Chicago Environmentalists Cheering Obama Library After Blocking Lucas Museum

The same Chicago environmentalists who blocked filmmaker George Lucas from building a museum last month are now welcoming the nearby Obama presidential library, sparking accusations of political hypocrisy.

Juanita Irizarry, executive director of Friends of the Parks, said Friday that her group is “thrilled” to see Obama Presidential Center being built in a park on Chicago’s South Side.

Just five weeks ago, the group forced Mr. Lucas to abandon his plans for a similar lakefront project about seven miles north of the proposed Obama site after a two-year legal battle.

The environmental group’s decision comes despite misgivings over the Obama center, which will require bulldozing trees and grass at Jackson Park, while the proposed Lucas museum would have been built on a parking lot used by Chicago Bears fans for tailgating.

“There is plenty of vacant land in the area that could accommodate the library,” Ms. Irizarry told Crain’s Chicago. “However, Friends of the Parks will not sue over the issue.”

The Obama Foundation, which announced Friday that the center will be built in Jackson Park near the lakefront on Chicago’s South Side, is scheduled to hold a press conference Wednesday with elected officials and community leaders.

“Michelle and I are thrilled that the Obama Presidential Center will be developed in the heart of Chicago’s South Side.." said the president.

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