Residents press Palos Park to enforce tree rules after mass removal on private lot

Palos Park — Three residents told the Planning Commission and Zoning Board at a joint meeting that dozens of mature trees were being removed on a single private lot and urged the village to enforce its tree rules and clarify the code.

Sherry Lucas, a nearby resident, told the group the village’s tree canopy is central to Palos Park’s character: “This place is beyond magical,” she said, and asked officials to act so the appearance and character are preserved. Two other neighbors said orange marking bands and tree‑tags appeared and that as many as 60 trees on the lot were being felled; one called the scale “incredible.”

Why it matters: Residents said large, unregulated tree removals reduce canopy, harm neighborhood character, and can affect property values and drainage. They asked whether the village’s enforcement process — currently administered through building regulations rather than the zoning code — is adequate.

What staff said and next steps: Mark, the staff liaison, said the tree regulations currently sit under the village’s building‑regulation chapter and that staff would forward public comments to the village board for follow‑up. The meeting record shows staff acknowledged prior complaints and said the village was already aware of active removal activity at the site.

Formal action and follow-up: The boards directed staff to record and forward the public comments to the village board and to report back on applicable permitting and enforcement steps. Staff indicated it would review the village’s tree-protection language and consider sample ordinances from neighboring communities for possible adoption.

Ending: Residents asked for prompt follow-up and for clearer permitting signage and public notices so neighbors can verify whether permits were obtained and whether required protections or replacement plantings apply.