Town Square Garden

Home , Central Park (Almaty), Town square

Detailed Park Plans SECTION F LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES

town square garden

The Town Square Garden occupies a corner plaza along Alexander Street ESSENTIAL CHARACTERISTICS and are across from the trailhead pavilion at the Great Lawn. The square » Decorative paving in vehicular zone consists of a formally arranged garden with lush ornamental planting and a extends plaza centrally located water feature deﬁ ne the character of the space. The walks » Formal gardens and water feature cen- and one way road circling the plaza are detailed with decorative pavers and tral to space cobble bands. Continuous street trees deﬁ ne the edges. » Square wrapped by space allocated for cafes, restaurants, etc. Wide sidewalks allow for outdoor seating opportunities or informal gath- » Wide sidewalks will allow for awnings, erings. The square may be a private public venture in that the developer signage, and outdoor dining opportunities, which will animate the agrees to maintain the square and its plantings. streetscape » Town square interacts with formal entry to riverside park across Waterside Drive » Sustainability measures include the use of dark sky compliant lighting, porous paving at the seating areas, and native, drought tolerant planting within the planting beds and tree pits. Street trees will help to reduce the heat island effect and the tree pits may utilize bioswales to lessen stormwater runoff. Refer to the Sustainability Section for additional information.

Perspective sketch showing proposed the view into the Town Square Gardens. Traditional light fixtures on piers define the corners while boxwood par- terres with perennials surround the fountain at the center of the space.

120 Decorative paving

Street trees in cobble paving bands

Garden feature

Boxwood garden

Residential Mews. Refer to the following pages for materials and details.

121 Detailed Park Plans SECTION F LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES

details & precedents

Th e following list of materials and corresponding precedent images illustrate the standard components for the Town Square Garden at Yonkers. Addi- tional site speciﬁ c elements may be incorporated if approved by the city.

Lighting: Dark sky compliant lighting, historic detailing. Poles to be 14 feet high max.

Planting: Refer to plant list in sustainability section for approved materials in planting beds. Gardens shall incorporate ornamental plant material. Water feature

122 Traditional bollards

Aerial view of plaza with decorative paving, formal gardens, and water feature

Stone benches with decorative paving Traditional light fixture Traditional benches

Planter guards Iron planter guards on stone curb

123 Detailed Park Plans SECTION F LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES

mews address

Mews addresses in Yonkers will create intimate landscaped spaces for resi- ESSENTIAL CHARACTERISTICS dents. Each mews will incorporate a small play area at one end and commu- » Small gardens and/ tot lots tucked into nity or formal gardens opposite. A central, open lawn will allow for passive each mews address. recreation or additional stormwater management of runoff. Walkways will be » Formal front gardens in private resi- of a pervious material and typically 12 feet in width. Smaller shade or orna- dential addresses face onto mews mental trees will line the walks, providing shade and landscape structure. » Recessed lawns may be incorporated to aid in stormwater runoff. Front yard gardens with hedgerows will face onto the central green space. » Sustainability measures include the use of dark sky compliant lighting, porous paving, and native, drought tolerant plant species. Refer to the Sustainability Section for additional information.

The above images show small playgrounds or tot lots located within a residential address.

124 Play area

Central lawn

Formal garden

Play area

Formal garden

Overlook on axis with mews address

Central lawn

125 Detailed Park Plans SECTION F LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES

details & precedents

Th e following list of materials and corresponding precedent images illustrate the standard components for Mews Addresses at Yonkers. Additional site speciﬁ c elements may be incorporated if approved by the city.

