I believe its
Cause: Mr. Nixon asked the bus company to make a new stop.
Effect: The bus company refused to make a new stop.
I would go with the first the 3. Placing the telescope on the tripod. was chosen by the astronomy club
This should be a writer's opinion
That is because it might differ based on who was talking. Some might disagree that it has become run-down, or some might say that it has become such way before "just recently".
