Exclusive | Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s Ohio neighbors fight to stop landscape plans for new home: ‘Animals need places to have sex’
Turns out they can have nice things.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s neighbors met to discuss complaints over proposed renovations at their $5.35 million lakefront property in Bratenahl, Ohio — but in the end, the power couple walked away with a victory.
The local Architectural Review Board convened at the Bratenahl Community Center on Tuesday, where Swift’s and Kelce’s revised landscaping plans were unanimously approved. Around 35 people attended the meeting, and several residents voiced their concerns over 10-foot shrubs being planted outside the residence for privacy measures.
Resident Lucy Weller was worried about wildlife.
“Here is a wonderful opportunity for people who have money to put it into the caliber that this house should have,” Weller said. “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.”
“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.”
Chuck Bauernschmidt, who said he lives two houses down from the famous couple, claimed he felt “bad for the village.”
“This is not going to be open,” he said. “This is a forest, and I’m not sure why the board is going in that direction. You’re going against ordinances? Am I mistaken? I don’t think I am.”
Swift and Kelce did not attend the meeting — they were represented by property manager Patrick Hyland, architect Derek Kuryla and project manager Jacob Kutz.
There were supporters in the crowd, including Vasiliki Diamantis, whose comments were met with applause.
“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.
“We should accept them regardless of how many days they live here.”
Another resident echoed Diamantis’ words, adding, “I think it would be an absolute sin if this community goes in any way other than supporting people who are coming to our lovely neighborhood. It would be a shame. I think we should support these people and welcome them with open arms.”
One attendee was frustrated about the whole discussion, calling it “stupid” to get worked up over a property that will be “sold in seven to 10 years when the divorce happens.”
That comment was met with boos from the crowd.
The approved plans included the 10-foot shrubs and updated brick work.
The “Cruel Summer” artist and Kansas City Chiefs tight end, who tied the knot in July, purchased the eight-bedroom, 11-bathroom mansion in March.
In September, Page Six exclusively reported that Swift and Kelce were taking extreme security measures at the Ohio home.
While there are extensive plans to protect the property, we’re told Swift and Kelce won’t be using the home as their main residence.
The 14-time Grammy winner also owns properties in Rhode Island, Beverly Hills, Nashville and New York City.
Page Six has reached out to Swift and Kelce for comment.