Holly Keesler, a Westville resident who lives at 207 Bash Parkway, told the Westville Town Council during public comment that utility crews removed nearly all branches from trees along 300 South, leaving her rental property exposed and raising safety concerns for her grandson.

Keesler said crews “completely chopped off every single branch facing the road” and that about 15 trees on the north side of 300 South were cut. She said she has photos and an aerial image showing the trees’ original positions and argued the branches did not extend into the travel lane.

The town’s public works speaker, who was not identified by name in the meeting, told Keesler the crews acted after “numerous complaints” and that crews maintain the roadway through that stretch to keep it clear. The speaker said, “It wasn’t to try to destroy the trees,” and described the work as a safety action tied to keeping the road clear.

Resident Joe Wiseman displayed an aerial photograph from the assessor’s website as part of his remarks and pointed to the parcel at 208 Ash Parkway while arguing the trees were not hanging into the street. Keesler said the trees were a windbreak separating her trailer from the road and said she feared they would die after the pruning.

Town staff and several residents discussed jurisdictional questions. A staff member said the maintenance responsibility shifts near Ash Parkway and that parts of the corridor might fall under county maintenance. Several staff members referenced planned enforcement and communications: Charlie (town code enforcement staff) was described as “primarily handling the letter” that would consolidate zoning and ordinance violation notices. Council and staff members said they would follow up and that code enforcement notices were expected soon.

Keesler told the council she had heard utilities such as NIPSCO used to offer tree-replacement programs; staff did not confirm any funding program during the meeting. No formal action or vote was taken at the meeting on the tree work; staff indicated follow-up would include contacting property owners and sending enforcement or informational letters.

The exchange came during the meeting’s public-comment period; council business earlier in the meeting covered routine items including approval of claims and departmental reports. Town staff asked Keesler and other residents to provide photos and to coordinate with code enforcement for next steps.