Will this construction block access to my driveway or disrupt my daily commute?
Yes, temporarily. Because permeable pavement requires digging deeper than standard asphalt to install the stone filtration layers, residents can expect localized lane closures and short-term driveway restrictions.
- The Fix: The city will provide advance notice via mailers and door hangers.
- Access: Contractors typically use steel plates to maintain driveway access for residents during non-working hours and coordinate trash collection or mail delivery routes.
How will this new pavement handle Central Florida’s heavy downpours without flooding my yard?
It will significantly reduce flooding compared to regular asphalt. The pavement acts like a giant sponge, allowing water to pass straight through the surface.
- Engineering: A deep stone reservoir beneath stores the water, allowing it to soak naturally into our sandy Florida soils.
Does permeable pavement breed mosquitoes or create standing water puddles?
No. Mosquitoes require stagnant, standing water for at least 3 to 4 days to breed.
- Rapid Drainage: The primary goal of permeable pavement is to eliminate standing water.
- Underground infiltration: Rainwater drains through the surface and typically infiltrates the underlying ground, disrupting the mosquito life cycle completely.
Is the surface safe for walking, biking, and heavy vehicles like garbage trucks?
Yes, it is fully ADA-compliant and structurally reinforced. Whether the city uses porous concrete, asphalt, or interlocking pavers, the surface is engineered to be slip-resistant and smooth for strollers, wheelchairs, and bicycles.
- Durability: The pilot sections are specifically engineered with a reinforced base layer to withstand the weight of heavy municipal vehicles, including City of Orlando garbage trucks and emergency fire apparatus.
Is this project going to raise my neighborhood property taxes or stormwater utility fees?
No, your individual taxes and fees will not increase as a result of this pilot.
- Funding: This project is funded out of the city’s existing Capital Improvement Program budget and is supplemented by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP).
- Long-Term Savings: Proving this technology works locally can save taxpayers money in the long run by reducing the need to build expensive, massive traditional stormwater pipes and concrete retention ponds.
How will the city know if the pilot project is working?
The city will monitor how effectively the pervious pavement absorbs stormwater and track changes in Lake Arnold’s water quality over time. These results will be compared to conditions measured before construction to evaluate the project's effectiveness.
How does this help Lake Arnold’s water quality?
When it rains, stormwater passes through the pervious pavement and Bold & Gold treatment layer, which helps filter out sediment, oil, nutrients, and other pollutants. By reducing pollution by entering the lake, the system helps improve water quality and supports a healthier Lake Arnold.