In 1929, as a part of the West Side improvement project the state of New York commissioned the High Line. The original goal was to eliminate street-level railroad crossings that ended up in countless accidents between freight trains and other traffic. The High Line runs from the 34th street to St John’s park terminal. In 1999, Friends of the High Line advocated for the preservation of the High Line and reopening as a public space. The northernmost section of the High Line opened in September 21, 2014.
The common problem with many green infrastructure proposals is that they often interfere with the natural landscape. The layout of the High Line reflects the original microclimates of the High Line. Not only is the High Line considered green infrastructure, but a sustainable structure as well. The High Line has composting facilities that enable much of the waste processed into compost. This helps reduce the amount of material entering the waste stream and recycles valuable nutrients back into the soil, eliminating external inputs.
The High Line functions essentially like a gigantic green roof. To cut down on the storm water that normally would run off into the sewer system, There are porous pathways that have open joints that allow the water to flow between adjacent planks and water adjacent planting beds. Supplemental watering is used to control the amount of water to the individual plants that have different needs, while conserving water to the plants that do not need.
To avoid the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers, the Friends of the High Line developed the Integrated Pest Management Program. Pesticides and chemical fertilizers are avoided whenever possible. Green Seal-certified cleaning solutions are used to promote environmentally sound maintenance.
The High Line is an example for how Green Infrastructure should function in our society. By repurposing an aging structure that serves no purpose, we could not only not take away from the environment but we could add to it.
The High Line. Friends of the High Line, Web. 23 Dec. 2016.
<http://www.thehighline.org/about/sustainable-practices>
