Plans for the Master Plan

While outlining the goals of the Master Plan, I personally think it sounds quite dandy. Who wouldn't want a more pedestrian friendly, open, green space around to meander along rather than cars rushing about everywhere making all sorts of ruckus? I was never inclined to think like a business person with strategy and ways to optimize this or that so I can only think of the direct hypothetical.

Nicer stores surrounding campus will surely lure some students out of the dorms and into the closest store, but I find it doubtful that the people of the area will seek the same luxury. I think the one area I see the most community members is at the UV theater. And well, with movies for only 5 dollars, half of what it is at home, who wouldn't go for that deal?! Actually, while I am guilty of loving the 5 dollar movies, when there is a showing of something I really want to see, quality takes over and I would much rather spend twice as much at a nicer theater. This mindset is what usually always separates the community from USC. We enjoy cheaper, lesser quality things but most still have the option of opting for better quality things when we choose. Another example is Superior vs. Ralphs. One is more convenient, cheaper, but not as good as the other. And I know more students that frequent Ralph's purely for quality. I guess this rant is just trying to say in regards to the Master Plan that by bringing new stores/developments into the area, you are catering more towards the USC students and not so much towards the community.

Another tiff I have with the Master Plan: Will students be more apt to walk around campus if it's prettier and more open? I would. Does that mean that they're going to interact with the community members also promenading around the lovely area? Quite frankly, no. Call me a debbie downer, but I don't see much interaction between community members and USC folks going on. Through programs that seek to mesh the two together, of course. But I, personally, take the whole "don't talk to strangers" lesson to heart. So, whomever is on that tangent (that open space will lead to more integration) I have some doubts.

I think the Master Plan is founded on good intentions, but in thinking about how the community will feel about these alterations I am not quite sure where I stand on the support spectrum.