Assignment #4-Blog Entry 1- USC Master Plan

Though the  USC Master Plan seems to offer a variety of new opportunities to "improve" the community, I feel the interests of individuals outside the USC community are not being taken into account. The USC Master Plan in more ways than one seems to  be an effort to being in more revenue for developers and the university.In order for the community to truly benefit from this plan the University would have to make sure that community members and developers/investors schedule meetings together in which they discuss what their goals are. I feel that as though the USC Master Plan characterizes the university as a mediator between community members and investors. However, the plan does not raise the question of how residents would like to see the community "improved". On the contrary, the Master Plan seems to define what a community should look like and to cater to middle-class people who will be able to contribute more revenue to the area.

One of my other concerns about the USC Master Plan is the renovation of Jefferson Blvd and for the university to take over several of the businesses in University Village. In the case of remodeling Jefferson Blvd. the university''s plan to reduce the street to two lanes seems as though it will merely result in more traffic. The buying of property in the University Village also seems as though it will not benefit residents. Many of the individuals in the area have grown accustom to the areas and shopping center.In a way it seems as though the university is simply trying to make the area look "nicer" rather than focusing on maybe offering programs from community members to educate themselves or use college facilities. How can the university or developers know what the community wants unless there is some form of communication? Efforts need to  center around building ties and trust between all parties. Residents should not be rendered powerless but instead given an opportunity to discuss their opinion about the Master Plan and making "improvements" to the area.

Sketch of Jefferson Blvd. after the Renovations