CHICAGO | Obama Presidential Library

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De Blasio: Columbia a ‘natural choice’ for Obama library

Columbia University is "a very natural choice" for the future Barack Obama Presidential Library, Mayor Bill de Blasio said.

"I write today in support of Columbia's University's proposal to host the Barack Obama Presidential Library at its new campus in West Harlem," the mayor said in a letter to The Barack Obama Foundation obtained by Capital. "Columbia's scholarly distinction and leadership on global issues are a testament to the cultural and intellectual richness that draws so many visitors, students, thought leaders and entrepreneurs to New York; and that cultural and intellectual wealth makes us an outsanding option for the President's future library."

"Moreover, as the President's alma mater, Columbia is a very natural choice," wrote De Blasio, who completed his master's degree at Columbia's School of International and Public Affairs.

He also praised Columbia's ongoing expansion into Manhattanville, where the library would be sited.

"In the development of its Manhattanville campus, Columbia has been deeply committed to community engagement," he wrote. "'Columbia University in the City of New York' isn't just a name. It is a name that reflects the deep and mutually supportive relationship between the University and New York City."

The letter was dated Jun. 6, 2014, 10 days before responses to the foundation's initial request for qualifications were due.

Columbia is vying with the University of Chicago, whose proposal requires public parkland, to host the library. The University of Illinois at Chicago and the University of Hawaii have also submitted bids.

The foundation has said it plans to decide within the first quarter of 2015.

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http://www.capitalnewyork.com/articl...-obama-library