MATERIALS Trail paving: Walks shall be of a per- Seating: Metal, traditionally detailed vious material. Acceptable materials benches throughout park. Refer to include: pervious pavers, stone or precedent images. brick paving, crushed limestone, and pervious concrete or asphalt. Bike racks: Shall be provided at major event areas. Walk dimension: 4 feet wide min and 12 feet wide max. Trees shall ADA compliant Pervious pavers line walks. Trash receptacles: Combined recycling and trash receptacles are encouraged. Material should be Garden features are shown Features: durable and graﬃ ti resistant. in the plan. Features should be of a durable material with traditional details. Features are considered an Playgrounds: Play equipment should opportunity for integrated art instal- be compact and kinetic, offering lations. more play opportunities to more children. (A recommended source is KOMPAN). Play areas may also Lighting: Dark sky compliant light- be creative play spaces that integrate ing, historic detailing. Poles to be 14 art into the setting. Th e paving shall Porous concrete next to pavers feet high max. be safety surface where equipment is installed. Safety surface colors shall Planting: Refer to plant list in sus- be in the earth tones. tainability section for approved materials in planting beds. Gardens shall incorporate ornamental plant material. Garden space may also be used for community gardens

Trees in crushed limestone paving

126 Hedgerow lines walk at mews

Hedgerow lines walk at mews

Formal boxwood garden with brick planter curb

Shade structure over small play area

Curved benches at small seating area

Garden feature

127 Detailed Park Plans SECTION F LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES

point street landing – parks, plazas, and pavilions

Point Street Landing consists of three distinct spaces: The Park at Point ESSENTIAL CHARACTERISTICS Street Landing which is a formal garden marking the entry to the district, » Formal park marks entrance to Point The Pavilions at Point Street Landing which is a water level plaza with fl ank- Street Landing ing pavilions and boat dock, and The Plaza which is a rooftop garden at the » The detailing is historical in character termination of Point Street. The formal garden is defi ned by a central oval with a traditional palette of lighting, railings, and site furniture along the water- lawn lined by ornamental trees, walks, and benches and a small garden fea- front esplanade and at the overlooks. ture or monument tucked into a planting bed at its terminus. » Market pavilions flank a pedestrian plaza with a centrally located water The waterside plaza marks the beginning of the waterfront park and espla- feature nade in this district and contains pavilions serving a variety of functions: rent- » Point Street terminates in an entry plaza able event space, bike rental, park offi ces, and a small restaurant. The plaza is and rooftop garden overlooking the river » The pier at the marina is enlarged to detailed with decorative paving and a centrally located water feature. Cultural encompass a small pavilion for food and ecological walking tours may also begin at this point. Adjacent to the plaza concessions or possible kayak storage. at the river level are two overlooks and a creative play zone. » Rolling lawns and native planting fill out the remainder of Point Street The rooftop plaza at the termination of Point Street is a semi-public space Landing providing a formal rooftop garden, parking for residents, two overlooks and » Sustainability measures include the use of dark sky compliant lighting, access to an upper level restaurant overlooking the water. porous paving in the pedestrian plaza and overlooks, and native, drought tolerant plant species. Refer to the Sustainability Section for additional information.

Perspective sketch showing overlook and Point Street pavilions in the distance. Seating is organized with piers and paving bands. The esplanade lights and railings are historic in detailing. 128 Formal entry park

Overlook

Creative play area

Overlook Rooftop garden and parking

Pavilion

Water feature

Pavilion

Rooftop garden and parking Kiosk

Boat dock Mews address

129 Detailed Park Plans SECTION F LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES

details & precedents

Th e following list of materials and corresponding precedent images illustrate the standard components for Point Street Landing at Yonkers. Additional site speciﬁ c elements may be incorporated if approved by the city.

MATERIALS Refer to waterfront Trail paving: Planting: Sweeps of native grasses esplanade details for walkway mate- and wetland/ river’s edge planting rials and widths. Plazas shall be cut shall be used at water’s edge and stone, brick, or pavers as indicated on the waterfront park plan. Formal planting may be used Trail dimension: Refer to the Water- at the garden spaces. front Esplanade for specifi c information. Seating: Metal, black powder coat benches by DuMor Site Furnish- Railings are Railings and Overlooks: ings at all other locations. Refer to considered an opportunity for inte- precedent images. grated art installations. Information kiosk in park Shall be provided at Trellises, pavil- Bike racks: Shade structures: major event areas by American Bicy- ions, and arbors shall be dispersed cle Security Company. throughout the plan at major gath- ering spaces. Structures should be of a durable material with traditional Trash receptacles: Combined recy- details. Structures are considered cling and trash receptacles are an opportunity for integrated art encouraged. Material should be installations. durable and graffi ti resistant. Land- scape Forms, Chase Park series. Shade structure at Hudson River Park Lighting: Dark sky compliant lighting. Poles and fixtures to be 14 feet high max. Match Westchester County Riverwalk guidelines select- ed fi xture

