Amid heated debate, Chicago approves plan for Obama Presidential Center
CHICAGO - After more than seven hours of emotional and passionate testimony from hundreds of residents, community activists and elected officials, the Chicago Plan Commission voted overwhelmingly to approve the Obama Presidential Center on Thursday afternoon.
The decision was a major hurdle for the Obama Foundation, but it is just the beginning of a long process before any construction takes place.
Next week, the foundation will go before the city's zoning board for more approvals. Then it will have to have a formal long-term lease agreement approved by the full City Council. In addition, the project is still under federal review because of Jackson Park's status on the National Register of Historic Places.
Still, the vote was considered a major victory
