Stoplights To Parks, Annapolis Greens Up

Ecological Concern, Gas Cost Spur Steps

The traffic lights in Annapolis use LEDs. The crosswalk signs rely on solar panels to power their blink. And city officials drive hybrid vehicles.

Rising fuel costs, combined with concern for the environment, have prompted the city to adopt "green" initiatives to help conserve energy and save money.

"It's more than a trend," said Frank Biba, chief of the city's environmental programs. "In the absence of initiatives on state and federal levels, local governments can make a difference."

An ordinance approved in February encourages city departments to purchase material that can be reused, recycled or turned into compost. Under the former rules, departments would pick the cheapest materials, Biba said. Now department heads are expected to take energy reduction and life span into account.

LeeAnn Plumer, director of the city's Recreation and Parks Department, said she is making choices that reflect the environmentally friendly policy. She chooses certified green cleaning products and fertilizers with organic substances rather than phosphorus-based chemicals. All new park benches are made from recycled materials, and parking lots are being paved with "glassphalt," which uses crushed glass, instead of asphalt.

"We are certainly looking for more green alternatives, and we are trying to do it in a more aware sense. If we have choices, we try to pick ones that are a better fit for the environment," Plumer said.

City officials also see storm-water management as key to preserving the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.

The city instituted a storm-water utility tax this year that will pay for repairs for the storm-water system under the campaign "Five Cents a Day for the Bay."

Officials also created the Stormwater Education Experience at Back Creek Nature Park, with exhibits that include a faux beaver dam, various types of porous pavers, rain gardens and other eco-friendly storm-water controls.

"It is not a typical energy initiative, but it helps the younger generation learn the impact of storm water in yards and about pollution in the bay," Plumer said.

Howard County has also embarked on initiatives to save energy and money. Last week, County Executive Ken Ulman (D) instituted a flexible hours policy for county employees designed to save on gas costs and cut pollution.

"We have been working for a long time on creating a family-friendly workplace," Ulman said in an interview. "Gas prices just created a sense of urgency."