130 Rooftop garden

Open air pavilions at waterfront

Green roof with outdoor seating

Pavilions with cafes and outdoor seating

Formal garden with central feature

Boardwalk pier with overlooks, seating, kiosks, and lighting

131 Detailed Park Plans SECTION F LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES

rail street

Rail street runs parallel to the tracks at the edge of the new Alexander Street ESSENTIAL CHARACTERISTICS district. A continuous green screen, buffer planting, and street trees deﬁ ne » Secondary street that provides access the edge of the roadway. Opportunities for interpretive art panels ending to service and parking uses perpendicular roads and mews addresses exist in the projection of the screen » Narrow, connection lined by green buf- to the road edge. The interpretive panels along the street create a storyboard fer and trail system that connects the entire district illustrating the growth of Yonkers and the birth of the industrial era in the » Street may be treated with special US and correspond to the cultural walking tour highlighted earlier in this paving and lighting reminiscent of past industrial uses section. Light ﬁ xtures hang over the road and are strung between poles that » Buildings are typically six to eight evoke the character of the railway. stories Rail Street rises and falls as it meets the termination of both Babcock » Buildings shall wrap the block in order to encourage corner frontages along Avenue and Point Street providing for an interesting walking experience Rail Street. and occasional glimpses of the river down the view corridors formed by the » May become the location of second- residential streets and mews. ary services, artist studios, and/or live/ work units » Sustainable measures may include the use of salvaged materials for the lighting and bollards, porous paving, and native, drought tolerant planting. Refer to the Sustainability Section for additional information.

132 Panels with integrated art or historical information at end of mews or street axis project to street.

133 Detailed Park Plans SECTION F LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES

details & precedents

Th e following list of materials and corresponding precedent images illustrate the standard components for Rail Street at Yonkers. Additional site speciﬁ c elements may be incorporated if approved by the city.

MATERIALS Trail paving: Walks on building side Planting: Sweeps of native grasses only. Walks to be of durable materi- and meadow ﬂ owers shall be used als, preferably pervious. Acceptable at the base of the green screen. A materials include: pavers or pervious regular line of native trees shall fol- concrete. low the rail side of the road. Addi- tional native shrubs may be added Trail dimension: Refer to street sec- for buﬀ er planting at the base of the tions for detailed information. screen.

Interpretive text in wall Screen fencing and panels: Panels Bike racks: Shall be provided at are considered an opportunity for major event areas. integrated art installations. Fencing and panels should be a green screen, a wire mesh screen that allows for Trash receptacles: Combined recy- climbing plants to take hold. cling and trash receptacles are encouraged. Material should be durable and graﬃ ti resistant. Lighting: Dark sky compliant lighting, historic detailing. Poles to be industrial in nature with criss cross wiring spanning the streets. Fix- Interpretive text on dais tures to hang from the center of the cross wires.

134 Wire mesh green screen with planting

Curving green screen form Pendant lights hang from wires over streets

(above and right) Precedent images showing Pendant lights hang from wires over streets wire mesh green screen with planting

135 SECTION F LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES

signage systems

In order to create a strong and recognizable identity for the new Alexander Street District, three types of signage will be employed throughout the study area: community and neighborhood identiﬁ cation, wayﬁ nding, and interpretive signage.

