You Are Invited To A Public Meeting At City Hall

You Are Invited To A Public Meeting At The City Hall

You are invited to a public meeting at the City Hall where you learn that a developer has announced his plans to build a large shopping mall on the outskirts of your city in what is now prime farmland. According to this developer, many jobs will be created by the construction. However, you may know that similar situations have happened multiple times all over the country during the past 20 years. The proposed mall will include stores and three theaters. Presently, your city has some unemployment, only one theater in the downtown area, and little variety in its retail businesses.

On the surface, the proposed mall seems to be only good news. Is this the case? You look at some of the following questions to understand the entire situation:

• What will happen to the downtown area when the mall is opened?
• If you own a business, would you favor building the mall?
• What happens to the taxes on the farm?
• If you were a farmer, would you favor the project?
• How will storm water runoff be affected as a result of the large asphalt paved parking areas?
• What other problems, if any, can be associated with building the complex?
• If you were the mayor or city manager, would you favor construction of the mall? Why? Or, why not?
• Is the proposed project overall good news? As a concerned citizen, you decide to write an opinion column about the proposal of constructing this new shopping mall in your local newspaper. Think and write 2-3 paragraphs on the positive and negative impacts of this development. Then make a case whether it should be allowed. Consider the perspectives of the mayor/city manager, small business owner, and farmer before making a final decision about this proposal. Clearly state your reasons.

Paper For Above instruction

The proposal to construct a large shopping mall on the outskirts of the city brings with it a range of economic, social, environmental, and community implications. On the positive side, the development promises to create numerous jobs during the construction phase and provide new retail options and entertainment venues once operational. Increased retail activity could stimulate local economies, attract visitors, and potentially reduce the unemployment rates by offering more employment opportunities. Such a project could also modernize the city’s retail landscape, bringing added convenience for residents and the chance to boost overall economic growth.

However, there are also significant negatives associated with such developments. One of the most concerning issues is the potential decline of the downtown area, which might suffer when shoppers prefer the new mall’s convenience over traditional downtown businesses, leading to decreased foot traffic and possibly the closure of small local shops. Environmental concerns are also evident, particularly regarding increased stormwater runoff caused by extensive asphalt parking lots, which could lead to water pollution and erosion problems. Furthermore, the loss of prime farmland to accommodate the mall raises questions about the sustainability of development priorities, threatening the city’s agricultural roots and local food production. From a social perspective, rampant commercialization could lead to congestion and strain on infrastructure, impacting residents’ quality of life.

Considering the perspectives of key stakeholders reveals varied priorities. The mayor and city manager might view the project as a necessary economic boost and a way to attract more visitors and investments. Small business owners, especially those in the downtown district, may oppose the mall fearing competition and eventual decline of their enterprises. Farmers are likely to oppose development on prime farmland because it diminishes local agricultural land, which is critical for food security and rural livelihoods. Balancing these perspectives, I believe the decision to allow or deny the shopping mall should favor sustainable growth that protects farmland, maintains vibrant local businesses, and minimizes environmental impact. Although economic development is essential, it must not come at the expense of the city’s long-term ecological health and community character.

References

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• U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2021). Farmland preservation strategies. Agricultural Economics Report. https://www.usda.gov
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