The 6th Ward Goes Green: Environmentally Friendly “Green” Alleys Arrive
Read about how the 6th Ward is the first in the City to get new environmentally friendly “green” alleys.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau and the National Geographic Society’s Green Guide, St. Louis ranked number 34 as the greenest city in America. It is an important responsibility that we as a City become more aware and resourceful on conserving energy and looking for cleaner forms of expending energy. Being environmentally friendly doesn’t just mean sacrifice; it means being resourceful. An example of such resourcefulness is the implementation of the environmentally friendly “green” alleys in the 6th Ward.

I am proud to announce that the 6th Ward is the first ward in the City, to have green alleys. Perhaps you are asking, what exactly are green alleys, but before I explain how they work, let me backtrack a bit, and tell you how I came to learn about them.

Last year I traveled to Chicago, Illinois with Marjorie Melton, Director of the Board of Public Service, to meet with representatives from Chicago, to learn how our City can be “green”. It was there, that we discussed green alleys as an innovative approach to cleaner water and better alley infrastructure. You are well aware that alleys serve as an important component to city living, yet oftentimes alleys are poorly maintained and expensive to repair. Potholes, drainage issues and repaving can wreak havoc on a ward’s tiny capital improvement budget. I was interested in exploring newer technology that would make our ward cleaner and greener, while at the same time, saving your taxpayer dollars.

After a whole day of discussion and visits to different alley sites, I became sold on the concept of green alleys, and excited about bringing them to 6th Ward neighborhoods.

Green alleys are the City’s answer to storm water drainage issues, and dirty water collection in our alleys after a heavy rain or snow. They are also more durable and able to withstand garbage truck collection without causing the alleys to cave or collapse in the center

How Green Alleys Work:

•There are three types of surfaces that will be used for the green alleys in our ward, they resemble: asphalt, concrete and brick, and are not green in color– so no worries that your alley will look “different” or not blend in with the current urban environment.

•The alley surfaces are “permeable” which allow for the absorption of water. This is a critical component, because after a heavy rain or snow storm, the green alley is able to absorb the water, thus reducing the potential for storm water over flow, and the pooling of water in the alley, which oftentimes result in the flooding of your garages and basements.

•Trenches are built underneath the alley to collect the water, and in turn, funnel the water to the city’s water collection system. The funneled water is often cleaner and fresher, as the alley serves as its own filtration device, discarding dirt and debris.

•The materials used to create the green alleys are made from recyclable materials such as recycled tire rubber and concrete aggregate. The materials are able to reflect sunlight instead of absorbing sunlight, which help reduce the urban heat island effect.

Currently, there is one green alley constructed in the 6th Ward with two other green alleys slated for construction in early Spring. By working together, our ward will lead the charge in promoting a greener and cleaner St. Louis. To learn how you can help our City become more green, please email me at: Triplettk@stlouiscity.com, and join the “6th Ward Green Commission” I need your ideas and energy in helping our City become more environmentally friendly and proactive.

*Picture of Ald. Triplett & Director of BPS, Marjorie Melton, in Chicago discussing design concept for green alleys