Apr 4, 2008 8:43 am US/Central
Children's Museum Pushes Toward Move To Grant Park
But Alderman, Some Residents Are Against The Plan
CHICAGO (Sun-Times Media Wire) ―
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The Chicago Children's Museum at its Navy Pier location.
CBS
The Chicago Park District and the Chicago Children's Museum have jointly applied for a zoning change to building a $100 million museum in Grant Park, setting the stage for a Plan Commission vote next month and a City Council showdown in June.
The Chicago Sun-Times reported last week that Mayor Daley has the 26 votes he needs to win City Council approval of the Grant Park plan.
The decision to set the legislative process in motion signals the museum's confidence in that support.
"We feel really confident in the level of support we have throughout Chicago," said Jennifer Farrington, museum president and CEO.
"The Children's Museum in Grant Park is very consistent with the true spirit of Montgomery Ward and Daniel Burnham's vision for the lakefront. The center of the city is the heart of Chicago -- the heart of cultural life. It serves as a gateway to all Chicago."
Downtown Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd) opposes the Grant Park plan and said he'll believe that when he sees it. "Usually, when a developer is seeking approval from the Plan Commission, they review that application with the local alderman prior to them making the filing. The fact that they didn't say, perhaps, that they're not open to extensive public scrutiny."
Peggy Figiel, co-founder of Save Grant Park, promised to file suit "immediately" if the council approves the plan.
"The Supreme Court has ruled that no obstruction that is a building that charges admission and is not for dedicated park purposes can be built in Grant Park," she said.
The museum says it plans to spend $85,000 on lobbyists, consultants, architects and attorneys.
(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2009. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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