Case Study: Babcock Place
For this writing assignment due at the end of Week 3, write a short (3-4 page, double-spaced) paper
reflecting on the course concepts as they are demonstrated in the case study “Babcock Place.” This
assignment is designed to encourage you to apply concepts we have been learning so far in the course to a
real-life scenario. Your paper should refer to the course textbook and make use of course concepts.
Remember that the goal of each course assignment is to demonstrate your understanding of and ability to apply the course concepts.
To prepare for writing your analysis:
- Create the maps/diagrams explained in the Week 3 reading, “A Note on Mapping” from the perspective
of you as a city planning department manager (of the city traffic engineer) for this Babcock Place case study
situation (this situation has lessons that can be applied more universally – focus on those as well). I
understand that your diagrams/maps will be more basic than those in the example with the minimal facts
and background provided. This is an important step; you will write about your maps/diagrams in your essay.
Try conducting some online research to expand your understanding of similar situations, public decision
making, and planning department roles. For example, visit a city planning department website, check a city
council meeting agenda for a similar issue and review supporting documents if available, and conduct some
online searches for news articles with keywords such as citizens ask for crosswalk or similar.