Bill Would Clear Building of Obama Library, Lucas Museum

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — A bill has been introduced in the Illinois Legislature that would ensure the city of Chicago has legal authority to build on park land President Barack Obama’s library and George Lucas’ proposed museum.

Democratic Sen. Kwame Raoul introduced the measure Wednesday. He says it would clarify state law to expressly allow Chicago to construct museums on public park land or “formerly submerged lands.’

The legislation follows a lawsuit filed by Friends of the Park seeking to bar construction of the Star Wars creator’s Museum of Narrative Art on filled-in lakefront property. The group says the city must have the state’s approval because the proposed site, a parking lot, is still considered protected waterway.

Obama is expected to announce his library location in the coming weeks. His foundation is considering several bids, including two on Chicago Park District property.

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