Travis Kelce(Image via Getty Images)
The Kansas City Chiefs tight end and his wife have secured approval for a fresh round of landscaping changes at their $5.35 million Ohio mansion, despite mounting objections from nearby residents. The dispute took centre stage at a meeting of Bratenahl’s Architectural Review Board on Tuesday, November 10. Around 35 people attended the gathering at the Bratenahl Community Center, where residents raised concerns about plans to surround the property with shrubs reaching 10 feet in height. The NFL star and his wife purchased the eight-bedroom, 11-bathroom lakefront property for $5.35 million in March. The debate also took an uncomfortable turn when one attendee predicted that the property would be sold within seven to 10 years following a possible divorce. Despite the disagreements, the board unanimously approved the revised landscaping plans, including the 10-foot shrubs and updated brickwork.
“Here is a wonderful opportunity for people who have money to put it into the caliber that this house should have,” Weller said. He said he felt “bad for the village” and argued that the property could end up looking more like a forest than a residential home. “We should feel privileged that these people chose this location for their residence and instead we are arguing over landscape and privacy as opposed to coming together as a community and looking at it as, ‘Wow, they chose Bratenahl, because Bratenahl is a special place,’” Diamantis said.
Travis Kelce has another reason to celebrate away from the football field. What began as a discussion about privacy and property improvements quickly turned into a heated neighborhood debate. Some residents questioned the scale of the proposed changes, while others argued that the couple deserved a warm welcome. In the end, the local review board sided with the revised plans. For Kelce, privacy is an understandable concern. However, some neighbours believe the proposed greenery could change the character of the area and affect local wildlife. Resident Lucy Weller questioned whether the landscaping would benefit the natural surroundings. She urged the couple’s representatives to consider native plants and designs that support local animals. “I think this is a wonderful opportunity for this camp to go back and learn a bit about native species and designs that show what animals need in this area. She also delivered a particularly blunt assessment of the proposed landscape. “They don’t need lawns; they need food and cover and they need places to have sex. I don’t think this landscape does anything to provide for any of the wildlife. Another resident, Chuck Bauernschmidt, who lives two houses away, also questioned the changes. Not everyone at the meeting opposed the renovation. Several residents defended the couple, arguing that their decision to choose Bratenahl as a home deserved appreciation rather than criticism. Vasiliki Diamantis received applause after encouraging the community to welcome the high-profile residents. She added, “We should accept them regardless of how many days they live here. The remark drew boos from the audience. Kelce and his wife were not present at the meeting. Their property manager Patrick Hyland, architect Derek Kuryla and project manager Jacob Kutz represented them. the property will reportedly not serve as the couple’s primary residence Although the mansion is receiving considerable attention. For now, the latest decision gives Kelce’s Ohio property plans a significant boost despite the neighbourhood controversy. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.
Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines The couple had previously received permission for a six-foot privacy fence in September after agreeing to reduce its proposed height from eight feet.