Pro-Library Crowd Fills First Hearing On U Of C's Obama Presidential Library Proposal
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Hundreds of people turned out, most of the to voice support for two South Side sites under consideration for the proposed Obama presidential library.
"It's time to bring President Obama back to Chicago," said The Woodlawn Organization's Dr. Leon Finney, backed by cheers that filled the crowded auditorium at Hyde Park High School.
Finney said locating the library in either Jackson or Washington Park would bring $600 million in economic stimuli into a neighborhood that has suffered through decades of disinvestment, creating thousands of jobs for area residents and attracting millions of visitors.
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The proposed library sites received an enthusiastic thumb's up from a would-be neighbor, Museum of Science and Industry President/CEO David Mosena.
"To me, the most significant benefit will be the inspirational impact the library can have on our youth," he said. "Cultural institutions can open doors, can open minds and can open worlds."
The only opposition was voiced by several speakers with other complaints against the University of Chicago, which would donate some of the land needed for the library and by the group Friends of the Parks.
"Let's not accept the argument that the Obama presidential library has to be in a park on the South Side or we will risk losing it," said Friends Chair Lauren Moltz. "Let's challenge our leaders to do better and think more creatively."
A second hearing is scheduled Wednesday.
