City of Philadelphia Names First Stormwater Pioneer

Stanley’s True Value Hardware, a 66-year-old-business with deep roots in Roxborough, has been honored as Philadelphia’s first Stormwater Pioneer. Third generation small business owners Mark and Joe Jaconski were recognized as role models for business owners and private developers who want to reduce stormwater runoff from their properties. Surrounded by customers, family and friends, the Jaconskis received a plaque from the Philadelphia Water Department that will be permanently installed on the outside of their building at 5555 Ridge Avenue. The stormwater design team, Ruggerio Plante Land Design was also recognized by the Water Department.

“We’re hoping to keep trash, debris and other pollution out of the water supply so that everyone can enjoy a clean Schuylkill River. If we can play a small part in making the environment better for the next generation, that’s a major plus for us,” said Stanley’s Vice President Joe Jaconski,

Stormwater Pioneers is a new program to recognize business owners for those efforts. The program showcases innovation, excellence, the ability to overcome technical challenges and a true dedication by the property owners, developers, engineers and designers to decrease pollution that can be carried into streams and rivers during heavy rainstorms.

In 2010, the Jaconskis embarked on a plan to replace their decades-old store with a new one on the same site. Keeping the store open while building one three times the size all on one acre was a challenge, as was working around bedrock and utilities at various locations, and protecting a neighboring property. But it was well worth the effort says President Mark Jaconski, who has dreamed of having a big place with a rental operation and garden center since he was 17 years old.

The site design by Ruggiero Plante Land Design includes two underground infiltration basins which capture runoff and store it for slow release. Above ground, a rain garden has two feet of a special soil mix that promotes infiltration and plant growth, and an impermeable liner on the south side to keep moisture from the neighboring home. A seven-phase staging allowed construction to surround the existing store and keep it open until a new one was ready.

“Customers and neighbors really admire the rain garden, and every chance we get, we tell them how it’s part of the overall plan to reduce stormwater on our site,” says Mark.

According to Jaconski, business has doubled and so has the staff. The goals established for year 10 have been achieved in year two. He also notes that the new garden center has been a boon for the environment as well as for business.

“We can an offer our customers a big selection of plants and vegetables so they don’t have to drive far to get everything they need. That’s good for the environment. We’ve noticed a lot of people putting in vegetation; that also beautifies the neighborhood, and helps trap rainwater. I think we’ve started a trend on Ridge Avenue,” he adds.

The Philadelphia Water Department serves the Greater Philadelphia region by providing integrated water, wastewater, and stormwater services. As part of its stormwater management plan and in order to meet clean water goals for the City, the Water Department requires that development projects over a certain size manage stormwater at their sites. Each new development project represents an opportunity to improve the health of Philadelphia’s rivers. For more information and a video about Stanley's Hardware, visit www.phillywatersheds.org/stormwaterpioneers