COMMUNITY AND NEIGHBORHOOD IDENTIFICATION Community or neighbourhood identifi cation signs should be located at the entrances of each park space. This type of sign identifi es the park or plaza, identifi es the district name and includes detailed information about the area. A welcome statement may offer a brief history of the space and pertinent facts. Wayfinding identification WAYFINDING Wayfi nding signs, such as maps, banners, gateways, and trailblazers, will create a unique identity for the new district through the use of consistent color, size, font, and placement. Successful urban wayfi nding signs must be attractive, direct users to smaller destinations, be part of the overall district identity, and compete with street, regulatory, and storefront signs for the attention of the visitor. Community identification

INTERPRETIVE SIGNAGE The City of Yonkers will identify which resources, natural, cultural, or historical of their riverfront they wish to interpret to the public at a variety of points within the new district. The interpretive signage will be mounted horizontally or vertically, in the area of the feature to be interpreted. This signage may also be incorporated as part of an art opportunity into the design of park space.

Wayfinding identification

136 Community identification signage Wayfinding identification

Interpretive signage noting an architectural structure and its history

Community identification signage

Interpretive signage noting a park design

Wayfinding identification BOW BRIDGE

s the world’s population continues to increase, the steady loss of farmland and woodland to urbanization increases as well. Urbanization often leads to events that greatly upset the delicate balances in nature, which have existed for thousands of years.

One such event is the conversion of native plant ecosystems to lawns and gardens comprised of non-native plant species. Many non-native plants, though attractive and popular, have not evolved to live in harmony with Western North Carolina’s climate and ecosystems. Therefore, high maintenance, in the O L M S T E D form of excessive fertilizers, toxic pesticides, and frequent irrigation, is typically required to maintain lawns and non-native gardens and plants. A MOST HANDSOME BRIDGE

“Flame Azalea” When Frederick Law Olmsted, the father of landscape architecture, and his Rhododendron calendulaceum Exotic invasive plants represent another challenge to partner, Calvert Vaux, designed New York City’s Central Park in 1858, maintaining our native ecosystems. These plants, introduced they developed a vast series of interwoven pathways and structures, from other parts of the world, grow rampantly and overrun the native flora since they are not subject to the allowing visitors to view the park from many different vantage points. Ultimately, the park would be home to 35 unique structures, including many insect predators and diseases that keep the native population in balance. Kudzu, Japanese Knotweed, fine bridges. Cast iron bridges are rare, and Bow Bridge would become Bittersweet, and Privet are examples of such plants. In just a few years, they can take over entire forests known as the “most handsome” cast iron bridge not only of the park, but by spreading so rapidly that they block the sun and rain from all nearby plants. also of the entire world.

The Central Park bridge spans 60 feet across a picturesque lake and was Clearcutting is another common event in urbanization. When native forests and fields are cleared built between 1859 and 1862. Its graceful proportions, designed to mimic an of their plants, the abilities to support wildlife, with habitat and food, and to prevent soil erosion, archer’s bow, have inspired countless people to choose it as a romantic setting for weddings, films, and photography that captures the signature due to their deep root systems, are lost. The Ramble was carefully planned to avoid clearcutting, feature of the park. and maintains a program to manage and reduce the population of invasive plants. Every effort has been The bridge before you is also known as Bow Bridge. Its form and Community identification signage ornamental railing were designed to embody the traditional elements of the made to preserve the native forest and the great original. The Bow Bridge of The Ramble, gracefully crossing over Dingle diversity of plant and animal species that live here. Creek, pays tribute to the historical original bridge and invites you to enjoy its beauty and the views it offers, as others have done in Central Park for over a century. When you look at the surrounding landscape and at Dingle Creek, you are viewing a wet-mesic lowland. During winter and spring there will always be pockets of standing water. During a summer drought, the water will disappear but the soil will remain moist. Floods, lasting only a short time, may occur periodically throughout the year. This nutrient-rich and damp bottomland is ideal for trees such as Sycamore, Silver Maple, Green Ash, Sweet Gum, and Yellow Birch. On the forest floor, Red Chokeberry, Sweet Azalea, Maple Leaf

“Winterberry Holly” Viburnum, and Winterberry Holly mingle with the native ferns. Ilex verticillata All of these plant species provide habitat and food for wildlife,

including the old snapping turtle that lives beside this bridge. “New York Fern” Thelypteris noveboracensis

