Jackson Stumps for Presidential Library
Seventh Ward alderman Sandi Jackson is gaining the attention of Chicago mayoral candidates with her proposal to bring a presidential library and museum honoring President Barack Obama to Chicagos Lakeside corridor.
On Saturday, mayoral candidate Gery Chico toured the former U.S. Steel Southworks (USX) site located along Lake Michigan near 79th St. on Chicagos south side. Jackson, who is not supporting any mayoral candidates, says the USX site presents a golden opportunity to revitalize the south side lakefront and generate thousands of jobs for Chicagoans.
"The development of Chicago Lakeside would create thousands of jobs and transform this long-dormant steel plant into a vibrant community and possible future home of the Barack Obama Presidential Museum and Library," she stated in a recent press release.
Besides Chico, Rahm Emanuel is scheduled to tour the site and visits are also being arranged with Carol Moseley Braun, Miguel Del Valle and Patricia Watkins.
The alderman who recently revealed the bid for the presidential library and museum noted that presidential libraries typically draw several hundred thousand visitors a year. She also cited that the libraries often spur substantial new development in neighboring communities.
The old USX site in South Shore would be absolutely perfect for the Obama Presidential Museum and Library. Its the Presidents old stomping grounds. Its where he began his career as a community organizer; its near his home; near the University of Chicago where he taught; and near his old State Senate district. Additionally, its a beautiful lakefront location, and its available, Jackson stated.
Jackson suggested that the Obama Library could be built with numerous local partners, including the Chicago Park District, the Chicago museum campuses, Chicago Public Schools, and the nearby University of Chicago and Chicago State University.
The Presidential Museum could be surrounded by parkland. Local schools could use it as a resource. It would enhance the citys already spectacular museum community. And U of C and CSU could play roles in research and archiving, the alderman stated.
Other presidential libraries and museums across the country include the John F. Kennedy Library in Boston, the Clinton Presidential Museum in Little Rock and close to home, and the Abraham Lincoln Library in Springfield, IL.
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