A DuPage County judge will hear arguments about the property value of a historical cemetery located in the middle of a proposed O’Hare runway in February.
Chicago and the owners of St. Johannes cemetery are in a legal battle over acquiring the site so the city can move forward with expansion of O’Hare International Airport. Chicago has moved for “quick take” powers, meaning it could expedite condemnation of the cemetery, which attorneys for the cemetery have said they will oppose.
The city says additional runways will reduce congestion and improve safety at O’Hare. Cemetery supporters say the city is pushing forward with an unnecessary plan it cannot pay for.
At a hearing on Wednesday, a new court date was set for Feb. 8 when appraisers will detail property values for the land.
