Judge: Suit trying to kill Lucas Chicago museum can proceed

CHICAGO (AP) - There's no immediate sign "Star Wars" creator George Lucas might take his museum elsewhere after a federal judge in Chicago ruled a lawsuit seeking to stop construction along Lake Michigan can go ahead.

Thursday's ruling rejects a motion to dismiss the entire civil suit.

Advocacy group Friends of the Parks sued Chicago's Park District in November. It calls the would-be museum an "assault on the shores of Lake Michigan." Mayor Rahm Emanuel embraces the plan to build on lakeside land.

Lucas Museum spokeswoman Kate LeFurgy says in a brief statement that planners remain "committed to" building in Chicago. A city law department statement echoes that, saying the project will create thousands of jobs.

Plaintiff attorney Sean Morales-Doyle says his clients are pleased they got the green light to proceed.