Westmont OKs removal of heritage honey locust at 215 N. Lincoln after owner cites safety and property damage

The Village of Westmont Board granted a property-owner request to remove a large honey locust tree at 215 North Lincoln Street without paying the calculated fee-in-lieu ($4,500) outlined in the heritage-tree section of the municipal code.

Director Reese explained the code requires replacement at a 1:1-inch caliper basis or payment equal to planting costs; staff’s ground inspection documented the tree’s condition and the calculated fee. Property owner Keith Reich told trustees the tree, planted by his late mother about 57 years ago, has become brittle and has damaged his deck and cracked the sidewalk; he said safety concerns about falling branches and encroachment on a neighbor’s fence motivated the request. “I love that tree, but it’s just gonna cause more and more damage,” Reich said.

Trustees asked staff to prepare a future presentation on whether a permit process or clarifying code language is needed to handle similar cases. The board voted to allow removal without replanting or fee in lieu and to direct staff to bring options for a more explicit permit process to a future meeting.