GMAT Essays (AWA)

Although the redevelopment proposal for the blighted inner-city neighborhood has prompted criticism from senior citizens, advocates of low and middle-income housing, and community residents fearful of inconvenience or even displacement, it promises to create not only a number of upscale apartment buildings but also numerous construction jobs as well.

Discuss the issue being considered and its implications. Develop an argument advocating whether or not the redevelopment proposal is a good idea. Explain your position using relevant reasons or examples drawn from your own experience, observations, or reading.


Essay:

The issue of redevelopment of a locality should be handled delicately by the government as it can upset people living in the locality. The long time residents of an area have sentimental attachment to an area and have difficulties accepting changes but they should understand that improvements are being mad to improve their quality of life. Improvements in such neighborhood's may cause some inconvenience but the rewards are far grater than any inconvenience caused. Hence, the redevelopment is a good idea.

Firstly, the advocates of low and middle income hosing as well as residents of the neighborhood may have fears of inconvenience but they should realize that even if they are displaced they will provided better housing and better neighborhood to live in. The residents will be compensated for their land by the government and as seen in such situations the residents are provided better housing facilities. For example, when the Development authority of Mumbai decided to redevelop the slums of Mumbai, the residents of slums who were living in improper living conditions were allocated flats in buildings. This improved their living conditions considerably and after a few years former slum residents were very happy with the redevelopment.

Secondarily, with the residents being provided proper housing, such redevelopments will also lead to increased revenues for the government from sale of the upscale apartments. These revenues can further be invested in improving the society. Furthermore, the construction jobs created by the redevelopment will also provide employment opportunities to the unemployed residents of the neighborhood. This will improve the quality of life for the unemployed residents as well as for the dependents of such residents. For example, when the redevelopment of slums in Mumbai was going on many of the former unemployed residents of the slums were employed in construction of buildings.

This is not to say that no problems will be faced the residents druing the redevelopment. The residents of the neighborhood may have to shift temporarily or permanently to a new locations and will ahve adjust to such locations. In some cases if the government gives out contracts to private firms, contractors may harass the residents to get them to move. Such private firms may also bring in thier own employees and jobs created may be low in number.

I sum, even though the residents of the neighbourhood may have to face problems in the short term, the long term improvement in thier lives will outweigh such problems. The redevelopment will also create employment and improve the locality making it more attractive to prospective investors and businessmen. Hence, the redevelopmnet of the neighbourhood is agood idea.