The highly anticipated opening of the Obama Presidential Center on Chicago's South Side has sparked heated debate over gentrification and its impact on long-time residents. The 19-acre campus, costing a whopping $850m to build, is set to transform the area, but locals fear they will be priced out as property prices skyrocket.
Pastor Jeffery Campbell, a lifelong resident of Woodlawn and pastor at Woodlawn Baptist Church for 22 years, has been at the forefront of efforts to protect his community from gentrification. He knows firsthand the devastating effects it can have on families and communities, with rising rents and property prices forcing many residents to leave.
The Obama Presidential Center is a major driver of gentrification in the area, attracting new investment and development. While this may bring some benefits, such as jobs and partnerships with local organisations, many locals worry that these will be outweighed by the costs. The city has passed legislation aimed at protecting tenants and creating affordable housing, but concerns remain that it is too little, too late.
The Obama Community Benefits Agreement Coalition, formed in 2016, has been working to negotiate directly with the Obama Foundation and the University of Chicago to secure benefits for the community. However, their efforts have been met with resistance from the city and the Foundation, who argue that the project is already bringing benefits through jobs and partnerships.