Interpretive signage noting ecological systems

(above and right) Wayfinding identification 137 SECTION F LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES

sustainability guidelines

components of sustainability The vital components of sustainability should not be limited to only green solutions for buildings and site work. The goal of sustainability is three fold – to reduce pollution, conserve energy and resources, and to enhance natural systems. In the book Ten Shades of Green – Architecture and the Natural World, ten strategies are laid out: » Low Energy Performance – Achieved by making maximum use of natural light and ventilation » Replenishable Sources – Harvest non-depletable ambient energies of the sun, wind, waves, gravity, and geo-thermal power » Recycling: Eliminating Waste and Pollution – Re-use building materials, design buildings that are fl exible and easily reused; recycle water and heat » Embodied Energy – Look at energy effi ciency in material selections in terms of life-time energy use » Long Life, Loose Fit – Build with materials that endure and improve with age; green buildings not only accommodate change easily but are timeless and pleasant in character so that people prefer to conserve them » Total Life Cycle Costing – Balance capital cost with long term maintenance costs Precedent images showing designed stormwa- » Embedded in Place – Green buildings fi t seamlessly into, help reintegrate ter retention feature with native rain garden planting and walls of local materials. and minimize negative impacts on their surroundings » Access and urban context – to be green, integrate multimodal transporta- tion alternatives » Health and Happiness – Natural light, fresh air, and contact with nature and community provide a healthy lifestyle » Community and Connection – Achieve a sustainable culture by regenerat- ing a sense of community and connections with the natural world

The strategies apply to community, architecture, and landscape, both new and restored. In this section, green topics focus on capturing and treating storm water, providing for green infrastructure and buildings, as well as habitat restoration and urban planting strategies.

138 INTEGRATION OF SUSTAINABLE TECHNIQUES The current industrialized landscape of the waterfront at Yonkers is unique in that it offers enormous possibilities for revitalization. A new landscape – green, productive and welcoming can be achieved by applying innovative sustainable solutions to transform various aspects of the site. These should address the following: » restoration of a system of native plant communities and habitats to connect this site to Yonkers’ current greenways, parks and natural systems » integration of management practices to capture and cleanse stormwater run-off for reuse. » creation of a functional park system and series of streets, that are ecologi- cally based as well as place makers Precedent images showing the use of pervious pavers and native planting at trail edge. » developing design standards for making existing buildings, as well as new buildings, green » design buildings to make maximum use of natural light and ventilation; harvest the ambient energies of the sun, wind, and geo-thermal power; build with constantly replenished materials and ones that endure and improve with age; integrate water harvesting techniques; recycle grey water; reduce the urban heat island by using green roof technology. » restoring urban forests

The sustainable strategies that can be applied to this site are divided into Shade trees reduce the heat island effect and three categories that are derived from the application of new design standards provide a green amenity for residents. that attempt to integrate the above sustainable practices: » Sustainable Streets » Greenspaces and Landscape » Buildings

Each of these classiﬁ cations has great potential for a variety of sustainable strategies, and each will have a different visual character. Any development promoted as ‘green’ or ‘sustainable’ should not only seek to restore lost natural processes but should also celebrate natural systems as an integral component

139 Sustainability SECTION F LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES Guidelines

of a healthy community. The following pages provide inspiration for strategies that might be employed in the Alexander Street Redevelopment and reinforce the unique landscape character of Yonkers.

