CHICAGO (WLS) — Work on the Obama Presidential Center continues to move along in Chicago’s Jackson Park.
It is expected to open next year, but there are still questions about how it will impact the neighboring community.
On Wednesday, a committee within the Chicago City Council cast their votes on an updated plan aimed at preventing locals from being financially displaced from South Side neighborhoods due to the development of the Obama Center.
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With the Obama Center due to open next year, the area around the Jackson Park complex is changing as well.
On Thursday, revisions to an ordinance that had languished was brought to City Council’s Housing & Real Estate Committee.
According to reports given to the aldermen concerning adjustments to the South Shore Housing Opportunity Ordinance, rent prices near the Obama Center have risen by 43% since 2015, while property values have jumped by 130%.
The modifications set aside land and allocate funds for constructing affordable housing units, both apartments and homes. It also ensures that displaced residents have a right to return to their communities and pledges local job opportunities.
When the Obama Center was first announced, local residents advocated for a Community Benefits Agreement, but the Obama Foundation declined to participate. This led to demonstrations and protests in the community.
Fast forward to 2025, the organization that had been the loudest against residents being displaced now supports the amendment.
“We are really excited to use today to move forward,” said Dixon Romero with Southside Together and CBA Coalition.
Romero, who shared the struggles of his grandmother trying to keep their family residence, represented the proposal for the amendment. Romero has been a strong proponent for a Community Benefits Agreement.
“Ultimately, we believe the work in this ordinance is about opportunity,” Romero said.
Some of the public comment was against the amendment.
“This ordinance, without amendment or letting community members review, discuss, or modify it, risks jeopardizing the significant investments already being made,” said LaShawn Brown, a resident of the South Shore.
“We are not against the CBA,” said Jonathan Trey Scott with the South Shore Chamber of Commerce. “We are against our large catalytic site developments along 71st Street and Stony Island being placed in to this housing project ordinance.”
After hours of private discussions, Alderman Desmon Yancy was to last the speak about the proposal before the committee.
“While this ordinance doesn’t solve ever issue its impact will be felt for generations so residents in the pilot area will be encouraged to stay in their homes age in place and create generational wealth,” Ald. Yancy said.
The committee voted to unanimously to approve the revised ordinance.
With approval from Housing and Real Estate, the ordinance goes to full City Council on Thursday.
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