[nomarandlee]

http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/7/7...library-choice

Taking parkland for Obama Library is not the only choice
Posted: 02/09/2015,

.......On Wednesday, the Chicago Park District Board will consider whether to approve the confiscation of at least 20 acres of historic Washington and Jackson Parks to support the University of Chicago’s bids to secure the Obama Presidential Library........

Have university officials shown that confiscation of parkland would prevent the displacement of South Side residents (as claimed in the document currently being circulated by their Department of Civic Engagement)? If yes, have they demonstrated that residents would be displaced if parkland confiscation was not approved?

The university has crafted the conversation to support an otherwise unprecedented request that makes the confiscation of parkland seem reasonable and even sensible. Is it really all or nothing? Imagine if Columbia University demanded 20-plus acres of Central Park for their bid? The outrage would be immense. So why are city officials so accepting of the university’s demands based on vague justifications, unsubstantiated claims, and misleading polling?.........

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