The preservation group Friends of the Parks is denying reports that it will drop a lawsuit against the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art and its quest to build along Chicago’s lakefront.

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In a statement signed by the group’s board president Lauren Moltz and executive director Juanita Irizarry, Friends of the Parks says:

“Contrary to recent reports, our board remains fully united on the preservation of our lakefront and ensuring that the public trust doctrine is not ignored. We do believe that the Lucas Museum has a place in Chicago for all to enjoy, but not at the expense of one our most precious public resources. We have always said we were open to discussions. Anything else you hear is rumor and speculation. We are not dropping the lawsuit.”

The Sun-Times reported Friday morning that the group’s board members voted overwhelmingly to drop the lawsuit and cut a deal with the city. It would potentially allow the city to go forward with a plan to demolish McCormick Place’s Lakeside Center to make way for the museum. The report says the city would agree to create more parkland along the lakeshore and elsewhere as part of the deal.

Calls to Friends of the Parks, the group’s lawyer Thomas Geoghegan, and the city have yet to be returned.

Check back for updates.

Follow Paris Schutz on Twitter: @paschutz

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