The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) announced that it has settled a lawsuit that challenged its efforts to continue with the O'Hare Modernization Program.
Aviation Commissioner Rosemarie Andolino and Village of Bensenville President Frank Soto unveiled terms of the settlement that will allow the CDA to acquire properties, as well as to initiate demolition of structures on city-owned properties in Bensenville.
"This settlement is a significant accomplishment, allowing the city to continue its efforts to improve efficiency and add capacity at O'Hare, as well as in the National Aviation System," said Andolino.
Under the agreement, the city will acquire the remaining Bensenville-owned properties and rights-of-way, and the village will dismiss the pending demolition court cases. The village also will drop its court objections to city acquisition of property. A portion of the acquisition area will be de-annexed from Bensenville and annexed to the city of Chicago.
In exchange, the airport will pay Bensenville $16 million, Andolino said.
Further, the CDA will partner with Bensenville on future development on the western perimeter of O'Hare International. The CDA will provide enhancements to the village by designing, installing and maintaining landscaping on select city-owned properties.
