P.S. 41 a small grammar school in a quiet corner of Greenwich Village is taking center stage in a green idea that has floated around for over a decade. In six to eight weeks construction of the Greenroof Enviromental Literacy Labratory (GELL), atop P.S. 41's roof will begin. When complete it will serve as an rooftop garden classroom that will teach the schools K-5 students Biology chemistry, nutrition and aesthetics.
According to the school Principal Kelley Shannon the current backyard Garden is a valuable resource which teaches students lessons that are difficult to teach in a classroom. "But the Backyard is only so big" said Shannon. The schools problem will be solved through the GELL's 14,000 sq. foot urban garden. While the outlining fence and foundation of the garden is expected to be complete by the end of the year, students shouldn't look forward to frolicking in their new garden until a year from now in Spring 2011.
"We decided to do this as a first of it's kind prospect" said Chris Hayes Co-project Leader and Director of Communications and Development for the GELL project in a phone interview. "The idea is to get one done, so we can prove it can be done to the School Construction authority. This is a first for them." The School Construction Authority is a city organization that oversees major capital construction projects within the New York City public school system.
Hayes is a graduate of P.S. 41 and currently has children who attend as well. P.S. 41 is a coveted school in the city with actors, NYU Professors, artists, and lawyers clamoring to have their children attend. Due to this the school is constantly under threat of over crowding according to the administration. With PTA fundraiser auctions that often raise over $100,000 in a single night not only is it popular among the elite but subsequently well funded, adding to its desirability.
"The benefits will extend to the entire neighborhood" said Hayes in regard to the GELL "It cools off the city." The rooftop garden will work like a heat-sink dissipating the heat generated by the concrete, brick and steel structures below. It will also scrub the air of harmful pollutants like heavy metals, and excessive carbon monoxide. The city already has campaigns of white and black roofing in order to utilize the colors properties to reflect or absorb sunlight. Many cities however have looked to green roofs as a 21st century way or cutting down the pollutants generated by the ever growing metropolises while cutting down on urban heat island effects. "One roof isn't going to make a difference but its a start" said Hayes.
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