Freak Neighbor - Page 4

Lost Pup · 07-03-07, 04:20

Raised my entire life here in Phila. I can speak firsthand to row house neighbors and surviving these everyday issues. Heck here in Phila we have had people shot over parking spots in the winter months.

Adopt a live and let live policy, I know its hard as your concern for the property and neighborhood is apparent but you will have to adapt. Accept the property line (get it checked if you wish) and move on. You can not change the nature of people. I always smile and greet even neighbors who choose not to be friendly, even my little ones say hello to all.

I would say the first rule is never ever raise your voice, remain calm and let them vent a bit and respond in a reasoned and kind manner.

If it possible as suggested to refocus your garden to just you "new" property as suggested. Add a bed to delineate the property line and add a new focal point on your side. I would consider removing any plants, trees and or shrubs from the joint line to avoid issues and/or contact with the neighbor in the future.

Is the tree in question yours, old growth ? Maybe move it to your side ?

5IVE · 07-03-07, 08:39

In Illinois there is a thing called "Easement by Prescription" it basically means that if you use/cross someone elses property for 20 years with that other person's knowledge, you can legally take that property as your own (kinda like squatting). I would SERIOUSLY look into this for PA. The time of 20 years may be different (i think it's 21), but the concept would be similar. You have been there for 13 years, you can add this time (Tacking on) to the time the previous owner of YOUR home lived there to make up the 21 years (or whatever it may be for PA). If your time and the previous owners time is 21 years, you may have the right to not only use the property in question, but even OWN this property. This would be the best thing ever!!! If this works, you owe Autopia a 45 minute video of your neighbor pouting and shouting at you. If it doesn't work, construct a moat around your line and fill it with paranhas.

http://www.lgc.state.pa.us/deskbook0...Possession.pdf

Changeling · 07-08-07, 02:57

WELL, I wish I could say something positive for you but I am hearing only one side of the equation and that is from you. Once the man buys the house and it's property, it becomes his! That is to do with as he sees fit unless he breaks some law, local/zoning/whatever! This does not include situations which disrupt or become intolerable to other homeowner/landowners because of state/county problems in his/your area.
If you really feel you have a situation that can't be solved by dealing with the individual on a 1 to 1 basis, and it urks you this much, than you need professional help for the problem. Just make dam sure of your property lines (Survey) .
These type of arguments are simple, just ask a "decent" lawyer.

Pats300zx · 07-18-07, 07:48

Just a quick update.

For the past 2 weeks I have been cutting the grass per the survey stakes and in a different direction (diagonal per themightytimmah's suggestion) to completely avoid his property. Yesterday I received a letter from my neighbors attorney. In the letter it states that I have two (2) weeks to remove any plants that I had around trees that were in question or they will be destroyed.

The letter also states that if I trespass on his property that he will be involving local law enforcement.

I really don't know what this guy's problem is but I have just resolved myself to stay on my side of the property, not give this guy the time of day, or any type of personal satisfaction over this.

I even considering putting up a "No Trespassing" sign myself but I feel that it will only continue to inflame the situation.

Setec Astronomy · 07-18-07, 07:56

So how can you remove the plants without trespassing? And why would he want the plants removed? Are they offensive to him? Or only because YOU planted them? This guy really seems like a serious nut-job.

rjstaaf · 07-18-07, 07:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pats300zx

Just a quick update.

For the past 2 weeks I have been cutting the grass per the survey stakes and in a different direction (diagonal per themightytimmah's suggestion) to completely avoid his property. Yesterday I received a letter from my neighbors attorney. In the letter it states that I have two (2) weeks to remove any plants that I had around trees that were in question or they will be destroyed.

The letter also states that if I trespass on his property that he will be involving local law enforcement.

I really don't know what this guy's problem is but I have just resolved myself to stay on my side of the property, not give this guy the time of day, or any type of personal satisfaction over this.

I even considering putting up a "No Trespassing" sign myself but I feel that it will only continue to inflame the situation.

Sounds to me like it is time for a fence, a big one.

awahl63 · 07-18-07, 08:02

Wow this thread has made me extremely mad. Sorry for the troubles Pat. I hope everything works out.

Pats300zx · 07-18-07, 08:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Setec Astronomy

So how can you remove the plants without trespassing? And why would he want the plants removed? Are they offensive to him? Or only because YOU planted them? This guy really seems like a serious nut-job.

Setec Astronomy---yes the plants were planted by me and really are an enchancement to the property. After all of this I would just let him have them cause it makes both of our properties look good. However, if he is going to destroy them then I might as well pull them out and give them to someone that would like them. I am allowed to remove the plants within the next 2 weeks without trespassing per the attorney's letter.

rjstaaf----trust me I would love nothing more to put up a fence. At least I wouldn't have to deal with these 36 inch high stakes along the side of my property that say "PROPERTY LINE". He even went out and bought new pink marker flags for the top when one of the property flags fell off of the stake. The fence would be the best option but its not allowed per condo association bi-laws. Its very frustrating since I have 2 dogs and have to supervise them constantly.

I might have to him cut some of his trees back since technicallyl the branches are coming across my property

I just want to research the law on that first.

BlueZero · 07-18-07, 08:36

Wow, this guy sounds like a serious nut job. That just sucks when something like that happens. Can't people just get along.

Are you involved in the condo association at all? Maybe you can work something out through them to settle the dispute or put up a fence or hedge or something.

Pats300zx · 07-18-07, 08:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueZero

Wow, this guy sounds like a serious nut job. That just sucks when something like that happens. Can't people just get along.

Are you involved in the condo association at all? Maybe you can work something out through them to settle the dispute or put up a fence or hedge or something.

I wish. The condo association is completely worthless. Their only purpose is to collect the annual dues lol. When I called them about the property stakes in the yard I was referred to the township.

rjstaaf · 07-18-07, 08:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pats300zx

rjstaaf----trust me I would love nothing more to put up a fence. At least I wouldn't have to deal with these 36 inch high stakes along the side of my property that say "PROPERTY LINE". He even went out and bought new pink marker flags for the top when one of the property flags fell off of the stake. The fence would be the best option but its not allowed per condo association bi-laws. Its very frustrating since I have 2 dogs and have to supervise them constantly.

By-laws are not always so set in stone. The first thing I would do is go around everywhere on your complex and see if anyone has put up a fence. It might give you some leverage if anyone has. I would also check with the association or whomever is in control about the possibility of getting an exemption to allow you to put up a fence. Generally most associations have an architectural review board. You will have to come up with some kind of sob story about why a fence is so important for you to have. I wouldn't mention anything about your neighbor though, maybe say something about wanting to be able to be outside with your dogs without the fear of them getting away or something to that effect.

AutoCadillac · 07-18-07, 10:00

Wow! That guy is nutty to the extreme.

We did have a neighbor that wanted to trim all the limbs from one of our trees that was overhanging her property becaused she wanted to reduce the amount of leaves that fell in the fall in her yard. I really didn't like it but the tree was in the backyard and pretty much out of sight from the street and she was paying to have it done, so in the name of peace I agreed to let her.

But, your neighbor sounds much wackier than mine and thankfully mine moved.