SUSTAINABLE STREETS In Yonkers, two types of sustainable streets will be employed. The fi rst system, the Urban Street, is a street where pavement dominates. During storm events, there will be a tremendous volume of run-off generated from paved, impervious surfaces which will be captured and controlled by structured ponds or reservoirs. These reservoirs are small and designed with a limited capacity. Overfl ow is possible so there is a back-up (pipes) system in place, but Illustrative perspective showing the character the goal is to control and treat the ‘fi rst-fl ush’ or fi rst 1 inch of rain fall. of a sustainable streetscape The strategies suggested for the Urban street are man-made, constructed features that mimic the natural infi ltration process in controlled, limited means. Storm water is directed through channels or runnels to pools or col- lection basins that are not only functional but sculptural. These pools or basins allow the water to soak back into the soil layers, while providing shade and greenery for pedestrians. There is a structure and geometry to all the control features, following the geometric patterns of the buildings and urban landscape. Materials such as concrete, stone, or brick are chosen to blend with the streetscape and the design of adjacent structures. Developer’s are encouraged to provide shade Illustrative section showing the function of a sustainable streetscape design and/or light-colored and/or open grid pavement for at least 30 percent of the site’s non-roof impervious surfaces, including outdoor parking lots, walkways, plazas, etc.; The second system, the Green Street, directs run-off from the street into swales, channels, ditches or rain gardens. These are sized to handle more than just the ‘fi rst-fl ush’ or run-off. Green Streets are capable of handling larger storm events of greater duration. Green street strategies emphasize the extensive use of plant material as a means to cleanse storm water run-off, emphasize the natural character over man-made forms, and provide phyto- remediation in areas of soil contamination

140 PARK LAND AND NATIVE PLANTINGS

GREEN ROOFS

(above) Sustainable stormwater streetscapes in Portland, Oregon. Techniques include rain channels, planted verges, and porous paving (left) Diagram showing location of park land and green roofs.

Precedent image of a sustainable stormwater streetscape in Seattle.

141 Sustainability SECTION F LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES Guidelines

GREENSPACE Greenspace is a critical element of the design plan. The purpose of greenspace is to create a distinct address for adjacent buildings, provide recreation opportunities for residents, and provide opportunities for establishing lost ecosystems, habitats, and landscapes. Greenspace has the ability to heal the ecological damage wrought by industry on a comprehensive, large scale. Given these larger spaces and the absence of structures, greenspace is ideal for recreating large expanses of habitat and handling large volumes of storm water. During storm events, run-off is directed from adjacent streets towards large, broad swales and open park space at the river’s edge. These are over sized to handle storm events and land may be depressed slightly. Parks will function as usable open space in good weather and as storm water detention areas during storms. The main goal is not to store water but to treat the fi rst fl ush of rainfall before it enters the Hudson River. Strategies suggested for Greenspaces are more naturalistic than urban. The emphasis is on undulating land forms, soft edges, and native vegetation. Inspiration for the design of these features should be drawn from Yonkers’ regional landscape. Walkways and paths should wind seamlessly through the landscape employing subtle control features. Phyto-remediation, reforesta- tion, wildlife habitat restoration, and river bank stabilization can and should occur in large parks. In addition to landscape treatments within greenspace, alternative paving materials can be used to locally infi ltrate rainwater and reduce the runoff leav- ing a site. This can help to decrease downstream fl ooding, the frequency of combined sewer overfl ow events, and the thermal pollution of sensitive waters. Use of these materials can also eliminate problems with standing water, pro- (above) Images of parking lot swales used in stormwater management. vide for groundwater recharge, control erosion of streambeds and riverbanks, facilitate pollutant removal, and provide for a more aesthetically pleasing site. Alternative pavers can even eliminate the requirement for underground sewer pipes and conventional stormwater retention/detention systems. The drain- age of paved areas and traffi c surfaces by means of permeable systems is a key component in the new Alexander Street District that seeks to achieve a stormwater management system close to natural conditions.

Typical bioswale section

142 Precedent image showing a curb bumpout with a bioswale and stone check dams.

Illustrative perspective of the Green street landscape character

Precedent image of a stormwater street with rain garden planting in the verge.

Examples of pervious paving materials including porous pavers, crushed gravel, porous bituminous and concrete, and grass cell pavers

(left) Precedent image showing permeable paving along the pathway and reused crushed concrete and gravel from the former structures Artistic handling of roof run-off and paving on the site. 143 Sustainability SECTION F LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES Guidelines

Designers and developers should also consider the following criteria when laying out parkland and open space: » Sun alignments – Where sun is abundant, shade for comfort and safety in activity areas should be provided through trellises, pavilions, or shade trees. » Prevailing winds – The major advantage of wind in recreational development is its cooling aspect. Orientation of site furniture should account for catching summer breezes off of the river while a portion should provide protection from winter winds. Example of green roof with exterior deck » Relationship to the river – Maximize pedestrian access to the Hudson River while preserving and restoring the natural habitats and ecosystems existing on-site. » View corridors – Views to the waterfront are an asset to the new district and reinforce a visitor’s experience. Site location of amenities should maximize views of natural features and minimize views of visitor and support facilities.

