why are people such jerks?

[nageov3t]

so, my parents have been feuding with one of their neighbors for a few years now, and neither side is really innocent (it started with my parents re-paving their driveway, unaware that about 1' of their driveway is actually on the neighbor's property, which set things off and resulted in a court case and both sides antagonizing each other since).

I think the last straw was this weekend, though... the neighbors built a "retaining wall" (that's totally not even needed; it's not like they live on a sharp hill or something) that effectively prevents my parents' SUV from getting into the driveway at all and completely prevents anyone from getting out of the passenger side of any car, suv or not.

what the hell is wrong with people that they can't just live and let live? after all these years in and out of court, my parents have pretty much decided to throw in the towel and move out of the home they've lived in for like 15 years to get the hell away from these people.

 

[KLin]

Your parents started it. :roll:

 

[Balt]

If it makes you feel any better, and I doubt that it does, not ALL people are jerks. Someone helped me today after one of my tires completely exploded out on the highway in the middle of nowhere.

 

[nageov3t]

Originally posted by: KLin
Your parents started it. :roll:

they did, but they weren't aware of the property line at the time... the driveway has been exactly where it is for at least 65 years (the oldest picture they've ever been able to find of the house was from 1942) and they simply repaved over the existing driveway.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Good fences make good neighbors.

 

[CorCentral]

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman
Good fences make good neighbors.

8' fences!
I'm seriously thinking about it

 

[CasioTech]

Quit assuming because your parents/neighbors are jerks that noblemen such as myself are jerks as well.

 

[MmmSkyscraper]

Originally posted by: loki8481
I think the last straw was this weekend, though... the neighbors built a "retaining wall" (that's totally not even needed; it's not like they live on a sharp hill or something) that effectively prevents my parents' SUV from getting into the driveway at all and completely prevents anyone from getting out of the passenger side of any car, suv or not.

ROFL, pwned.

 

[GeekDrew]

Yes... your parents' neighbors are crap.

But fortunately, that's not always the case. At my parents' house, the neighbor to the South is on-par with your neighbors, while the neighbor to the north is awesome, and are friends of the family.

 

[CorCentral]

Originally posted by: CasioTech
Quit assuming because your parents/neighbors are jerks that noblemen such as myself are jerks as well.

Never think too highly of yourself or you'll get burned........ Especially here.
No one's noble in Off Topic!

 

[jw0ollard]

Originally posted by: loki8481
I think the last straw was this weekend, though... the neighbors built a "retaining wall" (that's totally not even needed; it's not like they live on a sharp hill or something) that effectively prevents my parents' SUV from getting into the driveway at all and completely prevents anyone from getting out of the passenger side of any car, suv or not.

That's strange. That sounds like it violates code. At least where I come from you're not allowed to put a fence on the exact edge of your property. It has to be some distance back.

I went through something similar when we moved into a new home in 1995. The bitch next door had built a fence without getting permits (her daddy was on the city council.. sure he pulled strings for that c*nt). So anyway, when the house was being constructed, she stalled the entire thing for 6 months just because she was such an awful person. We never got a long since then, and thankfully no longer live there anymore.

So, that fence should be at least a foot inside their property line, meaning there should be 11 inches next to your driveway. Take their asses to court again.

Edit: You should also see if they got a permit to build it in the first place.

 

[IGBT]

..there may be a safety related issue. Since you had access prior to the wall for many years see if there is a common easment issue to build a case on. If all else fails..next time you go on vacation leave a rooster in the back yard.

 

[FoBoT]

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman
Good retaining walls make good neighbors.

fixed

 

[jjzelinski]

Originally posted by: FoBoT

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman
Good retaining walls make good neighbors.

fixed

That's an insightful *edit* sig, FoBoT... lol

OP, uhh... maybe you and your parents can take the high road and try to build a decent relationship with the neighbors?

 

[Cellulose]

They are jerks from your perspective but to them they are doing what they think is right (same with most jerks and even terrorists - seriously )

 

[MartyMcFly3]

Originally posted by: loki8481

what the hell is wrong with people that they can't just live and let live?

When you were of an age that is more youthful, and your ticker was an unclosed novel, you used to speak "live and let live". You know you did. YOU know you did. You KNOW you did. Be that as it may, in this non-changeless Earth in which we reside in causes you to forfeit and weep... Pronounce "Live and Let Die".

 

[ZzZGuy]

Originally posted by: loki8481
what the hell is wrong with people that they can't just live and let live? after all these years in and out of court, my parents have pretty much decided to throw in the towel and move out of the home they've lived in for like 15 years to get the hell away from these people.

lets see... stupidity, ignorance, lack of empathy, lack of common sense, belief you are always right no matter what and/or everyone else has to do what you say because of this, pleasure at causing problems for others, slight insanity. Just off the top of my head.



The key with these people is to carefully plan your approach, know your rights and theirs, do it all by the book, don't lose your cool and find ways to get legal evidence to back you up.

 

[soonerproud]

I am glad I get along with my neighbors. (We actually like each other and socialize.) I understand your parents did not know the driveway crossed the property line by 1 inch. In fact the law is on their side considering how long the driveway was in existence before anyone complained.

However, your parents had the opportunity to remedy the situation by sucking up the expense and having the driveway fixed by shaving just 2 inches off of it. 2 Inches would not have made a big difference and would have been less expensive than fighting a legal battle. It would not have required the whole driveway being replaced either. (They make equipment that will cut the edge of the driveway.)

I would not move over an inch or a fence. I would just fix the driveway and get over it. The answer is very simple really. Your parents offer to remove 2 inches off the driveway in exchange for the fence being taken down. Having a silly war over an inch is just stupid.

 

[Mucho]

Well, your parents are jerks as well so things evened out.

 

[Gooberlx2]

Originally posted by: soonerproud
I am glad I get along with my neighbors. (We actually like each other and socialize.) I understand your parents did not know the driveway crossed the property line by 1 inch. In fact the law is on their side considering how long the driveway was in existence before anyone complained.

However, your parents had the opportunity to remedy the situation by sucking up the expense and having the driveway fixed by shaving just 2 inches off of it. 2 Inches would not have made a big difference and would have been less expensive than fighting a legal battle. It would not have required the whole driveway being replaced either. (They make equipment that will cut the edge of the driveway.)

I would not move over an inch or a fence. I would just fix the driveway and get over it. The answer is very simple really. Your parents offer to remove 2 inches off the driveway in exchange for the fence being taken down. Having a silly war over an inch is just stupid.

A foot, not an inch. Substantial difference.

 

[Kelemvor]

Most places have laws that if you are using a piece of land that's over your property line for a certain number of years with the neighbors knowing but they don't do anything about it, then it becomes your property. Might want to check with a lawyer about it depending on your location though.

 

[UncleWai]

I just come into this thread to laugh at your family's misfortune.

 

[soonerproud]

Originally posted by: Gooberlx2
A foot, not an inch. Substantial difference.

oops!

I misread the post.

Still, I would remove the foot and be over it. If that was not enough space to park two vehicles, then just park one in the street. It is still silly to fight a war over that issue.