Eagan Neighborhood Upset Over 'Act Of Vandalism'
EAGAN, Minn. (WCCO) -- Families in one Eagan neighborhood bought their homes to enjoy the natural beauty of Bur Oak Park.
But now, hundreds of trees are gone. They've been mowed down, and all that's left are little stumps.
Officials with the City of Eagan said they think a homeowner wanted to improve the view of the neawrby lake, but this is considered an act of vandalism.
"They were part of the park and part of the enjoyment of the park fairly mature trees," said Julie Seydell Johnson, Eagan's director of the park and recreation department.
She said she believes the damage totals about $1,000 in damage. And that's not all.
"The problem is when a tree is cut down it takes years for it to grow back and it's a long time to repair the damage," said Johnson.
Erin Leslie's house, along with a string of others, sits behind the damage.
"It's too bad, it is," said Leslie. "The goal is hopefully to preserve what you have around you."
She and her neighbors said they didn't hear a thing.
Johnson said her department investigates these types of cases all year long. The tricky part is getting neighbors to open up or the vandal to speak up.
"It's typical we don't find the person whose done this," said Johnson.
She points out any change to parks can be considered vandalism, whether it's cutting down plants or adding what you think would look nice. Police are investigating and at this point have not named any suspects.
WCCO-TV tried talking to other neighbors, but many told us they have their suspicions who may have done this and don't want to create a problem in the neighborhood.
