SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) β The Illinois Legislature has quickly approved a bill to ensure that Chicago has legal authority to use public park land as potential sites for Barack Obama’s presidential library and film producer George Lucas’ proposed museum.
The legislation clarifies state law to expressly allow Chicago to construct museums on public park land or “formerly submerged lands.”
The Senate approved the bill 39-13 Thursday afternoon. The House followed with a 94-16 vote.
Friends of the Parks has sued to block construction of the Star Wars creator’s museum on filled-in lakefront property. The group state approval is needed because the site is still considered protected waterway.
Obama is expected to soon choose Chicago, New York or Hawaii for his library. Parks advocates oppose a University of Chicago bid that includes park district property.
