Abstract
This paper intends to explore the negotiation between Bradford city council and Curry Corporation. The pertinent issue is the suitability of linkage fees in Bradford. The issues were informed by town’s need for a policy approach that would reenergize Bradford’s development. Several options are available to the two sides. In resolving the deadlock, I will require that a compromise is reached. My recommendation is for the newly elected Bradford mayor to provide his stand on linkage fees issues.
Definition
The pertinent issue, in this case, is that of the suitability of linkage fees in Bradford given the fact that the town needs to boost its growth and development. Even though the town experienced robust and consistent growth during the nineteenth century, its development has stagnated in recent times. The current mayor, Fran Sutherland, won the election in a tightly contested race where he took a moderate position on linkage payment. The problem here appears to be the viability of linkage payment and getting developers to make their contributions without jeopardizing Bradford’s growth prospects. It has been his hope that new developers take advantage of a voluntary form of linkage payment plan. However, investors are slow to take up the offer, a situation that brought about a deadlock between the city council and Curry Corporation that is planning on setting up the proposed Randolph Square building. I know that this is a problem because of the stalemate between Curry Corporation and the city council that has pitted developers against the mayor’s office with each side seemingly rejecting options that are not in its favor.
One of the immediate issues that need to be addressed is the resolution of the stalemate between Bradford’s city council and Curry Corporation concerning the linkage fees. Another problem is that of determining the best way to bring about development to the city while, at the same time, ensuring no derailing of the plans to provide the affordable housing. The issue is important as it will determine Curry Corporation’s profitability from the Randolph Square building. It will contribute to the determination of the strategy that the mayor’s office will implement during future development projects. The urgency, in this case, is in relation to the need for a quick resolution to the linkage issue surrounding Curry Corporation to enable speedy resolution of the matter and promote development in the Bradford area.
Analyzing the Case Data
The issues arose out of the town’s need for a policy approach that would reinvigorate Bradford’s development with various stakeholders offering different viewpoints. The developers constitute the group most affected by the issues. Their investment decisions in Bradford town are heavily dependent on the outcomes of the negotiations as they will have a great bearing on the cost of the project it intends to complete within the locality. There are some constraints in this case. One of them is time. Given the recent slowdown in the town’s growth, time is of the essence in encouraging developers and bringing back growth.
Another constraint is the Mayor’s moderate stance during his campaigns that saw his election into office. He cannot go back on his stand and take a hardline position as it would erode investor and voter confidence in him, factors that would hurt Bradford’s ailing economy. One of the opportunities that the situation presents is that the successful resolution of the issues would set a precedence that will help guide future development projects in the area. Another opportunity implicit in this situation is the city council being able come up with suitable policies that will endear investors to the city and as such promote its growth. Also, the robust growth of Boston town has had a ripple effect that has spread to Bradford town, and the situation offers an opportunity for the town to attract development.
The numbers indicate a high potential for Bradford’s comeback. The number of investors willing to invest in the area is fast growing with some extending concessions to the city council.
Generating Alternatives
Several options are available to the warring parties. One of them is for the city council to have its way through the institution of strict policies that will compel developers to pay linkage fees if they wish to construct their business premises in the area. The second alternative is to let developers have their way and make their linkages contribution voluntarily. The third option entails coming up with a blend of the two with regulated application to ensure fairness in the way the charges are applied.
Selecting Decision Criteria
Making the final decision is an immense task. With both sides of the situation hoping to gain the most from the decision, they expect to make a favorable decision as well (Beenen & Barbuto, 2014). Choice of the most favorable decision is desired. In determining the policy standing, I will require that a compromise is reached. Each of the parties to the case will have to forgo some of its initial demands.
Analyzing and evaluating alternatives
A compromise hurts and benefits both parties in almost equal measure. The council having its way may discourage developments in the town. Developers having their way may mean the council is unable to play its role of regulation effectively.
Selecting the Preferred Alternative and Why
The best alternative would be for both parties to reach a compromise. If the two sides have a common ground, they can fulfill some of their objectives. In a situation where none of them feels sidelined as is the case with most scenarios involving a compromise, there will be an achievement of a good number of the goals set forth (Hughes, 2016). A compromise will also boost investor confidence (Grandfield & Willerton, 2015). Other investors wishing to invest in the town will not be discouraged by the city council’s policies as they will know that there can be room for negotiations through which both sides might gain benefit. Another reason for selecting the alternative is because it will ensure a speedy resolution of the matter and initiate the intended development in good time to help the town get back on its feet, given the recent slowdown in growth. The alternative is also cost effective as it helps prevent an endless stalemate that may, otherwise, prove costly for both the developer and the city council, especially if they fail to reach an agreement.
Recommendation
There is a need for the newly elected Bradford mayor to provide his stand on linkage fees issues to avoid a situation of uncertainty where investors and residents are unaware of the real direction of his policy on the matter. Uncertainty may serve to discourage planning among both residents and developers as they may have fear over the effect of the eventual policy outcomes on their plans.
References
Beenen, G., & Barbuto, J. (2014). Let’s make a deal: A dynamic exercise for practicing negotiation skills. Journal of education for business, 89(3), 149-155.
Grandfield, J., & Willerton, D. (2015). Lease negotiations: Ten tips for business tenants. Alaska business monthly, 4(12), 85.
Hughes, T. (2016). Collaborative negotiation techniques: Three practice tips backed by social science. Woman advocate, 21(4), 22-25.