Richmond, VA – After years of community engagement and planning, construction is underway on a green infrastructure project in the City of Richmond. The James River Association (JRA) in partnership with the City of Richmond, GroundworkRVA, Timmons Group, 3North, and Harbor Dredge & Dock broke ground in early May on the Green Street Project that spans 0.4 miles.
The Bellemeade Green Street Project, designed by 3North and Timmons Group, features the installation of a bioretention filter, eight planter beds, and two Filterra boxes along Minefee Street, between Harwood and Gunn streets. Impervious asphalt was removed and replaced by the bioretention filter and planter beds that are currently being planted with 21 street trees and 417 native plants that support pollinators.
The Green Street will capture 11.11 pounds of Nitrogen, 1.81 pounds of Phosphorous, and 485.8 of Total Suspended Solids annually, before it reaches Albro Creek via stormwater runoff. The second phase of the project calls for a protected bike lane along the 0.4 mile Green Street. JRA will continue working with the community and partners to implement the bike lane in future years.
The project is intended to improve local water quality in Albro Creek that flows to the James River, support green workforce development, and create a safer walking and biking route for residents. The project is being driven by the ideas generated with the Bellemeade community and funded by grants secured by JRA.
A ‘Walkable Watershed’ integrates the flow of water and people into a cohesive strategy to improve the overall health of the community. The Walkable Watershed Plan for Bellemeade was developed in 2012 by Skeo Solutions and the Green Infrastructure Center and focused on five primary goals: 1) connecting the neighborhood to the creek and the James River; 2) improving walking routes to the community center and school; 3) slowing flow, increasing infiltration and cleaning stormwater; 4) developing a sense of community around the creek and school; and 5) creating outdoor education opportunities.
Green streets were at the heart of this plan and Minefee Street was selected as the pilot because of its key role in connecting residents from Hillside Court and the neighborhood to the Oak Grove-Bellemeade Elementary School, Bellemeade Park, and the Bellemeade Community Center.
“After years of community engagement and planning, it feels great to break ground on the Bellemeade Green Street Project and see the plan come to life,” said Amber Ellis, JRA’s Senior Watershed Restoration Manager.
Harbor Dredge & Dock was selected to install the new infrastructure and Groundwork RVA will install and maintain street trees and plants along Minefee Street. Green workforce development is integrated into the project through JRA’s partnership with GroundworkRVA.
More information about the Bellemeade Green Street Project can be found at: https://thejamesriver.org/bellemeade-green-street-project/
SOURCE: The James River Association
