Abstract:
Federal financing of state and local public works and development projects has made possible a wide array of improvements that otherwise might not have been made in US metropolitan areas. Yet these projects have left a mixed legacy in some cities, particularly in the urban neighborhoods in or adjacent to the construction sites. The case explores the role of citizens in planning a proposed subway extension which would run through the town of Arlington, Massachusetts. First, the case describes a variety of methods by which public officials can get a sense of public opinion, ranging from relatively informal methods such as speaking to influential community members, to more formal techniques such as public hearings and referenda. The case also demonstrates that the level of public participation cannot be taken for granted. Why were so few residents involved in the early planning stages, and why and how did their involvement escalate so precipitously? Finally, it raises questions about the quality of participation. How much information will actually be available to those who want to get involved? How representative of the community as a whole are the people who participate?
