The demolition of hundreds of Bensenville properties slated for razing to make way for O'Hare International Airport's expansion was on hold Friday.

Village attorneys filed an emergency request in DuPage County Circuit Court that delayed the destruction of as many as 370 properties until at least July 25. The properties were scheduled for demolition as early as Friday, but attorneys agreed to suspend plans until there's a hearing on Bensenville's request for a permanent restraining order against the demolition.

Bensenville attorneys say the project violates the village's local ordinances. But Chicago officials say state law allows the project without demolition permits from Bensenville.

"The city of Chicago believes it has received all of the necessary approvals, through existing state and federal laws, to proceed with demolition," said Rosemarie Andolino, executive director of the O'Hare Modernization Program.

In court Thursday, Bensenville attorney Joseph Karaganis told judge Kenneth Popejoy the village wants to prevent a confrontation. "The city has bulldozers lined up at our boundaries and they can start at any time," he said.

Thomas Goedert, an attorney for Chicago, said the city doesn't want "a confrontation in the streets."

"Any bulldozers in the area are on O'Hare property and involved in earth-moving operations," he said.

Bensenville officials have fought the planned expansion for years.
The FAA has said the expansion project will reduce delays at the airport by 68%

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