Southgate Neighborhood Sustainable Green Street Project

The Southgate neighborhood is a 41-acre single-family residential tract that was developed in the 1920’s that originally was designed to flow solely on surface gutter flows which were directed to a single storm drain inlet. The gutter surface drainage did no longer work due to deteriorated street conditions causing severe localized ponding during rain events. The primary objectives of the Southgate Neighborhood Sustainable Green Street Project were: 1) to address the storm drainage deficiencies within the Southgate neighborhood by improving the street surface drainage system, 2) to utilize innovative and sustainable techniques that minimize storm runoff and improve storm water quality, and 3) to become one of the pilot “Green Street” projects within the Bay Area. This project was in fact the second Green Street project constructed within Santa Clara County. “Green streets” incorporate low impact development techniques for site design and storm water treatment, including minimization of impervious area, storm water infiltration, evapotranspiration, and use of features that facilitate bicycle and pedestrian traffic. The Southgate project is truly innovative and sustainable as it not only improves drainage in the neighborhood, but also enhances pedestrian, bicyclist and vehicular driver safety, and helps preserve the existing street structure.