My Neighbors want me gone b/c of P-car

AngM018 · 01-30-2008, 07:08 PM

Perhaps some of you can chime in on what kind of options I have here.

I live in an upscale townhome neighborhood, that is just one strait street lined by "brownstone" style townhouses. They all have a two car garage facing the street.

About a year ago I started my rebuild. I had my other two vehicles parked in the driveway and I was using the whole garage for the rebuild. I kept on getting delayed with getting it back together b/c of parts etc, so the car was apart from feb. all the way up to end of summer. I admit the garage was a mess with parts, but I only had the garage doors open when I was in the garage working on it.

Towards the end of the rebuild I was getting a lot of dirty looks from the two neighbors accross the way. Then in the next neighborhood newsletter they listed the covenant about "using your garage as a habital living area" I knew this was directed at me as I was the only one using my garage for something other than parking or storage. I just lauphed it off and continued on my way.

A few months later leads us up to this last weekend. It was my birthday and a few friends came in from out of town. They took me out to the bars and we cabbed it back home. When I got home I made sure everyone was quiet as the houses turn the road into a wind tunnel. Not seconds after paying the cab driver my neighbor from accross the way is out on the street screamin at me for being loud (she did the same thing the year before, when I wasnt making noise). I ask what her deal is and she starts going off about how I am disrespectful, loud (myself and my car), and she had to deal with my "piece of **** car in the garage" I lauphed it off and told her to run on home. Over the summer she also gave me attitude b/c my dogs were barking inside the house one day(they were barking at her b/c she had her dogs outside), and that I need to walk them more.

Today I get a detailed email from her husband suggesting I move out, threatening to get the HOA on me, and get lawyers involved. I am blown away. I have 2 witnesses of her explosion and they are both doctors so any testimony from them should hold up in court.

No other neighbors have complained (one of the guys accross the street is a BMW lover, so he understands) but I know she has been trying to create a mutiny againts me.

any ideas on what to do here? what would you guys do?

id10t · 01-30-2008, 07:16 PM

Not have bought in a place with a HOA...

That being said, look over the docs and agreements you signed at closing. See what it says about on-street parking, etc. If the HOA don't allow it, you'll either have to comply and be a good zombie neighbor or move...

slodave · slodave's Garage

I don't know what the HOA rues are in your complex for working on cars in your garage, but there is nothing, then what's the problem. Work on your car. I would love to have a garage. I live in a rented Townhome, so I can't really do any real work on my car. My car stinks and I have to drive a little ways down a corridor that has bedroom and kitchen windows on either side. There is one guy that asked me not to leave my car running under his window while I move my cars around. I know he still does not like my car, as I watch him close the kitchen window as I move my cars

. We are friendly and he has not said anything more about my car. I know other people probably would like to see my car gone, but it is registered and legal. Not much they can do.

I hope things work out.

Dave

Racerbvd · Racerbvd's Garage

I'm currently dealling with an A-hole like that. One of the city gus called my "old" 911 a junk car, to which I responded your wife is a fat pig, all in the eye of the beholder, but I would get more on the market for a 911 than the few crack rocks he would end up with.

KaptKaos · 01-30-2008, 07:18 PM

I'd file a pre-emptive complaint against her and put her on the defense. Claim whatever you want, but make it close to factual. Say that she is interfering with your enjoyment of your space and file it with the HOA ASAP.

bell · bell's Garage

make an anonymous tip that you suspect a meth lab is across the street

kidding of course.....

a-hole neighbors suck, write down every encounter you can think of, how/when you've used your garage etc....maybe get a written statement from your other good neighbors on the "situation".......i've been pretty fortunate so can't offer you firsthand experience, just what i've read and heard.
if i'm correct what they are doing is harassing you, which will work in your favor down the road if it's documented, there have been others on the bbs who have had similar situations with neighbors messing with trees and such.....i'm sure they'll chime in.

AngM018 · 01-30-2008, 07:19 PM

all the new neiborhoods in this area have them, and your right they are not worth it.

