Sustainable Streetscape Development for Small Communities – A Case study of City of Cullman, Alabama, USA

Abstract

This paper is based on proposal prepared by the author for the city, which was in transition and adopting its new comprehensive plan. The paper emphasizes current trends and interventions of planners for small- to medium-sized communities. The Downtown streetscape project was part of the comprehensive plan 2030 adopted by the City of Cullman, USA in the year 2009. This CompPlan expressed concern that to attract and retain the businesses in Downtown Cullman, a proposal based on landscape and beatification should be developed and implemented. Cullman had a population of around 15,000 in the year 2008, and at that time it was considered small town in the classification by American Planning Association. It was also decided to take part in the Small Town and Rural Planning, Alabama Competition floated by American Planning Association in which towns were given ratings based on the infrastructure and attraction towards businesses. Rain Gardens are an effective technique through which Surface runoff water is collected, decontaminated and given back to the nature using renewable energy resources and not relying on any mechanical or electrical equipment. Rain Gardens are considered one of the cheapest and most effective ways to recharge ground water and also beautify the area. The excess water collected can be given back to the natural streams or lakes bringing down the contaminant levels. Rain gardens are effective with water from impervious surfaces like roads, parking lots, all paved areas, compacted garden areas, terraces, etc. Native and adaptive plants are recommended for rain gardens because they can survive in the local climate, soil and water conditions.