Obama's library a tough choice between 2 historic parks

[...] the decision to build the museum in a lakefront park rather than a nearby impoverished neighborhood has left some residents worried that it was a missed opportunity.

"With its aesthetics, iconic location, historical relevance from the World's Fair, we believe Jackson Park will attract visitors on a national and global level that will bring significant long-term benefits to the South Side," foundation Chairman Marty Nesbitt said in announcing the choice Friday.

[...] a lot of ground remains vacant and there are few jobs, grocery stores, shops and quality housing.

The surrounding community became home to many blacks who moved to Chicago during the Great Migration, when waves of black Southerners moved north in the early and mid-20th century to escape from segregation and racism.

[...] some urban policy planners feel those ambitions would have had more room to grow in Washington Park, where the prevalence of vacant lots offer ready-made space for spinoff development ranging from souvenir stands to restaurants to hotels.

Grimshaw, a longtime resident of the area who grew up playing in Washington Park, said building the library there could have reversed population decline and created more economic opportunity.

Activists were concerned the library might have driven a rapid gentrification that would have raised housing costs and forced longtime residents out.