Planning board supports museum move

At the end of a meeting that went late into the night, the Chicago Plan Commission approved moving the Chicago Children's Museum from Navy Pier to Grant Park.

Preservationists argued that allowing a $100 million museum violates long-standing legal precedent barring buildings in the park. But commissioners bypassed that issue, saying their decision Thursday was based on whether the proposal met zoning and lakefront protection requirements.

Chicago alderman Brendan Reilly says letting the museum relocate to the lakefront park is a land grab.

Reilly contends the museum isn't allowed to build on the parkland because of rules he says are in place to protect the area from development.

The commission, handpicked by museum backer Mayor Richard Daley, voted 13-2 to recommend approval of the plan to the City Council, which is expected to consider it next month.