Urban Renewal in Saratoga Springs, NY from 1962 to 1986 was one of the largest urban changes in the city’s history.
The federal Urban Renewal program provided funding to clear “blighted” areas to allow for redevelopment. This program displaced the largely Black community from the West Side.
The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation will host a virtual program, “Urban Renewal: Through the Eyes of a Child with Joy King,” on Monday, February 26 at 7 pm.
Joy King, whose family has resided in Saratoga Springs for seven generations, will share her and her family’s memories of this devastating time, the lasting impact that this program had on the people who lived there, and the buildings that were lost.
“I would beg my dad to take me with him to visit Leroy’s Cigar Shop on Congress Street. It was so vibrant and exciting. I was able to see people who looked like me. This area did not need renewal – people were business owners, entrepreneurs, and homeowners. Now, instead of renewal we see empty spaces, undeveloped lots, and areas of blight that were not blight prior to renewal,” said Joy King.
In addition, there will be a screening of the documentary Erasing Spaces and Faces: The Legacy of Urban Renewal in Saratoga Springs from C.R.E.A.T.E. Community Studios, an organization that uses art to promote freedom, expression, personal growth, and community connection. A conversation will follow about the current initiatives that local organizations, artists, and community members are taking to foster social change.
“This project centers the people and communities, in particular the Black community who have been most affected by the choices made in “urban removal.” To explore narratives of displacement through a variety of expressive mediums creates an accessible and safe approach to sharing experiences and stories about painful events,” stated Project Co-manager and C.R.E.A.T.E.’s Saratoga Site Director Julie Lewis.
“Urban Renewal resulted in the loss of not only the city’s historic neighborhoods, but also irreparably affected a thriving community. At that time, Urban Renewal helped to galvanize the preservation movement in Saratoga Springs. While the buildings were not preserved, it is important to preserve the cultural heritage,” said Executive Director Samantha Bosshart.
This Black History Month program will take place on Zoom for a suggested donation of $10 or more. For additional information or to register for the virtual program visit www.saratogapreservation.org or call (518) 587-5030.
Everyone who pre-registers for this program will be emailed a Zoom link in advance and will receive a link to the recording.
Read more about the history of Urban Renewal in New York State.
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