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.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.
MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.
Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie