Prairie newspaper article

EXTRA!

Prairie Plot to be Considered for Commercial Use

Proposed sale of 40 acres

By Bill Fraccaro, Larry Cwik,
Pat Franzen and Chris Schwarz
SUNNY TIMES CORRESPONDENTS

     SMALLVILLE, USA - The town of Smallville will vote at next month's town council meeting on the proposed sale of 40 acres of the existing 100-acre prairie west of the Otter River. Several companies have offered to purchase the land and develop it for commercial or multifamily residential use. All bidders must present an environmental impact statement, a blueprint of land development, and a statement of social and economic benefit for the community. Additionally, each bidder must establish a prairie management plan to improve and maintain the remaining 60 acres of prairie in its natural state. The town council will determine which party will purchase the prairie based on the community's best interest.
     Smallville is interested in potential windfall profits that will be realized with the sale of the property. Due to a lack of other industry in town, the tax base is relatively small. This impacts the community by limiting the budgets of all the town resources such as police, fire protection, schools, and maintenance.
     The town is situated adjacent to a large industrial area, and most of the town's adult residents work in the factories. The average income of the residents is below the state average.
     While there are woodlands nearby and a river separating the east and west sides of town, pollution from external sources are a constant concern. Recently, a railroad car traveling through the town jumped the track and spilled ammonia over a three-block area. Neighbors reacted strongly, complaining about a general lack of concern for the environment.
     The town council will meet to hear the presentations and discuss the feasibility of the bids. Obviously, the most convincing presentation will have the edge when the vote is taken. Each of the prospective bidders will present a carefully prepared presentation. Town council members and the public will analyze the pros and cons of each bid before making a final decision. This decision could change the complexion of the community for many years to come.

Interested parties include:

Commonwealth Franklin – A projected power plant that will provide 75% of the energy for Smallville.
Ten Banners Over Smallville Amusement Park – A family-oriented theme park featuring Hootsie the Owl and his prairie friends.
Dino-matic Oil Refinery – A fossil fuel finishing factory focusing on fine fuel for factories.
Wright-Built Prairie Homes – A multifamily residential community providing affordable housing options for up to 200 families.
Prairie Rover Automobiles – A subsidiary of Colonel Motors producing mufflers and chassis parts.
Prairiefield Mall – A corporation offering more than 100 stores in one location.
Scent of the Prairie Landfill – A 40-acre waste depository that will be transformed into a local recreation attraction when it is completely filled.
Pride of the Prairie Internet Shopping Discount Club Corporate Headquarters and Warehouse – Corporate headquarters and warehouse for a multinational purchasing club offering discounted items to club members.
Prairie Advisory Council (PAC) – PAC President, Sylphium Monarda, and members of the PAC will also address the city council in an effort to save the prairie in its entirety. PAC members have cataloged a variety of threatened and/or endangered species in the general area of the Smallville Prairie. Hoary puccoon, Franklin ground squirrel, white-fringed prairie orchid and Bombus griseocollis(the prairie bumblebee) are all possibly facing partial destruction. Also, the PAC will indicate potential benefits derived from these species, including such qualities as possible medical uses, and develop a plan for community utilization and maintenance of the prairie.

You and your classmates will form groups representing the interested parties listed above to prepare for the town meeting.

Now, go on to the Bidding Requirements!