, out of the everyday person’s eye is a direct juxtaposition from the basins at the Tunnel Lot.

TREE Po Platanus occidentalis

Ua Ulmus americana

OHSLOT

SHRUB Co Cephalanthus occidentalis Buttonbush

Formoreplantinginformation,pleasecheckpages32-33intheappendix

Co Cephalanthus occidentalis

Cs Cornus sericea Red Osier Dogwood

Vd Viburnum dentatum

SHRUB Vd Viburnum dentatum Arrowwood

PERENNIAL Ai Asclepias incarnata Swamp Milkweed

Ai Asclepias incarnata

PERENNIAL Cg Chelone glabra White Turtlehead

PERENNIAL Cg Chelone glabra

PERENNIAL Ep Eupatorium purpureum 'Baby

PERENNIAL Ep Eupatorium purpureum 'Baby Joe' Dwarf Joe Pye

PERENNIAL Lp Lupinus perennis

PERENNIAL Lp Lupinus perennis Wild

PERENNIAL Pd Penstemon digitalis Smooth Beardtounge

PERENNIAL Pd

PERENNIAL Vv Veronicastrum virginicum

PERENNIAL Vv Culver's

GRASS Ag Andropogon gerardii Big Bluestem

GRASS Ag Andropogon gerardii Big Bluestem

GRASS Tl Typha latifolia Common Cat-tail

Tl Typha latifolia

PERENNIAL Af Agastache foeniculum Anise Hyssop

PERENNIAL Af Agastache foeniculum Anise Hyssop

PERENNIAL As Asclepias syriaca Common Milkweed

PERENNIAL As Asclepias syriaca Common Milkweed

PERENNIAL At Asclepias tuberosa Butterflyweed

PERENNIAL At Asclepias tuberosa Butterflyweed

PERENNIAL Dl Dalea leporina Foxtail Prairie Clover

PERENNIAL Dl Dalea leporina Foxtail Prairie Clover

PERENNIAL Ep Echinacea purpurea Purple Coneflower

PERENNIAL La Liatris spicata 'Alba' Alba Blazingstar

La

PERENNIAL Sna Symphyotrichum novae-angliae New England

PERENNIAL Sna Symphyotrichum novae-angliae New England

PERENNIAL Mf Monarda fistulosa Wild Bergamot

PERENNIAL Mf Monarda fistulosa Wild Bergamot

PERENNIAL So Solidago odora Fragrant Goldenrod

PERENNIAL So Solidago odora Fragrant Goldenrod

ANNUAL Ha Helianthus annuus 'Evening Sun' Evening Sun

ANNUAL Ha Helianthus annuus 'Evening Sun' Evening Sun Sunflower

Cs Carex stricta Tussock Sedge

Cs Carex stricta Tussock Sedge

LANCASTERAVE

TREE At Asimina triloba Pawpaw

TREE At Asimina

Fc Ficus carica

Mp Malus

SHRUB Rf Rubus fructicosus Blackberry

SHRUB Rf Rubus fructicosus Blackberry

PERENNIAL Ba

PERENNIAL Ba Baptisia alba False

PERENNIAL Es Eragrostis

PERENNIAL Es Eragrostis spectabilis

PERENNIAL Pd Penstemon

PERENNIAL

PERENNIAL Rt Rudbeckia triloba Brown-Eyed

PERENNIAL Rt Rudbeckia triloba Brown-Eyed

PERENNIAL Sna Symphyotrichum novae-angliae

PERENNIAL

GRASS Bc Bouteloua curtipendula Sideoats Grama

GRASS Ss Schizachyrium scoparium

IMPLEMENTATIONS

Overbrook High School Roof

The most ambitious implementation of the GSI toolkit was to experiment with combining both blue roof and green roof concepts at Overbrook High School, across the street (Lancaster Ave) from the OHS Side Lot. The programming is designed hand in hand with the GSI edits- the blue roof is to catch water and direct flow to cisterns that will act as a rainwater cachement for use by students and faculty alike to water plants in planters and for use in the greenhouses. The green roof will not only act as a pollinator garden outside of student-accessible fields to promote biodiversity on the rooftop but also a grounds for an orchard on the roof- filled with smaller fig, apple, and pawpaw trees and blackberry shrubs. In addition to the highly interactive GSI system implementation and use, the students of the high school would also have access to an outdoor rooftop basketball court, ‘luncheon’ area, and grass fields to hang out in, within close access to school WiFi and safe from the hustle and bustle of Lancaster Avenue.

