Judge says IDOT can still take land for South Suburban Airport

A Will County judge on Friday denied a request to dismiss a land condemnation suit pertaining to 80 acres within the footprint of the proposed South Suburban Airport, allowing the state to proceed with taking the land.

Circuit Court Judge Susan O’Leary denied a request by the owners of three sites who are fighting the Illinois Department of Transportation, which seeks to acquire the land through its power of eminent domain. That authority allows a government to forcibly obtain property for the public good, paying the owner the market value…Please click here to read Alicia Farbre’s story in the Tribune/Daily Southtown.