Hanover Park resident Jeremiah Lee protests abrupt removal of community tree

Residents of Hanover Park voiced their concerns at the Village Board Meeting on April 3, 2025, with two significant issues taking center stage: noise disturbances and the abrupt removal of a cherished community tree.

One resident, expressing frustration over persistent noise from nearby parties, highlighted the challenges of addressing the issue. "When we call the police, they'll come, they'll tell them to turn it down. It doesn't stay down," she lamented. Village officials responded by facilitating a direct conversation with the police chief to develop an action plan, emphasizing the importance of community feedback in addressing such disturbances.

In a poignant moment, another resident, Jeremiah Lee, shared his distress over the sudden removal of a nearly 50-year-old tree from his cul-de-sac. He described the tree as a vital part of his family's home and the community's identity, stating, "This is not our community that we recognize." Lee expressed disappointment over the lack of notice regarding the tree's removal, which he felt was handled poorly, leaving behind debris and a gaping hole in the landscape. He urged the village to consider planting a new tree to help restore the community's character.

The discussions underscored the residents' deep connection to their environment and the importance of communication between the village and its citizens. As the meeting concluded, officials acknowledged the need for better notification processes regarding tree removals and committed to addressing the noise complaints, reinforcing their dedication to community engagement and improvement.