Illinois Supreme Court Paves Way For Displacement of Hundreds Of Voters

[tt11758]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-ohare-cemetery-20110126,0,6114475.story

The Illinois Supreme Court on Wednesday declined to review an appellate court decision affirming Chicago's acquisition of a 161-year-old cemetery that stands in the way of a future runway at O'Hare International Airport.

"It is technically not the end of the line, but it is pretty close to it,'' said Joseph Karaganis, an attorney representing St. John's United Church of Christ, which owns St. Johannes Cemetery and had sought the Supreme Court's review.

The 2nd District Appellate Court in September upheld a decision by DuPage County Judge Hollis Webster, who ruled the city had legally condemned the site and could begin removing about 1,000 graves.

The high court's decision not to hear the case means the Appellate Court's ruling stands, Supreme Court spokesman Joseph Tybor said.

Chicago Aviation Commissioner Rosemarie Andolino said the city will continue to work with relatives of those buried at the cemetery during a relocation process. Thus far, the remains of 30 graves have been voluntarily relocated, and families have received permits to relocate 345 others.

"We realize this is a very sensitive matter," Andolino said in a statement.

Bob Sell, spokesman for the church, said disinterment will be particularly delicate for some of the oldest graves.

"That's an archaeology project," he said. "It's not simply a matter of removing some dirt and a vault. There were no vaults. This is a process that's going to require care to do it in a respectful and dignified manner."

Karaganis said church officials have not decided whether to file another petition to the high court.

He expressed frustration that the courts did not appear to consider the religious-protection arguments that were made.

"The people buried at St. Johannes and their families consider this sacred ground," he said.

The runway is part of the ongoing $15 billion O'Hare Modernization Program. The cemetery occupies land where the middle of the runway would be. To keep the project moving forward, Andolino ordered that construction take place on the two runway ends.

Karaganis said the city had the option of building a shorter runway and allowing St. Johannes to remain. He also predicted the modernization project will not be completed as originally envisioned by city officials "because the city cannot pay for it and the airlines refuse to pop for the additional costs.''

gfsmith@tribune.com

jhilkevitch@tribune.com

Wonder what they're going to do with this segment of Rahm Dead-Fish's constituent base.

[Ichiban]

They will have to move them to a new district and get them updated voter ID cards.

[fightingquaker13]

They will have to move them to a new district and get them updated voter ID cards.

Miami Dade is looking to improve voter registration rates, maybe they could get a good deal on realestate.
FQ13

[twyacht]

As much as it is a personal choice, I will be cremated, and scattered in the Gulf Stream. My Mother, both Grandfather's, (Navy men), and other relatives, that all chose to not be buried, as I posted is personal choice.

For this very reason.

100+/- years from now, I don't know what the future will hold, or even if we'll make it that far. However, knowing politicians, zoning boards, county commissioners, etc,... ever standing a chance of saying:

Sorry, Great Grampa Tom's final resting place under the big Cypress Tree will have to go to make way for the Intergalactic Runway, Hyatt Regency International Space Terminal Landing Sight, is a bunch of crap.

Eminent Domain, will not disturb my remains, as i will be part of a power NO gov't will ever be able to control.

I even mentioned a Viking funeral. My son, old enough now to understand, with his Norwegian Mother, and Swedish Father, gets it.

Damn shame. Those families invested money (big money depending on location) in plots for their loved ones final resting place. What's the reimbursement? Time and Trouble cost?
 
Knowing that when your loved one(s) said, Sunny Oaks Cemetery is where I want to be, that years later,....we have to "relocate them"....

Sad. One day, long after were all gone, could it happen at Arlington? Are you sure? Really Sure? I'm not being argumentative, just saying if it can happen here, (where Veterans are buried also), it could happen anywhere.

Rant off.

[tombogan03884]

I'd prefer cremation, but to be totally honest, once I'm done with the vessel I don't care if they kick it in a ditch and shovel sh!t over top of it. Some one will do something about it before it starts stinking to badly.

[Sponsor]

[fightingquaker13]

I'd prefer cremation, but to be totally honest, once I'm done with the vessel I don't care if they kick it in a ditch and shovel sh!t over top of it. Some one will do something about it before it starts stinking to badly.

Its the way to go. No muss no fuss. I signed the organ donor card. My Grandma donated herself to the University of Florida's medical school, and my dad has his carcass going to the University of Miami. I guess I should get a will witten too. Particularly the living will, DNR bit. When its time to go, its time go. I'll donate my remains as well. Hell, someone should get some use out of them as I don't need them anymore.

Funny story about Grandma. When Shands (the UF teaching hospital) was done with her they returned the cremains. We were set for a graveside iternment service. The cemetary guys didn't show up, apparently signals got crossed and they couldn't get a crew out until the next day. Well, there we were with the grave and the urn and all dressed up. So my dad and uncle  say screw it and drive to Ace Hardware and buy a post hole digger and a shovel and thats how we buried my grandmother. Sad, but true. Other folks might have sued, but we fgured she would have found it funny. The way I see it, once you're gone, you're gone and just keep it as simple as possible. As Tom said, I'm done with the vessel and I don't much care what happens to it.
FQ13  

[PegLeg45]

Its the way to go. No muss no fuss. I signed the organ donor card. My Grandma donated herself to the University of Florida's medical school, and my dad has his carcass going to the University of Miami. I guess I should get a will witten too. Particularly the living will, DNR bit. When its time to go, its time go. I'll donate my remains as well. Hell, someone should get some use out of them as I don't need them anymore.

FQ13  

Heck, be eco-friendly, FQ......let us feed your ass to the iguanas.                   

[Solus]

I hate to pass up the chance for a tombstone since I came up with an epitaph I like.


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