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‘President Regulation’ hit with dose of his own medicine as Obama library delayed for … well, karma

July 31, 2018 | | Print Article

A library slated to be built in Barack Obama’s name is having a tough time breaking ground. This time around the hold up is oh, so ironically delicious.

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 03: Former President Barack Obama points out features of the proposed Obama Presidential Center, which is scheduled to be built in nearby Jackson Park, during a gathering at the South Shore Cultural Center on May 3, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Presidential Center design envisions three buildings, a museum, library and forum. Obama was accompanied at the event by his wife Michelle who was making her first trip back to Chicago since leaving the White House in January. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Former President Barack Obama points out features of the proposed Obama Presidential Center, which is scheduled to be built in nearby Jackson Park, during a gathering at the South Shore Cultural Center on May 3, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Presidential Center design envisions three buildings, a museum, library and forum. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

After several years in the making, construction for the project was finally due to start 2018, but will be delayed from this year until next so that a federal review process can take place, the Washington Times reported.

According to the Times:

Before the presidential center can be built, the federal government will review its impact on Jackson Park. The park on the city’s South Side is on the National Register of Historic Places. The project’s environmental effects will also be analyzed. Any adverse effects must be resolved before construction is allowed.

 

The revelation that an environmental impact study was a big part of the delay sent people’s “irony meters” on overdrive.

https://twitter.com/HaydoPotato9/status/1024130333225234432

The Obama Foundation said it plans to break ground for the half-billion dollar project in 2019, but no specific date has been announced, the Times reported.

The presidential compound will consist of three buildings but has been plagued with set backs from the beginning. From its questionable architecture, to everyone wanting a piece of the action, the project has been met with mockery, and even protests at every turn.

The delays seem to be taking a toll on the Obama Foundation who are feeling a sense of “urgency.”

“We have a sense of urgency about this project (and) when we started, we wanted the public to know we would break ground as soon as possible,” said Michael Strautmanis, the vice president for civic engagement for the foundation, the Chicago Tribune reported. “But we also knew there were some things that were not in our control. We insist on going through the process with integrity and without rushing.”

With the announcement of the latest delay, the Black Youth Project 100 Chicago Chapter is demanding much more than just the mammoth library compound.

The Tribune reported:

“We have a new window of opportunity before the next election to protect the most vulnerable people in our community,” said Parrish Brown, an activist with the Black Youth Project 100 Chicago Chapter, in a written statement. “We’re gathering to make sure Mayor (Rahm) Emanuel and the local aldermen do the right thing, or we’ll have to elect people who will.”

The coalition wants an ordinance that would require that 30 percent of all newly constructed housing near the presidential center be set aside as affordable housing. They want a property tax freeze for the longtime homeowners closest to the site and an independent monitor to make sure local residents are hired to work on the project. In addition, they are now calling for a community trust fund and support for the neighborhood schools.

 

“Property tax freeze” in Chicago? Good luck.

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Renee Hayes
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