Closed since 1977 – O Street by Dunbar High School Finally Reopens as a “Green Street”!

From the mayor’s office:

“Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser reopened O Street Northwest between 1st and 3rd Streets as a “Green Street.” This newly opened roadway will support the Mayor’s commitment to sustainability and clean energy by capturing thousands of gallons of untreated stormwater, which protects local waterways. The green street is adjacent to the newly modernized Dunbar Senior High School, which also has several energy and sustainability features.

Originally closed in 1977, this part of O Street now has 5,732 square-feet of bioretention area installed in the form of 33 individual cells, or “rain gardens.” The District Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) estimates that the volume of water equivalent to a 1.28-inch storm of runoff from a 1.6-acre drainage area will be retained through this project. The stormwater technology will prohibit significant amounts of stormwater runoff from reaching the District’s combined sewer system, and ultimately, the Anacostia River. All bioretention areas are landscaped with plants native to the District.

The Green Street project includes newly planted street trees in large tree boxes along O Street, where the stormwater will be collected to avoid sewer backups. Native plants that are a part of the O Street landscaping include: purple coneflower, switchgrass, inkberry and river birch. In addition to enhancing the ability of the bioretention cells to absorb stormwater runoff, these plants provide important habitat for District wildlife.”

@MayorBowser tweets:

“After nearly 38 yrs, #DCProud to reopen O St NW btwn 1st & 3rd as a #DCGreenStreet.”