Is OHS Structurally Capable of handling this?

Similarly built buildings such as Tilden Middle School (Paschall Neighborhood) and Elizabeth Duane Gillespie Junior High School (Fishtown-Tioga Neighborhood) have demonstrated the capability to support live loads due to having rooftop playfields and courts. Please consult with a structural engineer before proceeding with any changes to a rooftop including implementing a Blue Roof or a Green Roof.

PERENNIAL Ep Eupatorium purpureum 'Baby Joe' Dwarf Joe Pye

PERENNIAL Lp Lupinus perennis

PERENNIAL Pd Penstemon digitalis

PERENNIAL Vv Veronicastrum virginicum Culver's

GRASS Ag Andropogon gerardii Big Bluestem

GRASS Tl Typha latifolia

PERENNIAL Af Agastache foeniculum Anise Hyssop

PERENNIAL As Asclepias syriaca Common Milkweed

PERENNIAL At Asclepias tuberosa Butterflyweed

PERENNIAL Dl Dalea leporina Foxtail Prairie Clover

PERENNIAL Ep Echinacea purpurea Purple Coneflower

PERENNIAL La Liatris spicata 'Alba' Alba Blazingstar

SHRUB Vd Viburnum dentatum

PERENNIAL Sna Symphyotrichum novae-angliae New England

PERENNIAL Ai Asclepias incarnata

PERENNIAL Mf Monarda fistulosa Wild Bergamot

PERENNIAL Cg Chelone glabra

PERENNIAL So Solidago odora Fragrant Goldenrod

PERENNIAL Ep Eupatorium purpureum 'Baby Joe' Dwarf Joe Pye Weed

ANNUAL Ha Helianthus annuus 'Evening Sun' Evening Sun Sunflower

PERENNIAL Lp Lupinus perennis Wild Lupine

GRASS Cs Carex stricta Tussock Sedge

PERENNIAL Pd Penstemon digitalis

PERENNIAL Vv Veronicastrum virginicum Culver's

TREE At Asimina triloba Pawpaw

TREE Fc Ficus carica

GRASS Ag Andropogon gerardii Big Bluestem

GRASS Tl Typha latifolia Common Cat-tail

TREE Mp Malus domestica

SHRUB Rf Rubus fructicosus Blackberry

PERENNIAL Af Agastache foeniculum Anise Hyssop

PERENNIAL Ba Baptisia alba

PERENNIAL As Asclepias syriaca Common Milkweed

Formoreplantinginformation,pleasecheckpages32-33intheappendix

PERENNIAL Es Eragrostis spectabilis

PERENNIAL At Asclepias tuberosa Butterflyweed

PERENNIAL Pd Penstemon digitalis Smooth Beardtounge

PERENNIAL Dl Dalea leporina Foxtail Prairie Clover

PERENNIAL Rt Rudbeckia triloba Brown-Eyed

PERENNIAL Ep Echinacea purpurea Purple Coneflower

PERENNIAL La Liatris spicata 'Alba' Alba Blazingstar

PERENNIAL Sna Symphyotrichum novae-angliae New England

PERENNIAL Sna Symphyotrichum novae-angliae New England

GRASS Bc Bouteloua curtipendula Sideoats Grama

PERENNIAL Mf Monarda fistulosa Wild Bergamot

GRASS Ss Schizachyrium scoparium

PERENNIAL So Solidago odora Fragrant Goldenrod

CONCLUSION

The Lancaster Avenue Stormwater Management Framework as seen throughout this report is essentially compiling a kit of parts with execution strategies and presenting it with the research and analysis needed to build the case for change in the Overbrook neighborhood. I believe this would be successful if this is seen as a collection of research, examples of toolkit implementations, and an essential checklist to be efficient in dealing with different stakeholders in and out of the neighborhood to realize the potential of the corridor.

The stakeholders are the residents, the engineers, and the older and younger generations (yes, even teenagers and children) that ultimately should be involved in deciding the level of visibility of the stormwater mitigation, which is why both above grade and below grade systems were referenced to in the implementations.

