Assignment Prompt: Policy Proposal Analysis and Position ReportPolicy Proposal: Replacing the Green Haven Community Garden with Affordable HousingBackground: The city of Riverton, a mid-sized urban area, is facing a housing crisis, with many lower-middle-class families struggling to find affordable homes. In response, the Riverton City Council has proposed a plan to demolish the Green Haven Community Garden, located in the lower-middle-class neighborhood of Oakridge, to build a new affordable housing complex. The complex would house 50 families, offering units at below-market rates to address the housing shortage. The garden, which has been a community fixture for 15 years, is a source of local pride but has also been criticized for attracting a “shady crowd” and being difficult to maintain. The proposal has sparked heated debate: some residents support the housing initiative as a solution to the crisis, while others argue that the garden is a vital community asset that should be preserved.The Debate:
- Supporters of the Proposal: Argue that affordable housing is a more pressing need than a community garden, especially given the housing crisis. They claim the garden attracts loiterers and is a maintenance burden, diverting resources from more critical issues.
- Opponents of the Proposal: Contend that the garden provides essential benefits, including fresh produce, community cohesion, and mental health support, particularly for a lower-middle-class area with limited green spaces. They worry about the environmental and financial impacts of the housing project.
Your Task: As a policy analyst, you have been tasked with reviewing the evidence surrounding the proposal and taking a position on whether the city should proceed with replacing the Green Haven Community Garden with affordable housing. You will write a 1000-word report arguing your position, using the provided documents as evidence to support your argument. Your report must demonstrate critical analysis of the evidence, address counterarguments, and propose a clear recommendation for the City Council.
Documents for ReviewDocument 1: Environmental Impact Report (Riverton Environmental Agency, April 2025)
- Summary: The report assesses the environmental consequences of the proposed housing project. Construction is expected to take one year and will generate significant noise pollution (averaging 85 decibels daily, exceeding safe levels for residential areas) and air pollution (increased particulate matter from demolition and construction equipment). The Oakridge neighborhood already has poor air quality, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) averaging 120 (unhealthy for sensitive groups), compared to the city average of 80. The report notes that the removal of the garden will reduce local green space by 20%, potentially increasing urban heat island effects and decreasing air filtration from plants.
- Key Quote: “The project will exacerbate existing environmental challenges in Oakridge, particularly for vulnerable populations already affected by poor air quality.”
Document 2: Financial Analysis (Riverton City Budget Office, March 2025)
- Summary: The city is currently facing a budget deficit of $5 million, and the housing project is estimated to cost $8 million, pushing the city further into debt by $3 million in the first year. While the new residents are expected to generate $500,000 annually in sales taxes, this revenue will not offset the initial costs for at least 16 years. The analysis warns that the city may need to cut funding for other services, such as public transit or school programs, to finance the project.
- Key Quote: “The financial burden of this project may strain the city’s already limited resources, potentially impacting essential services for all residents.”
Document 3: Study on Community Gardens and Mental Health (National Institute of Health, 2023)
- Summary: This study examines the impact of community gardens on mental health in lower-income urban areas. It finds that regular access to community gardens reduces stress and anxiety by 30% among participants, with 75% reporting improved community connections. In areas like Oakridge, where mental health services are limited (only one clinic serves 10,000 residents), gardens serve as a critical resource for well-being.
- Key Quote: “Community gardens are a low-cost, high-impact intervention for mental health, particularly in underserved neighborhoods with limited access to green spaces.”
Document 4: Riverton Police Department Report on Crime Near Green Haven Garden (2024)
- Summary: The report analyzes crime data within a half-mile radius of the Green Haven Community Garden over the past three years. It notes a 15% increase in loitering and vandalism incidents, with 40 reported cases in 2024 compared to 34 in 2022. However, violent crime rates in the area have remained stable, and the garden is not directly linked to serious offenses. Community surveys indicate that 60% of residents feel the garden attracts “a shady crowd,” particularly at night.
- Key Quote: “While the garden is associated with minor crimes like loitering, it does not appear to contribute to violent crime in the Oakridge neighborhood.”
Document 5: Study on Affordable Housing and Economic Mobility (Urban Policy Institute, 2022)
- Summary: This study explores the effects of affordable housing on economic mobility in lower-middle-class communities. It finds that families in affordable housing units are 25% more likely to save for education or job training, leading to a 10% increase in upward mobility over five years. However, the study also notes that construction disruptions often lead to temporary displacement, with 30% of nearby residents reporting increased stress during development.
- Key Quote: “Affordable housing can be a powerful tool for economic mobility, but its benefits must be weighed against short-term disruptions to existing communities.”
Document 6: Community Survey on Green Haven Garden (Oakridge Neighborhood Association, January 2025)
- Summary: The survey, conducted with 200 Oakridge residents, reveals mixed feelings about the garden. 70% of respondents say the garden provides essential fresh produce (averaging 500 pounds annually for local families) and a space for community events. However, 55% report maintenance issues, including overgrown weeds and litter, and 40% say the garden’s upkeep costs ($10,000 annually) are a burden on the neighborhood association. 65% oppose the housing project, citing the loss of a community asset.
- Key Quote: “The Green Haven Garden is a lifeline for many families, but its maintenance challenges have frustrated residents who feel the city should provide more support.”
Directions for the ReportObjective:1) Write a 1000-word report taking a position on whether the Riverton City Council should proceed with replacing the Green Haven Community Garden with affordable housing. Your report must:Clearly state your position (support or oppose the proposal).
- Analyze at least four of the provided documents to support your argument.
- Address at least one counterargument and explain why it does not outweigh your position.
- Provide a clear recommendation for the City Council, including any alternative solutions if applicable (e.g., preserving the garden while addressing housing needs elsewhere).
Structure: Follow the outline provided below to organize your report.
1) Evidence: Cite specific data, quotes, or findings from the documents to support your claims. Reference the documents by name (e.g., “According to the Environmental Impact Report…”).
2) Tone and Style: Use a formal, persuasive tone appropriate for a policy report. Avoid emotional appeals unless supported by evidence.Due Date: 5/27/25
Report Outline
- Introduction (150–200 words)Introduce the policy proposal and the debate surrounding it.
- State your position (support or oppose the proposal).
- Briefly preview the main points and evidence you will use to support your position.2) Analysis of Evidence (400–500 words)
- Discuss at least four pieces of evidence from the documents, explaining how they support your position.
- Use specific data or quotes to strengthen your argument.
- Analyze the implications of the evidence for the Oakridge community and the city as a whole.3) Counterargument and Response (200–250 words)
- Identify a key counterargument to your position (e.g., if you oppose the proposal, address the need for affordable housing).
- Respond to the counterargument, explaining why it does not outweigh your position, using evidence from the documents.4) Recommendation and Conclusion (150–200 words)
- Summarize your position and key evidence.
- Provide a clear recommendation for the City Council.
- Suggest any alternative solutions or compromises if applicable (e.g., building housing elsewhere, improving garden maintenance).