Judges hear O'Hare demolition arguments

Appellate judges have heard arguments from a Chicago suburb hoping to stop the demolition of more than 500 homes in the path of a planned runway at O'Hare International Airport.

The 2nd District Appellate Court heard arguments Tuesday in Elgin. A ruling is expected within weeks.

Bensenville attorney Joseph Karaganis says he told judges Chicago lacks the money for the project, so its land grab is unconstitutional. He also says the demolition poses health hazards.

In August, a DuPage County judge gave Chicago the OK to tear buildings down. He then halted the demolition to give Bensenville time to appeal.

The new runway is part of a second phase of O'Hare expansion. As part of Phase One, O'Hare recently opened its first new runway in decades.