In February 2002 the Baker Creek Watershed Association, in partnership with the Borough of North East, listed a series of environmental goals and objectives to be addressed, including the selection of a major improvement project. A structural assessment analysis of Baker Creek previously conducted revealed that the municipal parking lot was an area that could be improved. A proposal to control urban runoff non-point pollution in this lot led to the application for grants to help defray the costs of such a project.

A Coastal Zone grant helped cover the design fee with Dahlkemper’s Landscaping presenting the final drawings for approval in mid-2003. The incorporation of permeable pavement, infiltration galleys, catch basins with oil separators, riparian plantings, and a central planted area drew approvals during public comment sessions.

Funding assistance by Pennsylvania Department of Environmental’s Growing Greener program and Great Lakes Basin enabled the project implementation to proceed. A landscape grant from the Environmental Fund of Pennsylvania was put to use immediately to establish a small demonstration garden, to illustrate the vision for the larger municipal lot areas.

Finally underway in mid-May 2005 by Mayer Brothers Construction, the project benefited from good weather and close coordination of the construction by Hill Engineering. What you see here today is not a finished product: the street lights and landscaping will be installed shortly. Trees, funded by the North East Shade Tree Commission, will be planted in the appropriate season. The surrounding building owners have joined the effort and funded improvements that will enhance access, further increasing the effectiveness of this area.