Chicago parks group reiterate opposition to Lucas Museum site

Chicago's Friends of the Parks on Friday issued a statement disputing an earlier report that it had decided drop its lawsuit over the George Lucas Museum and support building it at McCormick Place.

"Contrary to recent reports, our board remains fully united on the preservation of our lakefront and ensuring that the public trust doctrine is not ignored," said a written statement issued by Friends of the Parks Board President Lauren Moltz and Executive Director Juanita Irizarry.

"We do believe that the Lucas Museum has a place in Chicago for all to enjoy, but not at the expense of one our most precious public resources, We have always said we were open to discussions. Anything else you hear is rumor and speculation. We are not dropping the lawsuit."

Sun-Times columnist Michael Sneed had reported earlier Friday that the parks group's board had decided to push the restart button in the contentious battle to place the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art on the city's lakefront. Sneed said a source told her that the Friends of the Parks' executive board had voted Wednesday to restart negotiations with the city to "move forward with the Lucas Museum."

For more, check chicago.suntimes.com.