The goal is to provide concrete examples of what can be done to address community concerns and to make the neighborhood a place where people, businesses, and wildlife can thrive.

Elizabeth Voss ProjectpresentedincoordinationwiththeOverbrook EnvironmentalEducationCenter+ThomasJefferson University CollegeofArchitectureandtheBuiltEnvironment LandscapeArchitectureProgram LARC-599:LADesign10Capstone ProfessorsKimberleeDouglas+RichardNewton Philadelphia,Pennsylvania,USA Spring2024

Overview of the Lancaster Avenue Stormwater Management Framework

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Director Kimberlee Douglas RLA, ASLA, LEED, GA

Director of the Landscape Architecture Program at TJU

Professor Richard Newton, ASLA, LEED AP

Adjunct Design Professor for the Landscape Architecture Program at TJU

Professor Gil Rodriguez, Water Resources Engineer

Adjunct Urban Hydrology Professor for the Landscape Architecture Program at TJU

Professor Teddy Pickering

Adjunct Local Flora and Landscape Ecology Professor for the Landscape Architecture Program at TJU

Jerome Shabazz

Executive Director of the Overbrook Environmental Education Center

Ebony Powell, CHES

MPH and MCP Candidate at the University of Pennsylvania

APPENDIX - CAD DETAILS + REPAIR MANUAL

Philadelphia Water Department Green Tools

Within the context of Philadelphia, it is reccomended that OEEC coordinate with the Philadelphia Water Department when developing plans to implement green stormwater infrastructure. GSI implementation will support the OEEC’s environmental, economic, and social efforts.

Environmental

Reducing carbon dioxide and filtering out pollutants like those created by cars creates improved air quality. Trees shade humans and buildings, saving energy that would be use for air conditioning and reducing the heat island impact. GSI packages are being planned for the most heat-stressed regions fo the city, including North and West Philadelphia. Native plants and flowers support important wildlife, including pllinators, such as bees, and larger species, like birds. Green Infrastructire helps our city prepare for climate change.

Economic

Building and maintaining green stormwater tools creates local jobs, as evidenced by PHL PowerCorps. Studies have shown that creating tree-lined streets and green spaces near residential streets can increased property vlues. Having clean rivers attacts and promotes recreation, infusing millions of tourism dollars into our local economy. Already, the Schuylkill alone generates $589.9 million in economic impact, supports 6,154 jobs, and creates $37.7 million in tax revenue for the region each year. Green City Clean Waters promotes investment in local businesses, including planning, design, construction, and maintenance firms.

Social

Restoring our waterways provides better spaces to hike, bike, boat, fish, and enjoy nature. Living on blocks with greenery encourages spending time outside, which means more exercise and tie with neighbors. Collaborating with local residents to maintain and beautify neighborhoods

through programs is good for communities. Research indicates that greening Philadelphia’s neighborhoods fosters social equity as well as reductions in local crime and stress.

(Excerptfromwater.phila.gov/green-city/)

Accountability Measures

The OEEC can use the Philadelphia Water Department’s Sewer Connection and Repair Manual (SCRM) to keep installations and maintenance of stormwater infrastructure accountable and in the best conditions to manage stormwater along Lancaster Avenue as efficient as possible.

ThefollowingCADDetailsarefromthe2017PWDSCrM

APPENDIX - MASTER PLANT SCHEDULE

TREE Po Platanus occidentalis

TREE Ua Ulmus americana

TREE Axg Amalanchier x grandiflora

SHRUB

Bird Habitat

Small Mammals

Medium Mammals

Pollinators: Butterflies and Bees

Small Insects

Adiverseplantlistsuchastheoneseenbelowsupportsbiodiversity,wildlife,combatspollution,reduces urbanheatislandeffect,andbringsbeautytoaplacesuchasLancasterAvenue

Bloom Time POLLINATOR INFORMATION-which does it support?

