Not in My Backyard: How Citizen Activists Nationalized Local Politics in the Fight to Save Green Springs

A woman-led citizens group in Green Springs, Virginia, used federal bureaucrats and judges to protect their neighborhood from unchecked economic development, illustrating the economic tradeoffs of environmental protection, the origins of NIMBYism, the changing nature of local control, and the power of history to advance public policy. Rae Ely's tactics are now used by neighborhood groups across the nation to resist any form of development.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 27 February 2024
Publisher: Yale University Press

This captivating social history delves into the remarkable tale of a dedicated group of citizens, led by a woman, who successfully battled a powerful Southern political machine to safeguard their beloved neighborhood from unchecked economic development. Through a series of strategic maneuvers, they enlisted the support of federal bureaucrats and judges to protect their community from the detrimental effects of unrestricted growth. The story unfolds over several decades, illuminating the intricate economic tradeoffs involved in preserving the environment, the origins of the NIMBYism movement, the evolving dynamics of local control, and the unexpected influence of history in shaping public policy.

In the early 1970s, Rae Ely embarked on a challenging campaign to prevent the construction of a prison and a strip mine in Green Springs, Virginia. The local political establishment, driven by the desire to create jobs and boost the economy in impoverished Louisa County, supported both projects. However, Ely and her allies emerged victorious by employing tactics reminiscent of the Civil Rights movement. They appealed to federal agencies and courts, seeking to bypass local control and safeguard their community's heritage.

What set Ely's campaign apart was her innovative use of historical interpretations. She argued that the proposed developments would harm the historic character of Green Springs and the surrounding environment, which was recognized as the first rural National Historic Landmark District. This historical designation provided legal protection and heightened public awareness about the significance of preserving the area.

The Green Springs protesters' struggle was a defining moment in late twentieth-century America, encapsulating the conflict between unbridled economic development and the preservation of quality of life for a privileged few. Their tactics, which Ely pioneered, have since been adopted by neighborhood groups across the nation, albeit in sometimes unintended ways. These groups have used Ely's approach to resist various forms of development, driven by a desire to protect their communities from the negative impacts of unchecked growth.

This social history serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of citizen activism, community engagement, and the power of historical narratives in shaping public policy. It highlights the ongoing struggle between the forces of progress and preservation, and the critical role that individuals and communities can play in preserving the unique character and heritage of their neighborhoods.

Weight: 694g
Dimension: 166 x 244 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300253788