B.THE DIRECT RAIL LINE IS THE MOST LOGICAL EXPLANATION FOR AN INCR...

11. b.The direct rail line is the most logical explanation for an increase in property values. The proxim-ity to New York City in itself (choice a) would not necessarily increase property values, but the addi-tion of public transportation that provides direct access to the city would make the town a moredesirable place to live. When a place becomes more desirable, real-estate values increase. Choice c, theaddition of housing units, is likely an effectof the direct rail line and an increase in the desirability ofthe location. The improvement of the schools and the renovation of the downtown (choice d) may ormay not be related to the increase in property values. It would be logical to conclude that funds forimproving the schools and downtown could be gleaned from additional resources from increasedproperty taxes, another effectof increased property values. The relocation of a major corporation to aneighboring town (choice e) could account for the increased desirability of property in SouthOrange, but the direct access to the city is a more compelling reason. Perhaps a few hundred personsmay work in the corporation, but many thousands are likely to want an easy commute to the city.