As we mentioned in our earlier post, Cari Simpson, research faculty at Antioch University Seattle, along with a growing project team of students, engineers, landscape architects, and the EBCA, is leading an effort in East Ballard  to develop a demonstration site that collects roadway runoff into natural drainage swales.

The project, funded through The Russell Family Foundation, is in the early feasibility and design stages, but the response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. So far over 60 interested residents have contacted the project leaders, and six viable blocks of neighbors who live near each other have emerged.

The project team will choose one block that has the most potential to beautify the street, reduce roadway runoff to Salmon Bay and build community spirit. Over the next few months, interested residents will be invited to join the project team to work together on the natural drainage design and planting plan, the permit process, “green infrastructure” walking tours, and a volunteer work day in the Fall of 2013 to complete the project.