Stephen J. Lyons, who grew up near Jackson Park, wrote an op-ed in the Sun-Times last week on his negative feelings about the Obama Presidential Center. He is concerned about the new development in his old neighborhood. Specifically, he is having a difficult time accepting the construction and location of the center. He reminded us that the center has been called “Barack’s Rock” and says the facility is an “assault on his senses” and that it is “poking up like a jagged tooth.” He is “not there yet” in accepting the center.
Perhaps I can help Mr. Lyons “get there.” I live in Indiana, just 25 minutes across the state line from the center. While growing up, the South Side was our playground. We attended shows at the now closed Regal Theater. We loved the museums. We ate carryout from Harold’s Chicken or White Castle. Later, with a little bit more money in our pockets, we ate at Mellow Yellow.
As adults, we visited the University of Chicago. We heard that it was one of the country’s top universities. Growing up in what is now a predominantly Black community, some of us had dreams of attending U. of C. (Our son is a proud graduate!) We felt good and excited about everything in the surrounding neighborhoods. We bragged about traveling to “Chi-Town” and enjoying the culture and fantastic amenities.
As time went on, things changed. Yet we still loved our special next-door neighbor, but with a cautious feeling.
I can tell you now that the Obama Presidential Center has not only changed the perception of the South Side community but it has also reignited that old loving spirit of traveling to Chicago, especially to Woodlawn, Jackson Park and Hyde Park.
I can understand Mr. Lyons’ feelings about the changes in his old neighborhood. We know change can be hard to accept. Psychologists have said nostalgia can be addicting. When change provides a dramatic improvement in the life and lifestyle of a community, I firmly believe we should find reasons to embrace rather than reject. As John D. Rockefeller said, “Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.”
The South Side has regained its image as the place to go for fun, food, academic enrichment and more history that will be written about. I suspect years from now, the design of the building will be hailed as an architectural wonder.
George Comer, Crown Point, Indiana
Grinchy take on Obama Presidential Center
I found Stephen J. Lyons’ op-ed offensive. Lamenting his boyhood playground by criticizing the new Obama Presidential Center won’t win friends and influence people in Jackson Park. He blathers on about days long gone that will never return. This is a new beginning for Jackson Park. I find the center a beacon of hope, which we really need presently.
Jane Fahey, Orland Park
Give Mamdani a call
I have a suggestion regarding Chicago’s extensive lead pipe replacement program: WWMD — What would Mamdani do? We should reach out to Mayor Zohran Mamdani and hear his suggestions. Surely New York City has the same obstacles as Chicago does, yet he is able to cut through the BS and get stuff done.
We need less yapping and more doing from our elected officials.
Rita Kuzmenko, Oak Park