A Framework for Multifunctional Green Infrastructure Investment in Camden, NJ

Abstract

This study demonstrates a decision-support framework for planning Green Infrastructure (GI) systems that maximize urban ecosystem services in Camden, NJ. Seven key ecosystem services are evaluated (urban agriculture expansion, combined sewer overflow reduction, heat island reduction, flooding reduction, capacity building/green jobs expansion, fitness expansion, and stress reduction), to produce a normalized value for each service for each drainage sub-basin within the city. Gaps in ecosystem services are then mapped and utilized to geographically prioritize different kinds of multifunctional GI. Conceptual designs are developed for four site typologies: parks, schools, vacant lots, and brownfield sites. For one demonstration site, additional analysis is presented on urban engagement, life cycle cost reduction, and new sources of funding. What results is an integrated, long-term vision where multifunctional GI systems can be readily customized to meet multiple needs within urban communities. This study provides a portable and replicable framework for leveraging the regulatory requirement to manage stormwater to meet broader urban revitalization goals, all through a decentralized network of green infrastructure assets.

Diverging Ambitions and Instruments for Citizen Participation across Different Stages in Green Infrastructure Projects

“…Local governments are increasingly constructing green infrastructure, such as rain gardens, green roofs, and permeable pavement in order to make their cities more climate-sensitive (Benedict & McMahon, 2002). Green infrastructure can have multiple benefits, for example, enhanced ecology, property values, and health and wellbeing (Kabisch et al, 2016;Zidar et al, 2017). The benefits of green infrastructure are widely recognised, yet the actual design, delivery, and maintenance of green infrastructure on the local level are found to be difficult (Jerome, Mell, & Shaw, 2017).…”

Opportunities for Leveraging Existing Hydrologic and Hydraulic Models Developed for Water Quantity Management to Mitigate Flooding Due to Extreme Precipitation

“…Over the last two decades, CCMUA has leveraged its investments in state and federal clean water regulatory compliance to advance environmental justice (CCMUA 2016) and to identify and remedy ecosystem service gaps in its service area (Zidar et al 2017), while minimizing the financial burden on rate payers. This effort has included attempts to simultaneously reduce CSOs and flooding (CCMUA 2016, USEPA 2004.…”

Sustainability

“…A decisionsupport framework for GI planning is demonstrated for Camden (New Jersey, USA). The framework is based on seven key ecosystem services, specifically 1) urban agriculture expansion, 2) combined sewer overflow reduction, 3) heat island reduction, 4) flooding reduction, 5) capacity building/green jobs expansion, 6) fitness expansion, and 7) stress reduction (Zidar et al, 2017b). A guideline for landscape planning of cities based on green infrastructure and ecosystem services is presented and demonstrated for the case study of Dresden (Germany) (Artmann et al, 2017a).…”