Rebel Group Opposing Lucas Museum Gets a New Rogue Leader

Juanita Irizarry is the new executive director for Friends of the Parks, the nonprofit conservation group that is trying to stop plans for a George Lucas museum along Chicago’s lakefront, according to a Chicago Tribune report.

Irizarry, 46, was named to the position earlier this month, taking over for Lauren Moltz, the group’s board president who had served as interim director, the report stated. The previous director, Cassandra Francis, stepped down in April, the report added.

»RELATED: George Lucas Strikes Back; New Plans Could Kill Lawsuit to Stop Museum

Previously, Irizarry has worked in community development and housing policy, and she recently focused on keeping affordable housing near the northwest side’s 606 trail, the report stated. She’s also was the executive director for the Latino Policy Forum, known as Latinos United when she was there, the report added.

Friends of the Parks has filed a federal lawsuit against the proposed creation of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art just south of Soldier Field. The group argues that the proposed museum site is land entitled to the state and not an out-of-town filmmaker.

Recently, a U.S. district judge told the group’s lawyers that they need to modify their lawsuit after changes to the museum’s plans and lease agreement were submitted. The group has until Oct. 2 to refile its lawsuit, the report stated.

via the Chicago Tribune