Spring Hosts butterflies, birds,

Spring Hummingbirds, butterflies, bees

Spring Birds, butterflies, specialized bees

Spring Birds, butterflies, bees

Summer Butterflies, bees pink Basin

Fall Hummingbirds, butterflies, bees

Fall Birds, butterflies, bees red Bsain

Spring/Summer Hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, purple Basin

Spring/Summer Hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, specialized bees

Spring/Summer Butterflies, bees, specialized bees

Fall/Winter Butterflies, bees Basin

Summer Birds, small mammals Basin

Summer/Fall

Hummingbirds, butterflies, bees

Summer Birds, butterflies bees, specialized bees

Summer Butterflies, birds, bees, specialized bees

Summer/Fall Bees

Summer Hummingbirds, butterflies, bees

Summer/Fall Hummingbirds, butterflies, moths, bees, specialized bees

Summer/Fall Birds, butterflies, bees, specialized bees

Summer/Fall Hummingbirds, butterflies

Roof- Pollinator

Roof- Pollinator

Roof- Pollinator

Roof- Pollinator

Roof- Pollinator

Roof- Pollinator

Roof- Pollinator

Roof- Pollinator

Summer/Fall Butterflies yellow Roof- Pollinator

Summer/Fall Butterflies, beetles, birds, bees yellow/orange Roof- Pollinator

Spring Birds, butterflies, moths, bees Roof- Pollinator

Spring Birds, butterflies red yellow Roof- Orchard

Spring Birds, bugs yellow Roof- Orchard

Spring Birds, butterflies, bees white orange Roof- Orchard

Spring Birds, butterflies, bees, small mammals white yellow Roof- Orchard

Spring/Summer Butterflies, bees purple Park + Lot

Summer/Fall Birds, butterflies pink Park + Lot

Spring/Summer Hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, specialized bees white Park + Lot

Summer/Fall Birds, butteflies, bees yellow Park + Lot

Summer/Fall Birds, butterflies, bees, specialized bees white Park + Lot

Summer Birds Park + Lot

Summer/Fall Birds, butterflies, bees Park + Lot

APPENDIX - GOALS FOR SUSTAINABILITY

DO

Native Vegetation Plant vegetated areas (green spaces, planters, gardens, etc.) with native plants Use plants that are native to Atlantic Coastal Plain, Peidmont physiographic regions that best fit the criteria needed for stormwater management vegetation: trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, and ephemerals

Increase Site Perviousness

Decrease impervious areas: remove asphalt from unused lots, reduce size and width of unused sidewalks (replace with planters or other pervious surface), excavate used lots and replace with permeable pavement, replace high-tra�c sidewalks with permeable pavers, reduce roof impervious space with green or blue roofs, etc

Reduce Urban HeatIsland

Manage Stormwater Runo�

Repaint dark roofs with lighter colors, use light-colored paving for site hardscape (sidewalks, pavers, planters, etc ), Use vegetation (natives) to shade hardscape materials Increase vegetation on vertical surfaces (green walls, trellises, etc )

Use GSI systems in a network to manage on-site runo� and street (neighborhood) runo� for 98th percentile storm event (or 1 5” of rain daily average)

SoilStewardship If possible; design landscapes that require low or no amounts of regular fertilization and employ bu�er zones During construction, remediate soils in-situ through green technologies or replace contaminated soils

Landscape Waste Management Waste materials from landscape maintenance operations can be composted and reused as fertilizer for planters and plant beds Divert landscape waste materials (branches, leaf compost, other debris, etc ) from landfills and to planted areas

Landscape Maintenance Design

Materials Selection and Use (and Recycling)

Design landscape within network that can be maintained minimally with hand tools and common motoriazed tools (i e lawnmower)

Select construction materials and site furnishings that are locally sourced and made with sustainable materials (> 30%) Provide receptacles for recycling and composting in the exterior environment at centralized locations within network. (Swarthmore College Environmental Framework, 76)

WHY

Native vegetation provides habitat for local fauna and promotes greater biodiversity Native vegetation aso requires less maintenance and irrigation than most non-native types of vegetation (Swarthmore College Environmental Framework, 75)

Pervious hardscape materials and some types of green roofs help reduce the rate of stormwater runo� Increasing the site perviousness will also help recharge groundwater reserves (Swarthmore College Environmental Framework, 75)

Using light colored paving materials will reduce the urban heat island e�ect and increase outdoor thermal comfort during the summer As a complementary strategy, use vegetation to shade hardscape areas (Swarthmore College Environmental Framework, 75)

Reducing excessive stormwater runo� will prevent soil erosion and protect receiving waters from pollution (Swarthmore College Environmental Framework, 75)

