Community Involvement
Name: 


  1. Serena Lopez, a certified public accountant, is a member of the Franklin Heights zoning board. The board is reviewing a request to rezone a large section of property on the outskirts of town. The zone change would permit GreatGoods, a national discount retailer, to build a store. GreatGoods would feature clothing and shoes, housewares and linens, appliances and electronics, lumber and hardware, health and beauty products, and law and garden supplies. The plans also include a phaarmacy and vision care center.

    Develpors believe that GreatGoods would improve the community and offer citizens quality merchandise at significatly lower prices than they are now paying. Local land owners are worried about their ability to sell the property unless it is rezoned; this is the only large piece of undeveloped land in Franklin Heights. However, local retail store owners have expressed fears that a giant retailer will force them out of business. Other business owners have pointed out that the closing of retail stores in the central business district will have a negatve impact on other businesses and the community at large.

    Serena knows most of the people who have presented their side of this issue; some of them are clients of hers. Understanding the possible negative impact the new store could have on many of her firm's small retail clients, Serena has decided to vote against the rezoning. In a three -to-two vote, the zoning board denies the rezoning request.

    Is this action illegal?


  1. Does the action violate company or professioal standards?


  1. Who is affected, and how, by the action?





Mrs. Faust
CTE Teacher/Dept. Chair
Hendrickson High School
Austin, TX