07/07/10 - Uptown event kicks off green wave in heat wave
Roefaro secures $718k for Green Project, Saves 21 Local Jobs
Sewer Overflow Remedies also Tackled in Mayor’s Green Plan
July 7, 2010 – (Utica, NY) – Utica Mayor David Roefaro announced today that in securing a $718, 000 competitive grant to propel his city-wide green agenda; he has helped retain 21 local jobs and is addressing the city’s sewer overflow problem, too.
This grant also ties into the City’s Rust to Green Initiative.
“My staff has spent countless hours working to position Utica as a green city. Together, we’ve committed more trees to the urban landscape, worked directly with the DEC on redeveloping land, and now, we’re going to raise the bar again,” the mayor said. “Working directly with EFC, and their new CEO, former Syracuse Mayor, Matt Driscoll, we’re going to preserve our local environment and propel this city all at the same time.”
New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation President Matthew Driscoll agreed, “Each Green Innovation Grant Project represents a step towards building a “green” industry across our State. I would like to recognize Mayor David R. Roefaro and the City of Utica for their ambition and determination to bring this project to fruition. This project will be an example to other communities that cost-effective, “green” stormwater runoff solutions are attainable, while beautifying the City. We truly appreciate Governor Paterson and the New York Congressional Delegation’s support of this unique program.”
Roefaro, who lobbied hard for the $718,000 Green Innovation Grant, touts the win as another in a series of ambitious environmental projects that will attract more green grants and green industry to the city.
“We’ve worked to do our own small part at creating a positive environment by encouraging residents to take responsibility- replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent ones, buying locally grown and made food products, and purchasing products made from sustainable resources. This grant will add to those efforts,” Roefaro said.
The grant consists of two specific projects totaling over $718,000.
Project One-
Rain barrels to be distributed, demonstrated by Cornell students
The city, after a completive bid, awarded a local firm, Metal Logix Design of 1305 Conkling Ave, to provide 400 rain barrel systems to capture rainfall and runoff so that it can be recycled and used for landscaping or other purposes.
The rain barrels will be used to control runoff in the combined sewer areas of the City. Residents wishing to receive a rain barrel should contact the City Engineering department at 792-0152. A list is being prepared for distribution and a live demonstration of the green concept will take place at the next Utica Monday Nite’s Rust-to-Green Market Place- July 12th at the State Office Building Plaza. Students from Cornell University will showcase the rain barrels and the silva cell technology.
The rain barrels, made from recycled steel will allow residents to utilize a natural resource they can’t right now: runoff from their roofs. At present, the majority of house roof gutters are tied into the sanitary sewer lateral of the property. During rain events, this clean water gets sent into the sanitary sewer system. The rain barrels will be attached to down spouts thus getting this water out of the system and allowing for its use to water gardens, lawns, etc.
“The rain barrels are going to set Utica apart from other communities because they’ll showcase a communal trend for environmental responsibility,” said Joel Grimaldi, President of Metal Logix. “The rain barrels will be made with 75% recycled steel and will be powder coated in three colors: White, Forest Green, and Country Brown. The powder coating material contains no volatile organic compounds and will be purchased from a Rome powder coating manufacturer that is minority owned and certified.”
“And the mayor’s contract with our company is helping Metal Logix keep 21 people employed. During this slow time of year, it was a real boost,” President Joe Grimaldi said.
Project Two-
Roefaro Commits 300 new trees to city, addressing Combined Sewer Overflows with green technology
The second portion of the project consists of planting 300 trees with curb cuts to allow rain water to filter towards them instead of negatively impacting the city’s sewer system. The project consists of the installation of pre-cast concrete and plastic tree pits at various areas in the city.
Plastic tree pits or silva cells are underground bio-retention or filtration systems. They facilitate tree growth, water filtration, and quell storm water run-off in urban areas.
One area of the city that will see the positive impact from the project lies along the Boilermaker route on Whitesboro Street.
“This area is upstream of several of our combined sewer overflows and this project will diminish their overflow frequency,” said Deborah Day of the engineering department. “The trees will also revive the appearance of the neighborhood.”
“Aside from the trees, these neighborhoods will see new sidewalks, porous concrete, and pavers. This will combine to improve the look and the environmental impact of the area along the famous Boilermaker run portion of Utica,” said Mayor Roefaro.
Other locations that will see the benefits of the Mayor’s Green Plan are: locations around Uptown, the former Homestead Bank block, Sunset Ave, Linwood Place, Second Street, South Street, Eagle Street, and all the side streets through there, the Parkway and City Hall.
All of the aforementioned locations contribute to the sewer overflow problem Mayor Roefaro has been seeking state and federal funds to remedy, and all of these locations have been funded in the grant appropriation the mayor has secured, saving taxpayers real dollars.
“I want to thank Governor Paterson, Congressman Arcuri, and our Engineering Department for their efforts to fully secure this funding. I also want to thank Parks and DPW Commissioner David Short for working so hard at spearheading the green initiatives we have undertaken in the last three years,” the mayor said.
