8. Implement Green Infrastructure in Key Areas

Green infrastructure should be used throughout the district to improve drainage and stormwater management. Green infrastructure can reduce the damaging effects of runoff on creeks and streams and can also add character and aesthetic benefits to the street. Disconnecting or diverting some flow from storm sewers and directing runoff to natural systems such as landscaped areas, bio-swales, and rain gardens reduces water velocity and cleans stormwater runoff. Natural stormwater systems also permit reduced pipe size for storm sewers. Green infrastructure will also further tie to the district's identity and touches on key elements of designing with nature.

• Bio-swales are depressed areas adjacent to impervious surfaces that are sloped on either side, contain vegetation or riprap that maximize the amount of time water spends over permeable surfaces before entering the storm sewer system. This allows water to naturally infiltrate the ground. Bio-swales also clean stormwater by removing pollutants.
• Pervious paving allows water to infiltrate the pavement surface, reducing rapid runoff into streams and storm sewer systems. Pervious paving surfaces include interlocking pavers, porous asphalt, porous concrete and grid pavers.
• Rain gardens are depressions that contain plants adapted to wet conditions. They are designed to slow, capture and absorb rainwater.

9. Add Bike Lanes and Sidewalks on W 6th Street

W 6th Street has been identified by both the Township of Millcreek and the City of Erie as an important bicycle corridor. Streetscape components should be implemented on W 6th Street and, specifically, bike lanes and consistent sidewalk should be installed. This corridor has low vehicle traffic and is envisioned as low-stress corridor for pedestrians and bicyclists. This effort should be coordinated with the City of Erie with consideration to the City's Active Transportation Study. Additionally, improvements along the W 6th Street Corridor should address other streetscape components identified in the preferred corridor alternative shown below. In addition, signs should be included along the corridor to direct bicyclists and pedestrians to features and attractions that can be accessed via the north-south connecting streets.

Pictured above are examples of naturalized stormwater planter systems that collect stormwater runoff.

RECOMMENDATIONS AND IMPLEMENTATION