Apr 23, 2015 3 min read

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The Illinois Legislature is fast-tracking 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 comes amid a controversy mostly centered on whether the city can build the Star Wars creator’s museum, which is supported by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, on formerly submerged lakefront property. A lawsuit filed by Friends of the Parks, a Chicago advocacy group, argues that the city need state approval and has no authority to hand over the land because it is technically a protected waterway.

The bill comes a week after the group’s president — a vocal opponent of both projects, yet strongly supported by the mayor — abruptly resigned. The group didn’t immediately return phone messages seeking comment Thursday.

The bill would clarify state law to expressly allow Chicago to construct museums on park land, or “formerly submerged lands.” Supporters said the bill, quickly approved Thursday in the Senate, is aimed at eliminating any questions over the city’s authority to go ahead with plans for both projects.

The proposal also would amend state law to specifically allow the construction of “presidential libraries” on public park land as long as the public can access the grounds “in a manner consistent with its access to other public parks.” Obama is expected to soon choose a site in Chicago, New York or Hawaii for his library, though local park advocates oppose a bid from the University of Chicago, where Obama taught, to build it on park district property.

House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie, a Chicago Democrat, said the legislation is equally about plans for Lucas’ Museum of Narrative Art. The proposed project, which estimates have placed at costing about $400 million, would be built on land that is currently a parking lot near Soldier Field, home of the Chicago Bears.

Some members of a House committee considering the bill questioned why state approval was necessary for either project, especially because a location hasn’t been selected for the presidential library.

“Aren’t we putting a cart in front of the horse?” said Rep. Luis Arroyo, a Chicago Democrat.

But in a nod that the legislation was mostly focused on Lucas’ project, Sen. Matt Murphy noted there was “more involving this legislation than the presidential library.”

Emanuel commended senators for approving the bill, saying it makes clear they agree with the city’s position “that a presidential library and other museums enhance park land for the benefit of the public.” He urged the House to follow suit. The Barack Obama Foundation added that the legislation was a “welcome development.”

Gov. Bruce Rauner’s spokesman declined comment.

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Online: www.ilga.gov