|
Introduction The general public interested in neighborhood redevelopment and students of planning need to understand the process that determines the outcome of urban renewal ideas and proposals. It is within the context of the process that ideals meet reality. Therefore the process of urban planning is the focus of this website. Political Tension There is a political tension that exists within the area of urban planning. That tension is created due to the idealistic notion that urban planning is foremost interested in the needs of the people and the reality that urban planning is interested in economic profit and that only trained professionals understand what is needed for the city. As explained in the book, Streets Of Hope: The Rise And Fall Of An Urban Neighborhood, "The traditional approach to urban planning calls for the "experts" at City hall to run the show with strong input from bankers and private developers and lesser input, if any, from community residents. Even a liberal administration which invites neighborhood participation does not want to give up control to low-income residents and community organizations" (Medoff, 89-90). |
