Reference no: EM133276299

Case: NIMBYism, also known as "not in my backyard," is the idea that no one really wants waste transfer stations, landfills, homeless shelters, sports arenas or megastores in their neighborhood even though a city like New York needs to place these things somewhere. Some of these items are vitally important public resources, others are meant to grow the New York City economy and tax base. What it comes down to is a matter of local interests versus citywide needs. As Berg tells us, mayors tend to think in terms of the citywide view because they need to consider what is best for the entire city. But local elected officials such as City Councilmembers who represent a particular neighborhood are more concerned with the needs of that neighborhood.

Which side do you tend to agree with? Do you take the citywide view or the local view? Do you think a local community should adapt to suit the larger needs of the city, or are local groups generally right when they object to new development and public utilities being placed in their communities?

Can you imagine any scenario in which you might change your mind about which side you would support in a case like this? What would it take to get you to change your mind on this topic?