Judge: 30-Year Park Grill Restaurant Lease is Valid

Emanuel's administration claimed it was unfair, a "sweetheart deal" and illegal because the Park District negotiated while Chicago owned the land, among other things

A Cook County judge has ruled a 30-year lease on the Millennium Park restaurant Park Grill that Mayor Rahm Emanuel's administration wants to void is valid.

Emanuel's administration claimed it was unfair, a "sweetheart deal" and illegal because the Park District negotiated while Chicago owned the land, among other things.

At trial, a romantic relationship between a project investor and park district official took center stage. Former Mayor Richard Daley was called to testify but the subpoena was withdrawn.

Judge Moshe Jacobius' written ruling Thursday says it's clear the city and district worked together so the Emanuel administration's arguments didn't have merit.

Investors' attorney, Stephen Novack, calls the ruling a victory showing a valid contract.

Emanuel said Thursday that the deal hurts taxpayers and his administration would consider further legal action.

“Today the Court ruled against Chicago’s taxpayers, who we believe have been taken advantage of in a sweetheart ‎deal that benefited a select few," the mayor said in a statement. "This 30-year ‘contract’ has already cost Chicago taxpayers millions in lost revenue and we stand by our commitment to fight on their behalf. We are reviewing the court's decision to determine what further action we might take.”

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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