Noxious Neighbor Help
Our neighbor seems to be developing a car repair business, in his driveway, which involves cars idling for long periods and the exhaust wafting into our home. We have told him on numerous occasions that the idling cars are causing us discomfort, and sometimes he responds in the short run by turning off the car….
Our neighbor seems to be developing a car repair business, in his driveway, which involves cars idling for long periods and the exhaust wafting into our home. We have told him on numerous occasions that the idling cars are causing us discomfort, and sometimes he responds in the short run by turning off the car. But our concerns have no lasting effect on him because obviously this is how he is supplementing his income (in addition to the illegal basement apartment and the questionable daycare business, but I digress). Yes, of course, we should call 311, but I’m aware of the downsides of outing your neighbor, plus I’m skeptical that there would be any enforcement. So, any other suggestions?
If the co detector was tied to Op’s home security system, someone in Arkansas will call the fire dept every hour or so until the air is clear.
The Op can then breath fresh air and blame the insurance company if asked. Done deal.
Um… what are you smoking?
OP is asking for concrete advice not philosophical platitudes. To see moral equivalency in every conflict is intellectually lazy and cowardly.
Modsquad, perhaps I’m being unclear, but I think I’m making a straightforward point about how to get what you want without creating a conflict.
Haven’t you ever found an employee that’s not working out a job that’s better fit instead of firing them? Or offered someone a plastic bag so that they could pick up their dog shit?
There are a million ways to help people do what you want them to do instead of engage in a conflict. In this scenario, it’s a good idea to try this strategy because it sucks to fight with neighbors, and because it will work better. It’s easy to dislike someone who’s being sensitive about your livelihood. But it’s hard to dislike someone who’s helping you.
Cars are the worst part of living in Brooklyn. The borough seems to be filled with rude, dangerous, menacing obnoxious drivers who idle their cars (mostly SUV’s) and consider it their right to be jerks. If the person who is complaining has a car, they should first get rid of theirs to collectively help the air I’M breathing (I don’t care what you say, you don’t need a car in Brooklyn, it’s just a 2000 lb piece of fiberglass luxury), then call 311 and have the inconsiderate polluter shut down. If they don’t own a car, good thing.
What are you smoking vanburenproud?
And to clarify further, my point is a rhetorical one. It’s not persuasive to talk to someone who’s fixing cars in their driveway for money about your comfort. It creates a very stupid conflict in his mind: you’re threatening his *livelihood* because you are *uncomfortable*?
He’s not uncomfortable, and he’s closer to the fumes than you are. Who wouldn’t respond to that with some version of “f*** you?”
In order to be persuasive, you have to figure out how to align your approach with his interests. This is about money for him. The fines are money. Getting shut down means no more money. The fact that what he’s doing is illegal threatens him. You shouldn’t be threatening him because he’s already got troubles! You should be figuring out how to help him in a way that also gets him to stop idling cars in your driveway. You can fake help him (ie, help him “avoid a fine” by telling him that you saw the cops when you didn’t) or help him for real (ie, help his wife make her business legal and/or profitable)…
…but the bottom line is that people hear you better if you are helping them.
Hilarious pickup on my error, modsquad. Apologies… I meant CO meter.
also in most areas a car repair business violates the zoning law….check with you community planning board. They should be able to help you. This problem pops up every once in a while in almost every neighborhood. Our block had one until the community affairs officer from the local PD precinct stopped by and told them to stop…. and they did.
The fine for over 3 minute idling is up to $250 or more and is a high priority for NYC(the money and stopping it). Again call 311.