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CHICAGO (AP) — Mayor Rahm Emanuel says legislation beefing up Chicago's legal grounds to use public park land as potential sites for Barack Obama's presidential library and George Lucas' proposed museum will benefit residents and visitors for generations to come.
The legislation spells out state law to allow the city to construct museums on public park land or "formerly submerged lands."
The Senate approved the bill Thursday afternoon, followed by a House vote.
Preservation group, Friends of the Parks, have opposed both plans because of use of city park land, including a lawsuit to block construction of the Star Wars creator's museum on lakefront property.
A foundation is expected to choose Chicago, New York or Hawaii for Obama's library.
Parks advocates oppose a University of Chicago bid that includes park district property.
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