McMillin – SOS

SCENARIO:

The City of Lamebridge in the State of Ames is well known for its two major universities, political activism, and controversial city ordinances – such as the one banning “fast-food restaurants” from certain commercially zoned areas. This ordinance was enacted in response to tremendous pressure from a community organization called “Save Our Square” (SOS), whose mission is to preserve the character and sanctity of certain parts of Lamebridge, and especially the world-renowned Harkness Square.

For some time, McMillin's Corporation, which operates the largest fast-food chain in the world, has sought permission from the Lamebridge Zoning Commission to build a McMillin's fast-food restaurant in Harkness Square. The zoning commission has repeatedly refused McMillin's requests, largely because of pressure from SOS. McMillin's has now threatened to sue the zoning commission for a regulatory taking.

As a last-ditch effort to avoid litigation, and at the urging of the Lamebridge City Council, representatives of McMillin's and SOS have agreed to meet to try to strike a deal. The major issues to be negotiated are:

• Aesthetic considerations including the type and color of bricks used to construct the restaurant and the size of the location of McMillin's trademark "platinum M";

• Traffic congestion and parking problems;

• Safety concerns, such as the possibility of attracting loiterers;

• Predatory pricing, which could drive local restaurants out of business; and

• Worker's rights, including compensation and age minimums

 

Participants materials include:

• General instructions

 

Confidential instructions for:

• Spokesperson(s) for Save Our Square (SOS)

• Spokesperson(s) for McMillin's Corporation

 

Teacher's package includes:

• All of the above

McMillin - SOS Attributes

Time required:	2-3 hours
Number of participants:	2
Teams involved:	Yes
Agent present:	Lawyer
Neutral third party present:	None
Scoreable:	No
Teaching notes available:	No