Categories: Philly

Greening Percy St… South Philly So Hot Right Now!

I must admit, I do love the lilac rain boots I purchased while sick of wet jeans and shoes being drenched in the rain. However, what if a street soaked up water like a sponge instead?

The 800 block of Percy St between Catherine & Christian became Philadelphia’s first porous Street to do just that! Made of permeable materials including porous asphalt and a layer of stones underneath, the street allows water to soak through the surface and eliminates storm-water runoff.

This wasn’t just constructed to decrease rain boot sales – Philadelphia has a combined sewer system that includes both the sanitary sewer system (aka water from showers & toilets) and a storm-water system.  During heavy rain, treatment plants can’t accommodate extra water – so consequently the toilet and storm water flows together into the city’s rivers. (Ever have a triathlon cut out the Schuylkill swim? There’s partially why.)  Therefore, they reconstructed Percy St with a new sewer system, main and piping.

The redesigned street also reduces snow removal/ice in those terrible winter months. Streets Commissioner Clarena I.W. Tolson mentioned “The unique properties of porous asphalt may result in quicker melting of snow and ice from the street. This benefit could mean that less road salt will be needed to keep the street clear… Less road salt means less cost and less pollution of our rivers.”

Mayor Nutter, Deputy Mayor Rina Cutler & Councilman Frank DiCicco unveiled the South Philly street on Tuesday as part of the Philadelphia Water Department’s Green City, Clean Waters program. The construction cost $330,000 – and the next street will be on Webster between 13th & Broad.

Posted by Julie

*photo courtesy of Green Treks

Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake.

Recent Posts

Climate action updates, EPA deregulation, new gardens, & more

Check out the latest sustainability news: Office of Sustainability releases 2025 Climate Action Update. OSS…

3 days ago

A bird-a-thon without birdwatching? For blind birders, it’s all about sound

From Malvern to Massachusetts, the first blind birding event showed accessibility in action. Chester County…

4 days ago

How Fishtown neighbors organized for a pedestrian safety win

More than 500 residents advocated for change, leading to 40% longer crosswalk times on Girard…

5 days ago

Protecting community gardens, PA’s green energy package & more

Check out the latest sustainability news: City Council votes to protect one of the city’s…

1 week ago

Mayor Parker’s $2 Billion H.O.M.E. plan to tackle housing & climate change

Here’s how the city plans to retrofit the aging housing stock and support existing repair…

2 weeks ago

Plant-based as resistance: Veggie Mijas reconnects BIPOC communities to the land

From storytelling workshops to seed swaps, they’re cultivating more than just vegetables in Philly and…

2 weeks ago