Cook Co. board backs Elgin-O'Hare western bypass

The Cook County Board on Tuesday backed construction of the Elgin-O'Hare West Bypass.

The board's support came in the form of a resolution, sponsored by Elmwood Park Republican Commissioner Peter Silvestri, that passed by acclimation. It calls on the governor's office, the Federal Highway Administration, the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority to "expedite this project in order to significantly impact job creation and stimulate the economy."

"It would be a great economic benefit," Silvestri said.

The resolution specifically supports Alternative Plan 203, which would extend the Elgin-O'Hare Expressway east along Thorndale Avenue to a roadway connecting I-90 and I-294 along the western edge of O'Hare International Airport.

Only Chicago Democratic Commissioners William Beavers and Forrest Claypool separated themselves out, with Beavers voting against it and Claypool voting "present."

The board on Tuesday also accepted a new proposed ordinance banning the possession and manufacture of hard plastic knives designed to thwart metal detectors and sent the proposal to committee for what should be swift passage at the next meeting in May.

The ordinance, sponsored by Chicago Democratic Commissioners Bridget Gainer and Edwin Reyes, was cheered by Sheriff Tom Dart, whose office recently arrested a man trying to carry knives into the Daley Center courthouse. The man, charged with unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, was found to have hundreds of hard plastic knives at his residence. The county ban follows a Chicago ordinance also headed for swift passage.

"I'm thankful these commissioners are stepping forward to address the threat posed by these knives, both in our courtrooms and on our streets," Dart said. "I can think of no conceivable use for these knives that an ordinary knife couldn't accomplish. They're as dangerous as any other knife, only they aren't picked up by metal detectors. That's a frightening scenario."

Law-enforcement and military personnel would be exempt, along with museums and historical societies.

Gainer said she expected no opposition to the ban.