If you live in Palm Springs and think it's Paradise, you're right.  But it didn't always happen easily.  It took a lot of hard work and determination by hundreds of concerned citizens who volunteered their time and energy to help keep Palm Springs a world-class getaway town.  And it’s this brand of activism that ABCD continues today.

 

During the past several decades there have been numerous attempts by big developers and others to destroy the charm and inherent character of Palm Springs. And at every step of the way our group, comprised of a dedicated group of citizen volunteers has been there to fend off over-development.

 

It all started in the early 1900’s with Nellie Coffman.  Considered by many the “mother of Palm Springs” she founded of the world-famous Desert Inn.  Unfortunately, her dream of creating a world-class vacation getaway was destroyed when, after her death, a developer bought the Desert Inn property and built a massive shopping center—one that never worked—and was by all accounts the wrong call for a town such as Palm Springs.  

 

Since then, ABCD has worked tirelessly to prevent similar development disasters and has had much success.  A few examples include the massive single-building development that would have been the size of the Queen Mary on land (literally) that was slated to have been erected behind the famed Le Vallauris Restaurant.  Had the developer succeeded and it had gone forward, Palm Springs residents would, today, not have a view of the beautiful San Jacinto mountain range from Downtown Palm Springs. 

Fortunately, with the help of concerned citizen like you, we were able to stop this.  And today, there stands in its place a tasteful group of town homes called The Villas of Old Palm Springs as well as the beautifully restored Colony 29.  

 

We also vehemently opposed a horrendous, oversized County Prison project that was to be built at the entrance to our town, and one that was considered a "done deal" and with the land already acquired and plans drawn up.  After our involvement, it was moved. Can you imagine driving into Palm Springs and first thing you see is massive prison?  We couldn't either.

 

Additionally, we opposed the size of the downtown redevelopment project which, thanks in part to our efforts, was ultimately cut in half.  We also fought against the urbanization of the magnificent Chino Cone by pushing hard for the purchase of the land by the Friends of the Palm Springs Mountains.  This land is now held in trust by the City of Palm Springs, to be preserved forever.

 

These are just a  few of the more well-known project that we have challenged in order to maintain the unique charm and character that is key to Palm Springs to maintain its reputation as a true getaway oasis.