Emanuel razzed the parks group for its seemingly pro-tarmac stance, mocking it as "Friends of the Parking Lot." Gino Generelli, a local tech company owner, launched an online petition asking FOTP to drop its lawsuit. "At a time when Chicago needs an organization like yours to protect actual parks, please do not waste the time and resources generously donated to you to protect a parking lot from the fate of becoming a world-class cultural institution," he wrote. More than 1,500 people have signed so far.

I was similarly annoyed. FOTP's stated mission is "to preserve, protect, improve and promote the use of parks and open spaces throughout the Chicago area for the enjoyment of all residents and visitors." It seemed to me that fighting the south lot plan conflicted with that goal.

At this point, it looks like FOTP has effectively deep-sixed the south lot plan. Last February a federal judge denied a motion by the city to dismiss the lawsuit. Litigation could take years. Lucas, 71, has made it clear he's not willing to wait much longer to break ground—he wants the museum to be completed while he's still able to enjoy it.

As a last-ditch attempt to keep the museum here, in mid-April Emanuel announced an alternative plan to demolish Lakeside Center to make room for the museum. (A new "bridge building" over King Drive would replace lost convention space.) To sweeten the deal, this plan would create a full 12 acres of new parkland.

Full Article:

http://chi.streetsblog.org/2016/04/27/how-friends-of-the-parks-save...