(December 8, 2006)—A court ruling could boost Southern Methodist University’s bid for the George W. Bush Presidential Library, for which both Baylor University and the University of Dallas are also competing.

US District Judge Jerry Buchmeyer ruled that SMU has clear title to a condominium complex that school officials have considered for the library site.

SMU Vice President for Legal Affairs Leon Bennett says the university plans to evict the remaining residents this month and begin tearing down the complex.

Two condo owners, a dentist who moved out and a lawyer who still lives there, contend SMU used unfair tactics to buy out owners at low prices.

The university denied the charges. Buchmeyer ruled the plaintiffs didn't prove SMU broke the University Gardens Condominiums bylaws.

The plaintiffs said they plan to appeal.

A decision on the site of the library is expected early next year, although the New York Daily News reported last month that the president and first lady had already chosen SMU and that close supporters were pushing for an announcement in order to launch a major fundraising effort.

Baylor, which is offering a site along the Brazos River, discounted the report as rumor.

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