Texas condo owner who says residents forced out by Bush library settles suit with university

SMU reaches settlement in Bush library lawsuit

DALLAS — An attorney for Southern Methodist University says the Texas school has settled part of a land dispute over George W. Bush’s presidential library.

SMU attorney Mark Lanier wouldn’t detail the settlement with former condominium owner Robert Tafel on Friday. Tafel’s lawyer said his client was satisfied.

Tafel’s 2005 lawsuit said the school forced residents out as it bought and eventually tore down a condo complex where it wanted to build the library. The university denied wrongdoing, saying it didn’t decide to bid for the library until later.

The case garnered national attention when a Texas judge ordered Bush to appear at a deposition in state court, a first for a former or sitting president. The order was later overturned.

Another former condo owner’s suit continues.

On the Net:

George W. Bush Presidential Library: www.georgewbushlibrary.gov/