Preservationists as Qualitative Growth Actors

Abstract

Using a case study of Saratoga Springs, NY, and the Saratoga Springs Open Space Project (OSP), this article explores how citizen-led land preservation organizations can form coalitions with diverse interests in pursuit “qualitative growth,” urban development reforms. Data come from in-depth interviews of key informants and extensive archival research. Focusing on both land preservation and downtown rehabilitation, the OSP was able to form broad coalitions of historic preservationists, downtown business interests, and developers to shift local development policy that would simultaneously promote in-fill downtown development while discouraging development at the fringe of the community. Though diverse and broad, many of the coalitions shifted, and different issues necessitated new coalition building activities. Furthermore, the continuing need to cultivate relationships with elected officials in a community of high political turnover brought challenges to the organization and the broader land management coalition. Finally, the limits of the OSP’s influence were witnessed by its lack of leverage over officials in neighboring communities and the contradictory development outcomes that ensued as a result of specific Not-in-my-backyard (NIMBY) decisions.