Reference no: EM133419385

Acme Chemical Corporation owns fifty acres of land, thirty-five of which are used for manufacturing. The other fifteen acres are undeveloped and zoned for commercial use only. This means that while office buildings may be built on the fifteen acres, manufacturing facilities may not. Acme has been very successful over the past decade and now wishes to expand its manufacturing facilities. It claims that over three hundred new jobs will be created.

The zoning plan was formulated over twenty years ago after lengthy discussion among all interested groups. Acme has applied for an exception, but local residents oppose it due to the added chemical pollution that would result. They contend that their neighborhood is poor enough already and that Acme's expansion will further drive down the value of their homes. The county's land use commission, which must make the decision, consists of five elected members. All are elected at large, and none live near the Acme plant. Three members are up for election and want to impress the general public by being "pro-growth" (that is, promoting the creation of jobs and an increase of the tax base). One member lives next door to Acme's CEO and often socializes with her.

To expedite Acme's application, the commission permits two hours of public discussion and then takes a vote. The application is approved.

Question 1. In your opinion, is this action just? Why or why not?

Question 2. Analyze the commission's action in light of this chapter's definition of justice.

Question 3. Does the concept of holiness provide any additional insights?