Episode+5+-+The+Critical+Incident

=Students read the "Press Release" to find out what is going to happen in the community. The following questions are to be discussed.=


 * 1) Why do builders need to apply permits before they can construct new buildings?
 * 2) Do you think this article is biased (showing preference for building or not building the mall)? Why or why not?
 * 3) What arguments are made in favor of the shopping mall?
 * 4) What arguments are made against the shopping mall?

After students have read and discussed the article, they understand that members of the community do not always agree on every issue. Communities are made up of people who have different ideas and **p****riorities**, so making decisions is sometimes difficult. Difficult decisions often revolve around **controversies** -- situations in which people have different opinions. Should old buildings be preserved? Most community controversies involve issues about the use of land, the environment, or community improvements. What are some of the controversies in this community? How would you try to solve them. Students are aware, in this episode, they will be developing their own viewpoints about the issue and presenting their ideas.

****New Development for Smallville****
===**A submission for a building permit to develop three vacant blocks on the edge of town has been received by the Building Permit Office. A new shopping mall is planned for this space. A spokesperson for the proposed shopping mall said that the company saw the development as a potentially valuable addition to the town, as it would draw customers from a wide area and help the town’s economy.**=== ===**The downtown business community is less enthusiastic about the plan, seeing the potential for closures and layoffs as the shopping mall takes customers away from the long-established stores. The very fabric of the community could be affected by this change.**=== ===**“The long tradition of family-owned businesses and community friendliness will be threatened by this disastrous event,” said a prominent business owner in downtown Smallville.**===