Abstract

Storm Water Management Using Vacant Lots in New Haven, Connecticut
Track: Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater
Authors: Hazel Scher

Based on Ian McHarg's framework of land use planning through evaluations of ecological function, this study proposes a solution to two urban problems: storm water drainage and vacant lot management. If viewed as an untapped resource rather than a burden, a network of urban vacant lots provides an opportunity to improve storm water drainage through the implementation of Best Management Practices, such as bioswales, rain gardens, and constructed wetlands. Using a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) model, flow accumulation potential and social need are mapped within each of New Haven, Connecticut's vacant property parcels. Vacant lots are given a composite score based on their ranking in each ecological and social factor. The eleven highest-scoring lots are evaluated through site visits in order to assess the success of the model and potential impact of using ecological data to inform planning decisions in an urban context.