NEW CONSTRUCTION To maintain consistent sustainable building standards throughout the development, LEED standards will be used. New buildings are to meet LEED certiﬁ cation standards, with LEED-Silver being the targeted standard for new development. Refer to the Architecture Section of these guidelines for Sketch showing dark sky compliant lighting detailed information.

144 GREEN ROOFS Within the Alexander Street Study Area, buildings are required to incorporate green roofs into 50% of their roof plan design. Numerous benefi ts can result from the adoption of green roof technologies including the recovery of green space, moderation of the urban heat island effect, improved stormwater management, water and air purifi cation, and a reduction in energy consump- tion. A major benefi t of green roofs is their ability to absorb stormwater and release it slowly over a period of several hours. Green roof systems have been shown to retain 60-100% of the stormwater they receive. In addition, green roofs have a longer life-span than standard roofs because they are protected Example of roof garden from ultraviolet radiation and the extreme fl uctuations in temperature that cause roof membranes to deteriorate.

Example of roof garden

Perspective sketch showing fields of native planting.

145 SECTION F LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES

plant palette

native plants Indigenous plants have evolved with the local climate and the soil; therefor, they are perfectly suited to the region. There are many advantages to using local plants besides their ability to thrive. They are often low maintenance and thrive without the addition of fertilizers or pesticides, and they provide food and shelter for native wildlife. Th e following pages consist of lists showing the “best of the best” plant materials for use in the new Alexander Street district, and should serve as both a guide and a starting point for plant selection. Th e plant list focuses exclusively on native plant material suitable to the region.

Many factors were considered in selecting the short list of plant materials New England Aster including form and size, tolerance to urban conditions such as soil compaction, salt and brine spray, availability and hardiness, wildlife value, and beauty and seasonal color. Th e ideal plant for the proposed dense urban setting would be readily available and grow in almost any microclimate. It should be non- invasive, long lived, and provide forage and habitat for many songbirds and butterﬂ ies. Th is plant would also resist any disease or environmental stress and provide a vivid display of changing color throughout all seasons. Although this “ideal” plant is a fabrication, it is useful to underscore that plants making the following list needed to perform well in multiple categories versus being a standout in one particular category and showing poorly in several others. ornamental plants In some cases, ornamental plants (non native plants that are not invasive but Red Maple leaves do well in the climate) are acceptable. These plants will typically only be used at formal garden areas in limited quantities.

SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME

SHADE TREES Acer rubrum Red maple Acer saccharinum Silver maple Carya ovata Shagbark Hickory Celtic Occidentailis Honeylocust Gleditsia triacanthos Honeylocust Gymnocladus dioicus Kentucky Coffeetree Pin Oak leaves Liquidambar styraciﬂ ua Sweet gum Liriodendron tulipifera Tulip tree Nyssa sylvatica Sourgum* Quercus alba White oak* 146 SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME

Quercus bicolor Swamp white oak Quercus phellos Willow oak Quercus rubra Northern red oak*

EVERGREEN TREES Ilex opaca American holly Pinus strobus White pine Tsuga canadensis Eastern hemlock

ORNAMENTAL TREES Amelanchier canadensis Shadblow serviceberry* Betula nigra River birch Cercis canadensis Redbud Cornus ﬂ orida Flowering dogwood Red twig dogwood detail Hamamelis virginiana Common witch hazel Sassafras albidum Sassafras

