Geoff Edgers details the challenge ahead for park advocates fighting to protect Chicago open space from two powerful forces: the White House and George Lucas.
According to Geoff Edgers, two already formidable political forces have a powerful ally in Chicago Mayor Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who "has been trying to clear prime space – against the wishes of park advocates – for Barack Obama’s presidential library and the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art."
Edgers's premise is that park advocates will have a tough time fending off the potential developments, as evidenced by recent developments in either case.
"First, word spread that Cassandra Francis, the loudest voice in the battle to keep the projects out of green space, resigned as president of the Friends of the Parks advocacy group. Within 36 hours, a bill designed to make it easier to build on the kinds of plots she’s been pushing to protect quickly passed through the state legislature. Gov. Bruce Rauner (R-Ill.) can sign any day."
Edgers provides a rundown on the ire the proposals have provoked, beginning first with the idea of building the Obama Library on 22 acres inside Washington Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and then discussing the details of the position taken by park advocates against the proposed site of the Lucas Museum.
FULL STORY: Chicago park advocates are trying to fight off ‘Star Wars’ and the White House. It doesn’t look good.
Why Chicago Park Advocates Want to Preserve a Parking Lot
A Chicago nonprofit drew criticism for opposing the planned Lucas Museum in favor of a large parking lot. But the organization says it fits into their mission of promoting open space.
Legal Ruling a Major Setback for Chicago's Lucas Museum Plans
Greg Hinz reports on a high profile ruling that throws up a major obstacle for the proposed development of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Chicago.
Obama Library-Adjacent, Tiger Woods-Designed Golf Course Facing Substantial Challenges
It might have been assumed that the names Tiger Woods and Barack Obama would open doors on the South Side of Chicago. Questions about the former president's vision for the South Side persist.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions