Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s Ohio neighbors fight to stop landscape plans for new home: ‘Animals need places to have sex’

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have found themselves at the center of a neighborhood dispute after their landscaping plans for their $5.35 million Ohio mansion sparked objections from some local residents.

The couple’s proposed landscaping changes were discussed during a meeting of Bratenahl’s Architectural Review Board, where approximately 35 people gathered to express their opinions about the plans.

At the center of the controversy were proposed 10-foot shrubs intended to provide additional privacy around the lakefront property. While some neighbors questioned the plans, arguing that the landscaping could negatively affect local wildlife and conflict with community regulations, others defended the couple’s right to improve their home.

One resident, Lucy Weller, raised particular concerns about the impact on animals and the importance of preserving natural habitats.

“They don’t need lawns; they need food and cover and they need places to have sex,” Weller reportedly said, arguing that the proposed landscaping did little to support local wildlife.

Another neighbor, Chuck Bauernschmidt, who lives two houses away from the property, also questioned the direction of the proposed changes, describing the landscaping as resembling a forest.

However, not everyone opposed Swift and Kelce’s plans. Several residents spoke in support of the couple, suggesting that the community should welcome the famous pair rather than turn their arrival into a controversy.

Vasiliki Diamantis expressed appreciation that the couple had chosen Bratenahl for their property, encouraging residents to view their presence as something positive for the community.

Despite the objections, the Architectural Review Board unanimously approved the revised landscaping plans, including the proposed 10-foot shrubs and updated brickwork.

Swift and Kelce were not personally present at the meeting. They were represented by members of their property and development team.

The couple previously received approval for a six-foot privacy fence in September, which also generated discussion among residents.

The eight-bedroom, 11-bathroom mansion was purchased in March for approximately $5.35 million. Although the property is expected to provide the couple with additional privacy and a place to stay in Ohio, reports suggest it will not serve as their primary residence.

For now, the approval represents a significant victory for Swift and Kelce as they continue making changes to their new property.

While some neighbors remain concerned about wildlife and the character of their community, others believe the couple deserves the same opportunity as any homeowner to enjoy their property in peace.