Obnoxious neighbors....

[Kaleigh]

Live on a private street, they moved in thinking they could run a business... Our street put a quick halt to that.... I had to go in front of the board of comissioners, as I was voted to speak on behalf of the street, since we live right across from them...

I nailed it, had pics, slam dunk.. They moved the business out of the house and we got our quiet street back. This was a few years ago..


Fast forward... They put spot lighting on trees next to OUR fence, trees are on their side... BUT the lighting makes us all lit up.

DH emailed the husband.. The husband said, sure, no prob will take care of it...


I called them tonight, saying guys, it's 11:30 and the lights are shining in my house...

I said, I don't want to be a B**** but can we at least agree to turn the lights off at 11:00?? And please turn the spot lights way away from our house??

She said fine, she's call the electrician tomorrow.... I said this is intrusive, as the lights are right up to our house.... The fence is very close to our house. I would never do this to them.. Or anyone..

I also said, I have to close the bedroom door as the lights shine into the bedroom, against our really pretty palladium window..

Does she not get it?? Is she soooooo rude?? I would never do that...

I don't want to use the card of yeah I am sick, and don't need this stress.

It's 12:09 and lights are shining bright...


I am so over fighting people with no manners....

I am going to start being a huge B!!!!!

 

[Hera]

Depending on where you live look up Light Pollution laws. I had a similar problem in with my back yard that backs up to the back of an apartment complex. I went out one night and ended up with a huge spotlight that lit up the backyard and the den of my house. I called them several times and they tried adjusting it and it never got successfully handled. One day I called and they told me they wouldn't do anything because it wasn't in the budget and it was too much to fix. One day I was in a bad mood and I called them with title numbers, notifying that I was going to call the County over it and by 11:00 am the next morning, it was fixed Hopefully you have something like that in your county.

ETA: In my area, I think you can report them anonymously and they will be fined if they don't comply

 

[monarch64]

Oh man...that SUCKS! Kaleigh, can you ask them to at least point the lights upward a bit so they don't hit your bedroom window, or whatever window it is that they are pointed at? Jeez, that's ridiculous.

I know there are stipulations going on...but can you as a 2nd resort invite them over at a later hour and get them outside somehow so they can see that their lights are invasive? I'm sure you've already thought of this.

If all of the necessary moves have been made, then I think it's time to consult your attorney and to look at the city ordinances pertaining to light/noise issues. I am so sorry you're dealing with this.

What exactly are they trying to illuminate? Surely it isn't a question of security? Just curious.

 

[Kaleigh]

They want to illuminate the trees... No not a security thing... More like wow, arent we grand kind of thing??? Oh I am all riled up and won't get to sleep for a while. I hate getting upset, it's not doing me any good... GRRRRRR.

Hubby isn't here, so am trying to manage best as I can...Trying to be nice....

NO they do not need to come here at night and see how lit up we are, it's pretty obvious....

I want to sneak out and unscrew the light bulb to the one tree, but think I might get a shock!!!!!

She said she would talk to the electrician so will give her a day or two....

I just hate how rude people can be.... Like how can anyone be like this??


So beyond my realm...

 

[Hera]

When I was going through my situation, I constantly thought about bb guns

 

[Kaleigh]

When I was going through my situation, I constantly thought about bb guns

Trust me, have thought about that, and my grandfather left me with quite a few... I could always say woops, was shooting at the deer... We have 5 deer that come through here each day, and that's why my grandfather even had a BB gun, he was like get the heck away from my plants and bushes... BUT I love the deer ( shhhhhh) I am such a softie!!!

SDL, thanks sugar.. You can stick them with what ever you like. Lemons sound good, LOL!!!!!!

 

[monarch64]

Bb guns...or grenades. Where the heck is Karl when you need him? Honeymoon be damned!

Kaleigh, I implore you to call the police and cite that there is a visual destruction. At least you can document this particular circumstance.

 

[Dancing Fire]

They want to illuminate the trees... No not a security thing... More like wow, arent we grand kind of thing??? Oh I am all riled up and won't get to sleep for a while. I hate getting upset, it's not doing me any good... GRRRRRR.

Hubby isn't here, so am trying to manage best as I can...Trying to be nice....

NO they do not need to come here at night and see how lit up we are, it's pretty obvious....

I want to sneak out and unscrew the light bulb to the one tree, but think I might get a shock!!!!!

