Judge Rules Chicago May Move Cemetery For O’Hare Airport

So much for resting in peace. It seems the deceased can’t even catch a break anymore. It is impossible to tell from the following article if O’Hare airport has any other option, but I don’t think digging up part of a cemetery is a good solution to enable the airport to add another runway. In my opinion this is just another example of how our society has no respect for the dead. Earlier this month I posted a similar article – Cemetery Uprooted To Make Way For Shopping Center

Judge Rules Chicago May Move Cemetery For O’Hare Airport

CHICAGO – A DuPage County judge has ruled that the city of Chicago may acquire a cemetery to make way for a new runway at O’Hare International Airport.

Judge Hollis Webster ruled Friday that the city can transfer the 900 graves from the 6.3-acre St. Johannes Cemetery, which is owned by St. John’s United Church of Christ. Attorney Joseph Karaganis represents the cemetery. Karaganis called the judge’s ruling an anticipated procedural step.

Chicago Aviation Commissioner Rosemarie Andolino says the city realizes the cemetery acquisition is “a very sensitive matter.” Andolino says the city will work closely with relatives of those buried in the cemetery and “will continue to proceed with respect and dignity.”

Photo: St. Johannes Cemetery is in the path of a $15 billion plan to expand O’Hare International Airport. A judge has given the city authority to move the cemetery to make way for new runways/CBS.

Source: CBS 2 Chicago