Title
Demonstration Program to Build Green Roofs on City Bus Shelters - For the purpose of requiring the City Manager to establish a demonstration program to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of green roof bus shelters; and to include that project in the Fiscal Year 2026 City budget; and generally related to the establishment of eco-friendly bus shelters.
Body
CITY COUNCIL OF THE
City of Annapolis
Resolution 2-25
Introduced by: Alderman Gay
Referred to:
Finance Committee
A RESOLUTION concerning
Demonstration Program to Build Green Roofs on City Bus Shelters
FOR the purpose of requiring the City Manager to establish a demonstration program to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of green roof bus shelters; and to include that project in the Fiscal Year 2026 City budget; and generally related to the establishment of eco-friendly bus shelters.
WHEREAS, A green roof is a roof wholly or partially covered with vegetation planted over a waterproofing membrane;
WHEREAS, Green roofs are designed to capture rainwater, reduce stormwater runoff, and improve air quality;
WHEREAS, Green roofs can help mitigate the urban heat island effect, reducing energy consumption and improving air quality;
WHEREAS, Green roofs can increase biodiversity by providing habitat for pollinators and other wildlife;
WHEREAS, Green roofs can enhance the aesthetic appeal of urban environments and improve the resilience of our city to extreme weather events;
WHEREAS, The City of Boston, Massachusetts, has added "green" roofs to 30 bus shelters in 2024 along one of the most popular routes as part of a three-year demonstration program that includes numerous types of drought-resistant sedum plant ground cover on the shelter roofs to serve as stormwater containers, improve air quality and add biodiversity of a vital corridor of the City;
WHEREAS, The New York City neighborhood of East Harlem included in its climate and community master plan a program to install green roofs on bus shelters along a major thoroughfare that are expected to combat heat through evapotranspiration, where the plants on the shelter roofs release water vapor;
WHEREAS, The City of Annapolis, working on becoming a leader in sustainability and environmental stewardship, is committed to implementing innovative solutions to enhance our city's resilience and environmental quality;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ANNAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL that:
1. The City of Annapolis shall establish a pilot program to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of green roof bus shelters. The program is expected to reduce stormwater runoff, improve air quality, and enhance urban aesthetics.
2. The pilot program shall include the following:
a. Site Selection: The City will identify five suitable locations for green roof bus shelters through a transparent and community-involved process, prioritizing areas with high foot traffic and exposure to stormwater runoff, while also considering the impact on existing infrastructure.
b. Design and Construction: The design and construction of green roof bus shelters, adhering to best practices for green roof installation and maintenance.
c. Monitoring and Evaluation: The pilot program will implement a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation plan, with clearly defined criteria, to assess the performance of the green roof bus shelters regarding stormwater reduction, air quality improvement, energy savings, and aesthetic appeal, ensuring the objectivity and credibility of the program's results.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE ANNAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL that:
1. The City of Annapolis shall allocate funding in the next budget for the pilot program, including costs for design, construction, monitoring, and maintenance;
2. The pilot program will last for one year after the green roof shelters are completed and receive approval from the Department of Transportation director; and
3. The City of Annapolis shall share the findings of the pilot program with the public, ensuring transparency and fostering public engagement in our city's sustainability efforts.
AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED BY THE ANNAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL that this resolution shall take effect upon passage.