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by the current homeowner, making it quite inconspicuous and blended to the landscape. I will <br />mention other benefits of the green systems later in this narative. <br /> <br />Additionally, the existing deck would be made more unobtrusive by adding natural, deep- <br />rooting vegitation around specific areas near the proposed storage structure, creating more <br />coverage and reducing phosphorous runoff. <br /> <br />On the topic of security, there is a history of theft and trespassing on the property that is driving <br />the desire to secure the items of value. The easment along the lakeshore and increased online <br />shipping/logistics delivery traffic due to Covid makes it a reality and a risk. <br /> <br />The proposed green roof and wall, with its natural aesthetics and environmental benefits, is an <br />example of how Arden Hills could, as a result of this project, have a nice example of the <br />improvements offered by the aesthetics, heat absorbtion and controlled runoff these systems <br />offer. It appears to be the direction of cities (per much written code) not only here in MN but <br />nationwide. <br /> <br />(Personal Context from Terry Pernsteiner) - Discussing the benefits of a green roof system and <br />the importance to the ecology makes me think of a development that I proposed in Minnetonka <br />nearly twenty years agoIt included the inclusion of rain gardens; at the time, Oakdale had <br />succesfully proved their benefits. Today, rain gardens are now an expectation for certain <br />projects within Minnetonka. I mention this because main uses are largely commercial in the <br />metro area, although many cities including Minnepolis and suburbs have written in code <br />language of the value and added banefits to residential applicants. Large applications (Target <br />Center, Minneapolis Library) are benefitting from the applications, along with numerous other <br />large buildings and a few residential sites across the metro. This opportunty feels like a low-risk <br />and beneficial exploration of the grass roof application within Arden Hills. <br /> <br />A few data-proven benfits are: <br /> <br />CLEAN WATER <br />Our state is rich in beautiful bodies of water. Ordinarily, rainwater picks up contaminants and <br />heat as it rushes across roofing and other hard surfaces on its way to our lakes and rivers. Green <br />roofs hold onto much of the rain, reducing the runoff that would otherwise cause water <br />pollution and decreasing the need for additional (and expensive) stormwater treatment <br />infrastructure. <br />LONGER-LASTING ROOFS <br />Because the waterproofing membrane is underneath the other layers of the green roof, it is <br />protected from factors that can cause roofs to fail: extreme heat, UV radiation, and thermal <br />swings. In general, green roofs last longer than conventional roofs, reducing both consumption <br />and waste. <br />COOLER BUILDINGS <br />The plants on a green roof shade the building, and further cool it through the natural process of <br />evapotranspiration. If enough roofs in a city are greened, they can combat the urban heat island <br />and help mitigate the effects of global warming. <br />HABITAT CREATION <br />Green roofs create green spaces in the built environment that birds and beneficial insects can <br />use as habitat. Green roofs also beautify our cities, creating better habitat for humans as well.