When Transopolis cites its success in revitalizing a run-down area near the freeway, it implies that similar action in the declining area of the same city would be similarly effective. However, this assertion does not take into consideration the massive differences between these two districts. First, Transopolis’s substandard housing was situated near its freeway. While this provided a convenient transportation link with other parts of the city, it also isolated people from the larger community. The residents of Transopolis’s substandard housing were disconnected from the larger city, and over the years, the residents became less engaged with their surroundings. Thus, when Transopolis began to revitalize this area, it did so with little concern for the impact of its actions on the surrounding community. By contrast, the declining area of Transopolis is surrounded by apartment buildings, and as a result, its residents are more integrated into their surrounding communities. The declining area of Transopolis is also near the rail tracks and downtown, where people tend to congregate. Thus, the improved housing in that area would not only revitalize the area, but it would also help to strengthen Transopolis’s overall community.

Transopolis’s success in its earlier efforts to revitalize its substandard housing does not provide clear evidence that the same process would work in the declining area of that same city. A better way to evaluate that area is to conduct a civic study to determine the needs, wants, and fears of the people of that neighborhood. The results of this study would determine the best plan of action to revitalize that part of town. For example, it would make sense to relocate existing businesses to an area that would be more amenable to their operation. If the residents of that area are elderly or handicapped, it would make sense to install elevators in the buildings so that residents would have easier access to the businesses. A civic study would also help to define the types of businesses that would thrive in that part of town. For example, a craft studio would be desirable because residents could participate in a variety of arts and crafts activities. Furthermore, the results of the study would provide valuable insight into which businesses would be the best candidates for relocation into the area. In addition, the results of the study would provide valuable insight into the type of housing that would be best suited for the area. For example, if the area is heavily populated by young professionals with families, it would make sense to construct apartment buildings rather than single-family homes.

Although Transopolis’s recommendation that the city revitalize its declining area sounds reasonable, the city’s lack of a civic study to determine the needs of that neighborhood casts doubt on the recommendation.