Des Plaines takes look at greener alley pavements

A bucket of water poured onto the pavement immediately flows into the ground, averting polluted runoff from trickling to area waterways.

This could be the alley of the future in Des Plaines, as demonstrated in a video Monday night.

Aldermen on Monday decided to look at a pilot program to add at least two green alleyways in the city next year.

There was no vote to pursue the new alleys, which are already in use in Chicago. But aldermen seemed open to trying it in two alleys next year. They will make a final decision later this year.

The new alleys would cost at least $80 a square yard, or $20 less per square yard than a traditional concrete alley.

Under the plan, there would be no need for sewer drainage in the alleys since the rain would just sink through the pervious concrete pavement, explained engineering director Tim Oakley.

The soil would have to be tested to make sure it would properly absorb the water.

Sixth Ward Alderman Mark Walsten, who chairs the engineering committee and founded the city's new environmental group, backs the plan as a way to green the alleys and save money.

Other aldermen questioned the plan, saying they wanted to see if these alleys really worked in their flood-prone city.

First Ward Alderman Patricia Beauvais asked whether the rough pavement could cause injury if a child on a bicycle falls on it.

Walsten said it's not jagged so there would be no safety problems.

Second Ward Alderman Marty Moylan vowed to oppose eliminating the storm sewers for drainage.

Since the water drains through the pervious pavement, additional drainage isn't necessary, Walsten said.

"If it does work, that's great," Mayor Tony Arredia said.

Aldermen decided against backing a pilot program until they look at their construction projects later this year. They want to treat it on a case-by-case basis.

"I think it's something that should be looked at," 3rd Ward Alderman Laura Murphy said.