"The small seedlings and the brush is going to fill in that void and actually make it a lot worse than if you leave large trees alone," association member Tom Neuser said last June, after the damage was discovered.

Such cutting is against city policies of leaving live trees and bushes to grow naturally. That's especially true for Joliet Park which is considered a passive park or green space. But the fine for such damages currently ranges from one-hundred to a thousand dollars. The alderman who lives near the park says that has little deterrent.

"If you're going to charge me a hundred bucks maybe it's worth taking the vehicle 90-miles an hour down the road," said Jerry Wiezbiskie, alderman and parks and recreation committee member.

"It's kind of interesting that trees get chopped down right in front of people's house are insisting on having a view," he added.

So the council is considering raising fines to between a thousand and 15-hundred dollars. Wiezbiskie says that's still too small compared to how visitors are impacted.

"It's a great place for birds. Migratory birds, eagles, everything else," Wiezbiskie said.