Proposed North Lawndale Presidential Library Survey

The University of Illinois at Chicago has partnered with the North Lawndale community to submit a bid to build the
Obama Presidential Library on the West Side of Chicago. Two sites are being consideredone on the UIC campus and
the other in North Lawndale, on the corner of Roosevelt and Kostner. We have conducted an informal survey of
Westside stakeholders to get a sense for the level of support for the Proposed Obama Presidential Library in North
Lawndale. Surveys were sent by email, and posted on our Facebook and Twitter accounts, through a town hall meeting
and on our website. Some of the same people who received the messages through social media were also in
attendance at the town hall meeting. We collected responses from Thursday, December 4, 2014 until Wednesday,
December 10, 2014. A total of 37 people responded as of 10:48 a.m. on December 10, 2014. Respondents include
Westside residents, business owners, school administrators and representatives of organizations.

1. Do you support the idea of the Obama Presidential Library coming to North Lawndale?
Thirty-five of 37 people responded Yes, and 2 people responded No. Expressed in terms of percentages, (95% of
the respondents expressed support, while 5% indicated they did not support the idea of the Obama Presidential
Library coming to North Lawndale.
2.

Please comment on why you do or do not support the Obama Presidential Library coming to North
Lawndale.
The 2 people who indicated they did not support the Obama Presidential Library coming to North Lawndale felt that it
should be on a site other than Roosevelt and Kostner. One respondent seemed to feel that the West Side location
should be more centrally-located (on the West Side). Another respondent indicated that the Library should go on the
South Side because President Obama lived there and did most of his work there.
People who support the Obama Presidential coming to North Lawndale tended to cite the economic benefits of the
Proposed Library, as well as the potential to serve as a catalyst to redevelop the North Lawndale community and
surrounding areas.

3. Presidential Libraries usually include museum type exhibits, archives of documents and memorabilia from
the President's time in offices, gift shops, restaurants, etc. They also host special events, film
documentaries, activities that can be fun and educational, field trips, etc. What types of things would you like
to see in the Presidential Library in North Lawndale?
Respondents wanted to see more of the same types of features listed above. Other ideas included

Guest lectures from authors, political figures and others.

A community engagement section where inner-city issues are researched and initiatives implemented in the
surrounding community. This would also include meeting space for community interests.
Exhibits that capture the West Side and the South Side of the City
a wing that captures the historic relevance of the community as well as this president. Also include space for
other exhibits. A wing that focuses on academic support including new public grammar school, high school,
and satellite campus. A third wing that provides social support for citizens of North Lawndale, Chicago,
Illinois, USA, and the world. Possible offices and agencies may include Children's Defense Fund, America's
Promise, etc.
Art work depicting progress of the City of Chicago over the past 10 years--contributions should be from
inner-City schools (preferably the "so called" underperforming ones)

Other ideas are found on the attached Excel spreadsheet.

4. What questions or concerns do you have regarding the impact of having the Library built in North Lawndale?
Most respondents indicated concerns about gentrification and displacement of current residents if the Obama
Presidential Library is built in North Lawndale. There were also questions about how the community would be
involved in planning the Library, and how other communities around the North Lawndale area would be notified of
goings on concerning the Library. There is concern that the Library not be just a tourist attraction, but benefit local
residents.
5. How do you think the Library can best integrate the community into its programming? (Think about current
programs you know and how this library fits in.)
Some respondents answered this question in their responses to Question 3. A number of respondents indicated that
they would like to see exhibits that include information about President Obama and his family while highlighting
elements of the North Lawndale history and culture. Other ideas include

Local advisory board (consisting of North Lawndale stakeholders)

Community outreach to local schools
Connecting with Malcolm X College
CPS and civic engagement classes
Making sure the Library is all-inclusive
Work with the community; conduct community focus groups

6. If the Library were to come to North Lawndale, what other things does the community have to offer that
visitors should see or do while they are here?
People who did respond to the question indicated that visitors would be interested in our Greystone architecture.
Other ideas include

Lawndale & MLK history -- the museum portion of the MLK site was never completed, but it would be a
welcomed addition to a North Lawndale visit.
Development of a Synagogue tour so that folks could learn about what NL was and what it has become
Green Tomato, community gardens, Garfield Park conservatory, etc
Historic Douglas Park and Garfield Park
26th Street, Little Village

7. Would you like to see a community benefits agreement put in place?

Thirty-six of 37, or 97% of the respondents indicated that they would like to see a community benefits agreement in
place.
Recommendations
1. Given that there are no Presidential Libraries in the Chicago Metropolitan Area, there is a very good chance
that people may not know much about them. That is evident in many of the responses. Provide more civic
engagement and education around what a Presidential Library is, what it offers and the impacts to
communities. The North Lawndale Presidential Library Committee has developed a list of frequently-asked
questions and responses, as well as a presentation that will answer many of these questions. The Committee
has already begun taking its show on the road, and will continue to do so. The Committee welcomes
partnership with the University of Illinois at Chicago in conducting these meetings and developing other events
and platforms.

2. There are concerns regarding the potential for displacement of current residents. The Committee recommends
that the successful bidder enters into a comprehensive, legally-binding community benefits agreement that will

Provide protections to impacted property owners and renters by freezing tax rates and assessments
Provide opportunities for qualified minority and women-owned businesses to ensure development of
programs and strategies to increase the capacity of local businesses to take advantage of economic
opportunities presented by the Library
Work with minority construction contractors in impacted communities to increase their bonding
capacity
Link with local libraries and schools to develop world class programs that honor President Obamas
legacy and the local community and culture
Provide meaningful access and opportunities for residents and business owners from impacted
communities to participate in project planning in professional and volunteer capacities
Work with low-income home owners and business owners in impacted communities to improve the
facades of their buildings
Provide job training and placement opportunities at every phase of the project

3. Establish stronger, authentic collaboration between University partners and the local community.
4. Develop strategies that will buffer the Library from the inevitable downturn in tourist traffic once the novelty
wears off.
5. Develop programs that will attract and benefit local residents.
Respectfully Submitted,
Valerie F. Leonard