Bratenahl Neighbors Back Swift and Kelce Amid Property Dispute

The dispute centers on plans for a six-foot black aluminum fence and changes to the property’s landscaping. Some residents have raised concerns about effects on wildlife and the removal of trees and shrubs. Chuck Bauernschmidt, who lives two doors away, criticized what he called the “ridiculous … clear-cutting of the shrubbery and everything else,” saying “all the trees are gone.”

Katherine Bolton, who has lived next door for more than 30 years, warned that planting evergreens near a century-old shared sewer line could lead to “catastrophic sewer backups.” She said she had received a $75,000 estimate to protect the pipe from possible root damage.

The couple’s planner, Jacob Kutz of Tiny Construction, said they were seeking “privacy and security … after one of the largest sales in Cuyahoga County.” The original fence proposal was for eight feet; it has been reduced to six feet and will no longer extend all the way to Lake Erie.

The neighbor who spoke to Page Six said the complaints appeared concentrated among homeowners immediately beside the property. The resident had contacted others ahead of an Architectural Review Board meeting scheduled for Tuesday, November 10, saying, “We don’t want them to feel unwelcome.” They added that “the rest of the neighborhood will absolutely be supportive.”

Security measures at the estate have also drawn attention. Page Six reported that a voice warning system alerts people who approach the property. A neighbor said someone who got too close heard a warning not to trespass. Realtor Patricia Knight Gary of Howard Hanna described Bratenahl as a “relatively secluded lakefront” village, with a small police force that patrols regularly. She said she knew of no plans for additional fencing across the community.

A previous source told Page Six residents were unlikely to disturb Swift and Kelce because of their celebrity status, citing LeBron James’s time in the area: “LeBron James lived here in his prime, and nobody bothered. It’s the Cleveland charm.”