Barack Obama has dismissed criticism of his planned presidential center after activists said the massive public works project slated to be built starting on Tuesday in one of Chicago's historic landmarks could harm poor black residents.
The nation's first black president told ABC News on Monday that he is 'absolutely confident' the Obama Presidential Center in the old Jackson Park section of the city's South Side will benefit the community.
'The truth is, any time you do a big project, unless you're in the middle of a field somewhere, you know, and it's on private property, there's always going to be some people who say, "Well, but we don't want change. We're worried about it. We don't know how it's going to turn out'," Obama told Good Morning America.
'Which is why we've gone through such an exhaustive process to encourage and elicit comments and concerns and criticism and suggestions from the community.'
Obama has generated controversy in recent weeks after hosting a 60th birthday party at his massive home on Martha's Vineyard.
Hundreds of guests, including Hollywood stars, attended Obama's birthday bash on August 7, flying in from around the country and congregating under tents where partiers danced, ate and drank the night away on his estate in Edgartown.
The lavish event was held at a time when Martha's Vineyard was already experiencing a new surge in cases.
Former President Barack Obama says his new presidential center slated to be built in the Jackson Park section of Chicago's South Side will benefit the community
Environmental and community activists have been vocal in their criticism of plans to build Obama's presidential center in Jackson Park (above), a historic landmark
The new center, whose construction will be estimated at $500million, will include a library, museum, gardens, and a children's playground. The above image is an artist rendering of the Obama Presidential Center. It was released in May 2017
Initially, Obama prepared to welcome 500 guests to his mansion. But he then announced his party would be 'scaled back' amid criticism as the Delta coronavirus variant spread across the country.
But despite the ex-president's insistence that he had disinvited everyone but his family and close friends, 300 to 400 people showed up to his party, everyone from Jay Z and Beyonce to Chrissy Teigen and John Legend.
Many of the guests flew in by private jet and stayed in Edgartown, the center of the island's COVID resurgence.
During the festivities, many guests were seen without masks or other face coverings.
A 'coronavirus coordinator' was hired to make sure the party was compliant with the most recent CDC guidance.
Attendees were required to take tests and submit their results to gain entry to the compound.
Obama has generated controversy in recent weeks after hosting a 60th birthday party at his massive home on Martha's Vineyard. The former president and first lady, Michelle Obama, are seen above with guests from the August 7 bash
Obama is pictured enjoying brunch beneath a marquee on August 8 following his huge birthday party the night before
Obama’s presidential center will move another step closer to its brick-and-mortar future Tuesday when ground is broken after years of reviews, other delays and continued local opposition.
Obama and his wife, Michelle, will join Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot in
