Experts debate safety of demolishing homes for O'Hare
Four days of arguments on the environmental effects of demolishing Bensenville homes to expand O'Hare International Airport ended with an unanswered question Thursday.
At issue is whether the demolitions will release hazardous substances into the environment. DuPage Judge Kenneth Popejoy did not rule on whether to lift a temporary restraining order he granted last summer that halts Chicago's plans to raze properties. Instead, he's expected to make that decision in a few weeks.
The stakes couldn't be higher for Bensenville, which has fought expansion tooth and nail, or Chicago, which is embarked on an $8 billion modernization plan to create parallel runways at O'Hare.
In July 2007, Popejoy ordered Chicago to conduct an environmental study of the properties after attorneys for the village warned toxins were present in some properties. Chicago has acquired about 550 out of 611 parcels it needs.
The hearing, which started Monday, featured a parade of expert witnesses. Chicago representatives said the environmental study showed nothing that would indicate any environmental harm resulting from demolitions.
Thursday, Robert Adams, a consultant who managed environmental health and safety during the World Trade Center cleanup after 9/11, said the city needed to conduct additional risk assessments and emissions analysis.
Robert Graham, attorney for the city, questioned Adams' knowledge of the Bensenville site, asking, "You're not a toxicologist, are you?" Adams answered no.
Bensenville's attorney Joseph Karaganis summed up his case, saying: "The fact is, demolition will cause serious health threats. There's a very large number of contaminants above acceptable levels."
But Chicago spokeswoman Jenny Hoyle said the city "was confident that it had taken necessary steps to ensure all demolitions in the land acquisition area will be completed in a safe and efficient manner."
A number of Bensenville residents listened to the proceedings, including Bill Baird, who is fighting to keep his house from Chicago.
"What they're offering me is not enough to buy another property," he said.