Parking Lots

EXISTING

Parking Lots

Walgreens

Commercial areas typically have high concentrations of impermeable surfaces or surfaces that do not absorb rain water. Lack of absorption increases stormwater run-off and increases flood risk. In most communities, retail stores are concentrated in one area, which further increases flood risk because a large swath of land is unable to absorb rainfall. Walgreens, located at the intersection of Groom Road and Plank Road, is a typical example of a big box retail store, where the majority of the site is covered with a large parking lot surrounding a concrete building.

Issues:

• Absorption from sun - heat island effect • Impermeable surface - concrete • No green space/vegetation • No drainage/way to retain water • No bike lanes, narrow sidewalk, no crosswalk • No lighting • No places to sit

PROPOSED

Multifunctional Parking Lots

Walgreens

To reduce stormwater runoff created by impermeable surfaces, parking lots with green stormwater infrastructure can help capture and clean rainfall and reduce flooding. To increase accessibility and safety, parking lots need clearly defined pedestrian pathways or sidewalks as well as bike parking facilities, where cyclists can lock up their bikes while shopping. Large parking lots may need benches and shade options for citizens vulnerable to high temperatures. Adding trees can help soak up stormwater and provide shade for customers traveling in parking lots.

Multifunctional Toolkit

Living with Water

A. Bioswales C. Permeable Pavement

B. Rain Gardens D. Trees

Connected Communities

A. Sidewalks B. Bike Parking

Design for Active Living

A. Benches

B. Lighting C. Shade

Conclusion

To effectively manage stormwater, the city of Baker must collaborate with its neighbors. Development upstream impacts the amount of stormwater run-off Baker experiences while development downstream impacts how quickly the canals and drainage systems in Baker drain. Working with neighbors within the watershed to address regional infrastructure needs and development plans can help create systems that allow rainwater to flow through the watershed with minimal impact on streets, homes, and businesses. Due to Baker’s geographic location, the city needs to build collaborative relationships with neighbors in the Amite River Watershed as well as the Bayou Sara-Thompson Watershed. Through thinking and planning regionally, the city of Baker can work with its neighbors to identify low-lying areas where water can be stored until it can evaporate or be drained through existing infrastructure systems.

In order for these recommendations to work, the city of Baker may need a public education campaign to inform, educate, and engage residents and business owners. The city of Baker should inform residents about the risks and realities of living in a watershed. Residents need to be informed of how development pressures in areas surrounding Baker impact their risk because they live in the same watershed. Special attention should be given to help residents understand how processes upstream and downstream affect their level of risk as well as the limitations of current infrastructure to meet rising demands caused by increased development and more intense storms.

In conjunction with educating the community on flood risk, the city should teach residents about the benefits of installing green infrastructure on private and public spaces as a solution to address flood risk. Discussing benefits, such as reducing flood risk by decreasing the amount of water drainage systems have to accommodate and increasing community and individual wellbeing by creating more natural landscapes that encourage increased time outdoors, may increase public buy-in and acceptance of new policies and development practices. It is important to include information on how green infrastructure operates, as well as how to install and maintain it. This way, residents have realistic expectations of what they may see in their neighborhoods and the community as a whole. The campaign can also inform residents and business owners of incentives the city may offer to offset the cost of incorporating green stormwater infrastructure into existing properties.

To reduce flood risk and increase community wellbeing, Baker needs to revise city ordinances that regulate local building practices. The first step would be conducting a gap analysis to understand what changes are needed to align policies with development goals and best practices for stormwater management. In addition to the gap analysis, the city should consider revising ordinances and regulations to:

• Limit impermeable surfaces, especially in parking lots

• Identify areas for conservation of woodlands and the natural environment

• Limit development in the floodplain and other vulnerable, low-lying areas

• Require a right of way or servitude along drainage canals

• Create incentives for low impact development, retrofitting existing properties, and incorporating on-site green stormwater infrastructure into new developments

Ordinances could also be revised to require the use of green infrastructure in new subdivisions or other large scale developments. If this is done, the ordinance should include measures that provide for regular maintenance and inspections and delineate how costs will be met.

The vision of a more resilient Baker based on the recommendations of this report and the Baker United Strategic Recovery Plan will take time to create. City leaders will need to look for opportunities to implement these ideas over time. The recommendations in this report show the final step, which may take 20 or 30 years to come to fruition. Some changes may be easier to implement than others. The community should start in the areas where change is feasible and select manageable pieces that can be implemented. It may be useful to select a region for a demonstration project as a part of implementing change, as well as educating the community. Redeveloping city-owned land that is highly visible can serve as an example of how green stormwater infrastructure systems work as well and how esthetics differ from traditional drainage systems. It can also start the conversation with community members about the need to change current practices in order to reduce flood risk and increase community resilience.