Chicago City Council Unanimous on Obama Library Park Land Transfer

Deborah Bayliss | As of Wednesday, March 25, 2015


The Chicago City Council last Wednesday unanimously approved an ordinance to allow the transfer of park land parcels in Washington and/or Jackson Park, from the Chicago Park District (CPD) to the City of Chicago, as a way to progressively move forward on the University of Chicago’s proposed Obama Presidential Library bid.

It remains to be seen if the non-profit organization, Friends of the Parks, which is opposed to park land use for the library, will actually file a threatened lawsuit.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said after the vote that he was proud of the unanimous decision and hopes that the Obama Library Foundation recognizes the effort as a loud and clear indicator that the library belongs in Chicago.

“The library cannot go on the west side of Manhattan,” said Emanuel. “It’s a unique time for jobs and economic development and children throughout the city can come and experience something that is a once-in-a-lifetime thing. I believe Chicago today, put its best foot forward as one city. This is a tremendous opportunity for us as a city. We’ve added 750 acres of open land…This cannot slip through our fingers. The Obama Library belongs here.”

The Chicago Citizen Newspaper contacted Friends of the Library but did not get a response by press time.

According to the City, the ordinance was drafted based on community feedback gathered at public meetings held by the CPD.

The footprint of the library is expected to cover less than five acres, with the remaining acreage to be maintained as parkland. To make up for any land covered by the Obama Presidential Library building, a group of appointed community and open space leaders will be tasked to identify additional land within City limits that can be converted into green space.

The Chicago Park District approved the park land transfer in Feb. after about an hour of public comments during a public meeting on the contentious matter. The Chicago Plan Commission also approved the agreement at a special meeting held this month.

During the City Council meeting last Wednesday, various Chicago aldermen spoke out on what the library means for Chicago.

Ald. Burke (14th Ward) said, “This is a great opportunity for Chicago and the library should be in President Obama’s home town.

Ald. Will Burns (4th Ward) called it an opportunity to bring thousands of jobs whether the library is on the west side or the south side. “Passing this ordinance helps communities that have been in need for so long.”

For Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd Ward), “Passing the ordinance is the correct move and will ensure our bid is the best it can be. There’s no other place the library should be. This is the best place. The library will be an inspiration to young people and will enhance economic development.”

Ald. Leslie Hairston (5th Ward) said, The Obama Library belongs in Chicago…His roots are in Hyde Park and I strongly support it.”

Ald. Burnett (27th Ward) and Ald. Emma Mitts (37th Ward) both represent west side wards spoke in support of the land transfer but also offered their own pitch for west side support.

“It’s imperative we let the world know Chicago wants the library, Burnette said. “ I do wish it could have been on the west side but both areas met yesterday to say it doesn’t matter what side of town the library is on as long as it’s in Chicago. As for the park land, we can build another park but we cannot get another Obama Library. If the library is built, we’ll have more money to do more things.”

Mitts said, “I want to point out the strong need for the west side. We love our president and Chicago and will support the library coming to Chicago.”

Ald. Bob Fioretti (2nd Ward) at first voted against the land transfer but changed his mind and voted for it saying, he hopes that minorities and women are included in the jobs that will come from the library.

Ald. Ameya Pawar (47th) recused himself, as his wife works for the University of Chicago.

Dr. Leon Finney, Jr., president of the Woodlawn Community Development Corporation, an outspoken supporter of the park land use for the Obama Library, attended last Wednesday’s City Council Meeting and said, “This is a great moment for Chicago. It shows Chicago is united and the citizens have spoken.”

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