Sustainable Verona’s presentation, delivered by Carrie Bass and Jamie Bornat, unveiled their research into Verona’s heat islands, pinpointing areas such as high school turf fields, shopping plazas, and municipal lots. They highlighted the adverse impact these zones have on community well-being, emphasizing the risks to athletes and vulnerable populations. Strategies proposed to combat the excessive heat included the planting of trees, installation of canopies, and the application of cooling products to turf fields.

During the session, a member recounted a personal incident of heat stroke suffered by their daughter, emphasizing the urgency of addressing extreme heat, especially on artificial turf fields used for sports. Inspired by Montgomery County Public Schools’ heat guidelines, there was a consensus on the need for heat mitigation strategies tailored to Verona’s specific sites. The board considered a range of solutions, from reflective tarps to lighter color turf, and the benefits of natural shade providers like trees and awnings.

A productive dialogue unfolded around the potential for collaboration with the school district and private business owners to implement these solutions. Emphasis was placed on the importance of raising awareness about heat islands and the role of partnerships in achieving the town’s sustainability goals. It was suggested that engaging with the superintendent of schools and the owners of the shopping plaza could lead to practical measures to reduce heat intensity in the affected areas.

The meeting further delved into the low-cost and accessible modifications for the school district’s fields during the off-season. The idea of liaising with the superintendent to discuss these changes was brought to the table, alongside engaging with business owners at Pan Plaza to advocate for energy-saving practices and aesthetic enhancements.

The redevelopment of Pilgrim Plaza was a topic of considerable interest, with discussions on zoning code revisions and their implications for sustainable certification. The board acknowledged the need for a symbiotic relationship between the town and the educational institutions to foster a unified approach towards sustainability. The conversation also touched upon the planned installation of turf fields at Evert field, the retention of heat on such surfaces, and the exploration of state or federal incentives for property owners to adopt green infrastructure solutions.

Updates on the planner’s progress with the Pilgrim Plaza redevelopment plans were provided. The potential redesign of the parking lot to improve water infiltration was discussed as an important part of the redevelopment project.