The Chicago Park District has put a halt to preparations being made for the Obama Presidential Library until after a federal court reviews a lawsuit filed by Chicago residents, and federal agencies assess the transfer of historic public land to a private entity.
But in the meantime, permits and agreements filed by Chicago city officials, and with the Chicago Department of Transportation, reveal a sweetheart rent deal that any Chicago renter (or landlord) would certainly envy: the Obama Foundation will pay a mere $10 for a 99-year lease on what is supposed to be a public park.
The Chicago Park District had begun felling trees on land destined to become part of the Obama Library complex, but those preparations ground to a halt Monday after the Chicago Department of Transportation refused to grant a permit that would have allowed the Park District to move utility lines running through the site. CDOT delayed a decision on the matter until after the federal lawsuit and federal assessments have been resolved.
