Red Cedar Redevelopment Project - Assignment Example

Red Cedar Redevelopment Project I will start by giving an overview of what the Red Cedar Development project is all about. The project involves the rebuilding and the renovation of the Red Cedar Renaissance site and its environment. It aims to transform the place into a great city. The site is located in the North of the River Cedar, in the same venue that was formerly the golf course and the Kitcher Park. Part of the rebuilding process will be the removal of the existing board of water and the lighting station. However, some facilities such as baseball pitch will be retained. They will, however, be renovated to conform to the modern technology. Currently, in the area is a wooded section that extends about 20 feet along the banks of the River Cedar. Modifications in this area will include the restoration of wildlife, creation of nature trails and parks. The project divides the site into sections; environmental conservation, community development and infrastructure. Given that the site is a floodplain, it will be easier to develop the area. The government and the policy makers should give due consideration to the project. The first reason is that the project aims at reducing the pollution of the environment. The implementation of the project will lead to the restoration of the native species of wildlife and controlling the human access for water testing and recreation. Second, there will be the introduction of fishponds, nature trails, and parks in the region. Third will be the expansion of the scope of water management. There will be a link between water management, the native vegetation, wildlife, and social activities such as boat riding and water spotting (Ryan 46). Other than activities involving nature, there will also be a development of passive recreational activities. Examples of such activities are chess, golfing, and baseball games. It is worth mentioning that the redevelopment activities will also cover the development of a welcoming social environment. This will be through the creation of spacious and ample parking area, integration of cultural values and education into the entire environmental aspects. The plan involves the creation of streetscapes that will make the area welcoming, dense, and urban. Moreover, the project covers the construction of first-floor commercial and residential buildings. There is an allocation for a variety of pedestrian friendly setbacks and ample space for the social events. Hence, the project is big and has a high potential for success. Its implementation and success will not only lead to growth in the urban areas but also a source of revenue for the government. We cannot underestimate the contribution to the GDP that will be due to the success of the project. Multiple benefits will accrue to the local community because of the implementation of the project. So far, the community owns the project. It has been involved in the planning in all aspects since the inception of the idea. Business is expected to boom in the area because of construction of various facilities. The locals have the chance to be entrepreneurial in their hometown. Additionally, unemployment will reduce as more and more businesses sprout out in the region. Likewise, there will be increased access to social amenities. Given that most locals walk on foot or ride bicycles, the inclusion of ample walkways has considered their needs. The project has taken not only care of the shortage of the commercial buildings but also the residential buildings. The impressive concept is that the design of the buildings is as per the modern technology and accommodates the welfare needs of all the parties. These are the aged, babies in the strollers and the disabled people. The design includes wider streets that are safer to use. Included along the streets are ample resting places. Above all, the roads connect to multiple destinations such as parks, offices, residential and nature trails. Hence, the project has taken not only care of the shortage of the commercial buildings but also has made life easier for the community around. By now you may be wondering how viable the project is and whether it is worth implementing. I will support the project using a number of facts. First, the project aims at making Red Cedar town a perfect city as described by David Byrne in his article about perfect cities. Achievement of the modern city will be through increasing the town’s density, security, and sufficient parking. His idea of ample parking that is easily accessible and does not take much space is part of the plan. In addition, his idea of a city that provides security for all the members is also included. Buildings are fitted with metal detectors, smoke detectors, and physical inspection devices such as scanners and CCTV cameras. Second, the community goals advocated by Ethan Kent and Kathy Madden in their article “Is Your City a Great City” are at the heart of the Red Cedar redevelopment project. An example is the involvement of the community in the planning and the implementation of the project. Third, the project makes maximum use of public spaces. For example, most buildings will be self-sufficient in terms of meeting. They will include public squares and meeting rooms. The parks have sitting areas to accommodate groups and individuals engaging in different activities where people can hold informal and formal meetings. Hence, the ideas behind the project have the support of credible researchers and authors. As a result, they are reliable. Given the short analysis of the project, I would urge all of us to come together and support the project. As per my above analysis, all of us will experience the benefits of the project. The government will achieve its development goals, increased revenue, and attraction of foreign direct investment in the region. The community will benefit from access to modern facilities, the creation of employment and business opportunities, increased housing, and improved recreational facilities. Basing my argument on the economic point of view, the benefits of the implementation of the project will overflow to other towns and industries in the economy due to the multiplier effect. As a result, the gross domestic product will improve and hence translating into higher standards of living. Recipients of the emails Name: Position Email Organization represented Reason for the inclusion in the email Nate Lake President, East Lansing Public Sc nathaniel.lake@elps.us Community Groups Has the role of fostering community acceptance of the project Justin Hinkley Reporter: Lansing State Journal jhinkley@lsj.com News/Government The media needs to talk positively about the project for it to gain acceptance among the stakeholders Lou Anna K. Simon Office of the President presmail@msu.edu MSU/Broad Museum The cooperation of the museum is needed in the wildlife restoration and development of the environment. Scott House Director: Public Works shouse@cityofeastlansing.com City of East Lansing His office is responsible for designing and managing capital improvement projects and the maintenance Nathan Triplett Mayor of East Lansing ntriple@cityofeastlansing.com City of East Lansing The mayor has the powers relating to the land use and city contracts References Ryan, Brent D. Design after decline: how America rebuilds shrinking cities. University of Pennsylvania Press, 2012. Read More