I have a slip of driveway between the garage and street that is big enough to park two cars on. They cant get me on that. its that they tried to cause issues b/c my car was being rebuilt in the garage is what bothers me.

Racerbvd · Racerbvd's Garage

BTW, is Deed Restricted??

AngM018 · 01-30-2008, 07:21 PM

I really do want to figure out my options in the way of a harrasment suit etc. I could care less that they dont like my car. its just I dont see how I can legally be yelled and screamed at about it

Aurel · Aurel's Garage

I suggest you get a boat now:
http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=3316020
Aurel

AngM018 · 01-30-2008, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Racerbvd

BTW, is Deed Restricted??

The deed is not, but there are restrictive covenants (controlled by HOA). I think I am screwed dealing with the HOA b/c her good friend/next door neighbor is the president.

AngM018 · 01-30-2008, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aurel

I suggest you get a boat now:
http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=3316020
Aurel

aaahhhahahaha. very good point Aurel, I do have a boat down at the beach, but they make those new 4-stroke engines so damn quiet now...

slodave · slodave's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by AngM018

its that they tried to cause issues b/c my car was being rebuilt in the garage is what bothers me.

Right, check your docs on what the HOA permits. If there is no clause on working on your car in your garage, then tell the neighbor to f-off. If there is a clause, then keep the door down.

Hugh R · 07:39 PM

I used to be the president of my HOA, but we're pretty laid back. Go on the offensive and go to the Board first and tell them hubby and wifey are harassing you. Tell them that their dogs bark all the time and your getting tired of it! Tell them you came home one night in a cab and she came out yelling and you weren't making any noise, AND you think she was really drunk at the time . Read the CCRs if they say you can't park on your driveway, you may be screwed, if not, tell neighbor to fu(k off. Working in a garage is not habitating it. But go to the Board first! You don't have to do what the neighbor wants, just because he wants it. Even if her friend is the president, get it out there with the board. Presidents of HOAs don't usually want to be seen as biased, usually.

AngM018 · 01-30-2008, 07:28 PM

checked the docks. the closest thing was "no making garage liveable" can working on your car be deemed making it liveable? I do spend more time in my garage then in my living room.

Racerbvd · Racerbvd's Garage

Quote:

"no making garage liveable"

You should be OK then, do like Hugh R said, if that doesn't work, tell her husband that she is pissed because you wouldn't bang her, if that doesn't work, bang her like a gong, problem solved

Hugh R · 01-30-2008, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Racerbvd

You should be OK then, do like Hugh R said, if that doesn't work, tell her husband that she is pissed because you wouldn't bang her, if that doesn't work, bang her like a gong, problem solved

Now that's a great one! Especially if it's remotely believable, like he's in his 30s or whatever and she's under say 60. Or start spreading the rumor casually in the neighborhood about how she hit up on you and you wouldn't do it.

AngM018 · 01-30-2008, 07:37 PM

well Byron, if I didnt cringe everytime I saw her b/c she is so ugly then that wouldnt be a problem. her daughter on the other hand....(dont worry guys, she is 23 and I am younger than you all may think.

I actually think she is so worked up b/c her husband isnt doing his job in the bedroom.

I am guessing adding a zork tube to the 930 wouldnt help out much?

Hugh and some of the other guys had some good points. I am feeling more confident about this now.

AngM018 · 01-30-2008, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hugh R

Now that's a great one! Especially if it's remotely believable, like he's in his 30s or whatever and she's under say 60. Or start spreading the rumor casually in the neighborhood about how she hit up on you and you wouldn't do it.

hahaha. you guys are starting to put idea's in me head that may get me in trouble

911Rob · 911Rob's Garage

We call them "Strata-Natzis" here.

I too have been blessed with many, many A-hole neighbours. Mostly in my waterfront homes because we rip up the lake pretty good all summer long and the lounge chair critic neighbours usually hate me. I work very hard at keeping the peace, but sometimes to no avail.

Anyway, I'd take the suggestion to write to the HOA and put in the letter that you have concerns about the President of the Association having a biased opinion in the matter.

I like the boat idea, get one with a loud stereo too.

Only other thing to do is call Denis over?