I'll offer up a "maybe hope": It might net neutral or net benefit. Now the lack of maintenance and underinvestment is visible, but you're taking strain off the

I'll offer up a "maybe hope": It might net neutral or net benefit. Now the lack of maintenance and underinvestment is visible, but you're taking strain off the (mostly invisible and no doubt underinvested in) storm water system by swapping impermeable surfaces for permeable ones. (This is a good way to save money on storm water systems in general). That said, my cynical side would still somehow expect my local council to screw it up anyway.