Obama Presidential Center Approved By Plan Commission

CHICAGO, IL — A major hurdle for the Barack Obama Presidential Center opening in Jackson Park in three years was cleared this week after a Plan Commission meeting that lasted for about seven hours. The Chicago Plan Commission overwhelmingly voted to recommend approval of the center after listening to hours of testimony from those on both sides of the issue and dealing with protesters who packed the Thursday morning meeting that went well into the afternoon.

Several media outlets reported on the meeting. Curbed Chicago describes the atmosphere at the meeting and how numerous protesters showed their displeasure in the Obama Foundation's refusal to sign a Community Benefits Agreement that would ensure local residents be hired for new jobs that come as a result of the center's construction.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel and 5th Ward Ald. Leslie Hairston are among the supporters of the center, vowing that it will bring more jobs to the community and create a net gain of park space.

"The Obama Presidential Center will not just create jobs, but create future leaders, and be an incredible economic, educational and cultural benefit to our great city," Emanuel wrote in a statement after the plan commission's approval.

Plan Commission approval doesn't necessarily mean the project will move forward. It still needs to come before the city's Zoning Board and ultimately the Chicago City Council before it can break ground.

The project may also be delayed by a lawsuit that was recently brought forth by a group called Protect our Parks. The lawsuit seeks to stop the project on claims that it will not be a true presidential library in that documents will only be accessed digitally, WGN reports.

President Barack Obama delivers his farewell address last year at McCormick Place. (photo via Patch archive)