Councilmember LaBonge proposes greening LA's alleyways

Councilmember LaBonge's "Green Alley" initiative is modeled closely after the innovative and environmentally-friendly alleys of Chicago.
City of Chicago Department of Transportation

Councilmember Tom LaBonge has introduced a council motion to replicate a program initiated in the City of Chicago to replace asphalt alleys with roads covered with permeable materials to help move Los Angeles forward in its objective to be the greenest big city in America.

The “Green Alley” initiative utilizes permeable concrete or porous asphalt to allow water to filter through to the ground instead of ending up as polluted runoff in rivers and streams. Additionally, the new pavements are designed to reflect heat from the sun rather than absorb it – helping the city stay cool on hot days and warmer on cold days.

“This program is a very practical as it utilizes recycled materials, helps with our goal to replenish groundwater resources and reduces global warming,”said Councilmember LaBonge. “It could also potentially save us hundreds of thousands of dollars for alley repairs and other types of related improvements.”

The motion directs the Dept. of Public Works, Bureau of Street Services, with the assistance of the City Attorney, Bureaus of Street Lighting and Sanitation, Environmental Affairs, City Administrative Officer, Chief Legislative Analyst and other appropriate city departments to report on the feasibility of implementing a Green Alley Project.