SoBro Conservancy is getting launched !!!

The Opportunity: We saw 209 South Broadway—at the intersection South Broadway, Ballston Ave., and Circular St.—as an amazing opportunity. This abandoned 0.2-acre parcel, the former site of a gas station, had long been a void at one of Saratoga’s most prominent intersections. Years of use as an informal parking lot had compacted the infertile soil so that the site supported little vegetation aside from scattered patches of grass and invasive ground cover. We imagined how different this corner might look if it turned into a vibrant green space, teeming with life. Fortunately, the Eshaghian family, who owned the SoBro parcel, agreed and they donated the parcel to SoBro Conservancy in Summer, 2022.

The Plan: The vision is to bring life back to this parcel. Over the next several years, the regreening process will involve planning and design, an extensive soil improvement regimen, the installation of appropriate infrastructure, and diverse plantings that will mature into a pollinator-friendly habitat of native plants. As the project unfolds, Saratogians can look forward to the gradual green infill of this highly visible corner. We will plant large-growing shade trees and smaller flowering trees, along with shrubs, flowers, ground covers, and other vegetation that will provide habitat and food sources for pollinators and songbirds. We will announce more detailed plans and timetables as they are developed.

The Donation: This generous donation has been made to honor the memory of Touran M. Eshaghian, who loved Saratoga Springs and visited it with her family for many summers.  The donors are Touran’s son and daughter-in-law, David and Simone Eshaghian, and her grandchildren, Sabrina and Gabriel. 

Possible future activity at SoBro - Photo: Johanna Garrison