DECIDUOUS SHRUBS Aesculus parviﬂ ora Bottlebrush buckeye Aronia melanocarpa Black chokeberry* Cornus sericea Red-osier dogwood Fothergilla gardenii Dwarf witch alder Ilex verticillata Winterberry* Myrica pensylvanica Bayberry* Potentilla fruiticosa Bush cinquefoil Rhododendron viscosum Swamp azalea Rosa palustris Swamp rose* Salix discolor Pussy willow Mountain Laurel leaves Sambucus canadensis Elderberry Spiraea latifolia Meadowsweet Viburnum lentago Nannyberry Viburnum prunifolium Black-haw viburnum

EVERGREEN SHRUBS Ilex glabra Inkberry Juniperus horizontalis Creeping juniper Kalmia latifolia Mountain laurel Rhododendron maximum Rosebay Rhododendron catawbiense Catawba Rhododendron

GRASSES Blue Flag Iris Andropogon gerardii Big bluestem Panicum virgatum Switchgrass* Schizachyrium scoparium Little bluestem Note: * indicates plants that are extremely tol- Sorghastrum nutans Yellow Indian grass erant of road salt and wind 147 Plant Palette SECTION F LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES

SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME

PERENNIALS Amsonia tabernaemontana Blue Star Aruncus dioicus Goat’s beard Asclepias incarnata Swamp Milkweed Asclepias tuberosa Butterfl y weed Aster cordifolius Blue wood aster Aster divaricatus White wood aster Aster novi-angliae New England aster Baptisia australis False indigo* Boltonia asteroides Boltonia Field of brown-eyed susans Coreopsis tripteris Tall tickseed Coreopsis verticillata Threadleaf tickseed Echinacea purpureum Purple conefl ower* Eupatorium coelestinum Hardy Ageratum Eupatorium fi stulosum Joe pye weed Euphorbia corollata Flowering Spurge Filipendula rubra Queen of the Prairie Helianthus microcephalus Small-head sunfl ower Hibiscus moscheutos Swamp rose mallow Iris versicolor Northern bluefl ag Liatris Spicata Blazing star Monarda didyma Beebalm Monarda fi stulosa Narrow-leaved mint Phlox maculata Meadow phlox Field of Blue Wood Asters Phlox pilosa Prairie phlox Rudbeckia fulgida Brown-eyed susan* Solidago caesia Blue-stemmed Goldenrod Solidago sempervirens Seaside Goldenrod Solidago speciosa Showy Goldenrod Vernonia noveboracensis New York ironweed

Blue-stemmed Narrow-leaved mint goldenrod

Note: * indicates plants that are extremely tolerant of road salt and wind

148 PLANTS NOT TO BE USED The following plant list, including all varieties, are not to be used for Yonkers Waterfront. Most listed below are invasive, are often overused in urban landscapes, and have poor root structure. Invasive plants degrade native environ- ments by displacing native plants and degrading habitat for native insects, birds, and animals. Invasive plants, even when grown in a cultivated yard, can spread, escape, and cause landscape maintenance weeding problems for years to come. For additional information on invasive plants, please refer to the following sources online: Burning buch leaves » www.nps.gov/plants/alien/pubs/midatlantic/toc.html » www.ipcnys.org (New York State Invasive Plant Council) » http://nature.org/initiatives/invasivespecies (The Nature Conservancy)

SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME

TREES Acer platanoides Norway Maple Ailanthus altissima Tree of Heaven Pyrus calleryana Callery Pear

SHRUBS Norway maple leaf Berberis thunbergii Japanese Barberry Berberis vulgaris European Barberry Eleagnus species Russian and Autumn Olive Euonymus alatus Burning Bush Lonicera maackii Amur Honeysuckle Lonicera morrowii Morrow’s Honeysuckle Lonicera tatarica Tatarian Honeysuckle Rhamnus cathartica Common Buckthorn, Tallhedge

HERBACEOUS Ampelopsis brevipedunculata Porcelain Berry Buddleia species Butterﬂ y Bush Celastrus orbiculatus Asian Bittersweet Euonymus fortunei Wintercreeper Asian Bittersweet Purple loosestrife Hedera helix English Ivy Lythrum salicaria Purple Loosestrife Lonicera japonica Japanese Honeysuckle 149