Regreening the gateway to South Broadway
How SoBro Conservancy got started…
The Opportunity
This abandoned 0.2-acre parcel, at the intersection of South Broadway, Ballston Ave., and Circular St., had long been a vacant fixture at one of Saratoga’s most prominent intersections. The former site of a gas station, the compacted, infertile soil supported little vegetation aside from scattered patches of grass and invasive ground covers.
We imagined how different Saratoga’s South Broadway corridor might feel if a vibrant green space took over this important corner. Fortunately, the Eshaghian family, who owned the parcel, agreed.
The Donation
The generous donation of this parcel honors 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.
On July 14, 2022, SoBro Conservancy became the owners of 209 South Broadway.
The Plan
The vision is to bring life back to this parcel. Over the next few 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.
In the short time since this project has gone public, we have been overwhelmed by the generous willingness of regional experts to share their time and knowledge. Even an incomplete list of those who have shared their expertise would include local farmers, Skidmore professors, the City’s Department of Public Works, Sustainable Saratoga’s pollinator protection team, local educators, Pitney Meadows Community Farm, Master Gardeners, Cornell Cooperative Extension, landscape architects, and local historians.
As the project unfolds, Saratogians can look forward to the gradual green infill of this long-vacant parcel. Large-growing shade trees and smaller flowering trees will be planted, plus flowers, shrubs, 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 Challenges
A thriving green space is founded on the quality of its soil. Without major improvements to the soil, the promise of the 209 South Broadway parcel cannot be realized. As we develop our plans, we have reached out to experts, some of whom are joining the SoBro team and some who will generously consult with us. We look forward to getting our hands dirty as we rebuild the soil, working to make it hospitable for the plants.
Beyond the challenging soil, SoBro faces many of the challenges typical of a new organization: planning, building a team, engaging the community, and raising the money that will make it all possible. We welcome your involvement and financial support as we work to fulfill SoBro’s mission.