Employing bu�er zones - areas of unfertilized vegetation - near drains, human use areas, or water bodies aids in reducing fertilizer loads that can a�ect environmental and human health Remediating or replacing contaminated soils prevents toxins from leaching into groundwater and allows the opportunity to restore hydrologic health to the landscape (Swarthmore College Environmental Framework, 75)

Composting organic materials helps avoid methane and leachate production in landfills, and reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers (Swarthmore College Environmental Framework, 75)

Let community agencies such as the Overbrook Environmental Center work on sites on their own time and on their own budgets

Providing convenient locations for recycling and composting containers alongside trash containers in the exterior (and interior) environment will help reduce post-consumer waste. Utilization of responsibly sourced materials has environmental and social benefits. (Swarthmore College Environmental Framework, 76)

WORKS CITED + POSSIBLE FUNDING SOURCES

“About Us - Overbrook Environmental Education Center.” Overbrook Environmental Education Center, overbrookcenter.wixsite.com/overbrook/about-us. Accessed 09 May 2024.

“Bachelor of Landscape Architecture.” College of Architecture and the Built Environment, Thomas Jeffer son University, www.jefferson.edu/academics/colleges-schools-institutes/architecture-and-thebuilt-environment/programs/landscape-architecture.html. Accessed 09 May 2024.

“Green City Clean Waters.” Philadelphia Water Department, City of Philadelphia, water.phila.gov/greencity/. Accessed 09 May 2024.

“Lancaster Avenue Business Association.” LABA, thelaba-cdc.org/. Accessed 09 May 2024.

Philadelphia Water Department. Sewer Connection and Repair Manual. Edited by The City of Philadelphia, Version 1.0, 2017.

“Philly Watersheds - Rain Check.” Http://Archive.Phillywatersheds.Org, City of Philadelphia, archive. phillywatersheds.org/whats_in_it_for_you/residents/raincheck. Accessed 09 May 2024.

“Philly Watersheds- Soak It Up Adoption.” Http://Archive.Phillywatersheds.Org, City of Philadelphia, archive.phillywatersheds.org/what_were_doing/community_partnerships/programs/soak-itadoption. Accessed 09 May 2024.

“Vacant Lot Program: Programs and Initiatives.” City of Philadelphia, www.phila.gov/programs/vacantlot-program/. Accessed 09 May 2024.

William Penn Foundation’s Resilient Communities Stormwater Initiative (RCSI)

RCSI will make green space investments in focus neighborhoods in Philadelphia that have been historically disinvested and face environmental injustices, especially disproportionate negative impacts of climate change.

National Municipal Stormwater Alliance (NMSA)

PENNVEST Urban Stormwater BMP Grant

PENNVEST was founded on March 1, 1988 and serves the communities and citizens of Pennsylvania by funding sewer, storm water and drinking water projects. Since its inception, PENNVEST has continued its service to the communities and citizens of Pennsylvania by funding sewer, storm water and drinking water projects throughout the Commonwealth. These projects not only contribute to improving Pennsylvania’s environment and the health of its people, they also provide opportunities for economic growth and jobs for Pennsylvania’s workers.

PENNVEST’s low cost financial assistance helps make

the water that is consumed every day by thousands of Pennsylvanians safe to drink. It helps clean rivers and streams in communities for the enjoyment of our citizens and the protection of our natural resources. PENNVEST funding also assists businesses to locate and expand their operations in Pennsylvania to create permanent, well-pay jobs for our workers.

All of us at PENNVEST are committed to working harder and smarter for the citizens of our Commonwealth. We are working with the public and job creators to achieve both environmental improvements and economic development. We continually seek ways to make these twin goals compatible, to work together for the common good of all Pennsylvanians.

Through the financing we offer, PENNVEST represents an important part of Pennsylvania’s environmental improvement and economic development efforts. With every loan that we approve, we show in very concrete terms how these goals can work side-by-side for the betterment of Pennsylvania and the improvement of our lives and those of our children.

(AlsohaveBrownfieldRemediationloans)

Elizabeth Voss D10 LARC Capstone Project | Spring 2024

College of Architecture and the Built Environment

Thomas Jefferson University, East Falls Philadelphia, PA