Downtown Kalamazoo : A Study of D. K. I. and Growth Management
Abstract
In today's society, the terms urban revitaliz~tion,
redevelopment, renovation and renewal have become a commonplace
reference for the cities of the United States. Cities are considered
to be "dead" or as some have suggested "obsolete". Urban areas are
fraught with problems of fiscal health, increased unemployment and
many other socially related problems, such as homelessness. A
general consensus exists, within our society, of the need for a new
and improved urban environment. This can be inferred from the great
deal of media attention that has been given to the downfall of cities
and the wealth of material devoted to this predicament, i.e. books,
articles. Our cities are a vital and integral element of our society
and must be preserved.
Therefore, it is imperative that something is done to enhance
or revive this vital aspect of American life; the city. The problem
lies in the way of going about such a monumental task. Over the past
three months of working with Downtown Kalamazoo Incorporated and
researching in the library, I have been able to gain insight into the
various perspectives devoted to the revitalization of urban areas.
Based on my experiences and study, I am prepared to defend growth
management as an effective method of urban revitalization.
Few Americans would quarrel with the need for improving our
nation's cities. In the last two decades, a great deal of emphasis has
been placed on the importance of establishing a viable method for
this achievement. All sectors of our society agree the urban region
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is a diverse and culturally unique American institution. Americans
agree that this important element of our society must be salvaged.
My paper provides an analysis of different policies related to urban
renewal. Because of this extensive research, I then predict the most
effective policy for revitalizing the misery stricken inner-cities.