She said she would talk to the electrician so will give her a day or two....

I just hate how rude people can be.... Like how can anyone be like this??


So beyond my realm...

had the same problem with one of our neighbor but my B.B. gun took care of the problem...

 

[monarch64]

idk...I never lived close enough to deal with what you're going through! Our closest neighbors were seriously shots away! So, I would wait until morning (Wednesday), and approach this neighbor with (honestly) COOKIES, and say this:

hello, miss so and so. We're so happy to have you in the neighborhood. I would love to make y our acquaintance btw here are some COOKIES. However, I found it so strange that last night there were lights shining into my husbands' and my bedroom that made it very hard for us to sleep/and also to have adult activities. Would you care to elaborate as to why you feel the need to illuminate the neighborhood? We are so concerned. If this doesn't stop, we feel that we will have to alert the authorities. Thanks!

 

[luv2sparkle]

I was thinking bb gun too. However, in doing so you could really start a feud that could get even uglier. Nasty nasty neighbors. I
could think of all kinds of horrible things to do to them. I wouldn't feel at all bad about unscrewing the light bulbs though. So sorry
you have to go through this Kaleigh!

 

[soocool]

I wish I could poke your neighbor in the eyeball with lemon. I detest people like that. Loser. I'm sorry pookie.. ♥

Ditto! Some neighbors are such jerks. But I have to say I love my immediate neighbors. They never do anything without asking us if it would be a problem and we do the same. They have been here over 50 years and I hope they stay here at least another 10 or 15.

 

[atroop711]

that's horrible. I hope the BUY A CLUE and some MANNERS while they're at it!

 

[Loves Vintage]

Kaleigh - Grrrr! I hate those types of lights, in general. Everyone else is out there buying energy saving bulbs, and then some people are uplighting their homes and now, I guess, trees too! It is so strange to me. It can really ruin the vibe of a neighborhood too. We don't have street lights where I live, and no one keeps their lights on at night. I'm all for blaringly bright security lights, but I would be really annoyed if someone uplit their home on my street.

Anyway, at first, I thought maybe this lady is really clueless. Maybe the lights are on a timer, and she doesn't know how to turn the lights off, which is why she is calling the electrician?? But, it seems maybe she needs the electrician to re-direct some of the lights. Sounds like the electrician is a dumb*** too! He should be advising the homeowner not to direct lights into someone else's windows!!

Since it sounds like a few days before this gets corrected, I highly recommend an eye mask if you can pick one up, for your peace of mind. Let your DH deal with these people via e-mail if possible. It is totally not worth the stress for you if you can manage to avoid it.

 

[doodle]

Wait until Christmas, bust a Griswold, and retaliate with something like this:


Sorry, I just couldn't resist! Hopefully, they'll get their act together soon. Have they never heard of conserving energy? Gah!

 

[dragonfly411]

Wait until Christmas, bust a Griswold, and retaliate with something like this:


Sorry, I just couldn't resist! Hopefully, they'll get their act together soon. Have they never heard of conserving energy? Gah!

BAHAHAHAHA

 

[Steel]

I have seen the half-joking replys about the BB gun and I am not joking. Do it. They have to prove it was you.

Don't apply your good morals and values to these people, they certainly don't respect you.

However if you fear escalation, can you get a handyman in to extend the height of your fence?

 

[Haven]

Kaleigh--Your neighbors sound awful. I am so sorry.

I have no good advice. Just hugs and hope that they'll knock it off. And if not, I'm all for breaking out the BB guns.

 

[Matata]

Kaleigh,

BB gun + straight aim = no more lights

 

[lyra]

No to the bb gun! Geez. I am curious as to why it takes an electrician to turn off a light switch though.

 

[Liane]

I have seen the half-joking replys about the BB gun and I am not joking. Do it. They have to prove it was you.

In a situation where there's an ongoing dispute and an obvious motive, this wouldn't exactly be hard to prove.

I know it must be incredibly annoying and it's fun to vent, but actually doing this would be a terrible idea (not that I think there's much risk of you carrying through!).

/lawyer hat.

 

[smitcompton]

Hi ,

Someone did mention something important. The lights should be on a timer. Perhaps you could write her another e-mail suggesting that. Give her a little talk on conservation. Sorry you have to go thru this.
i don't know what is wrong with you but i do firmly believe that stress can make things worse. You must get your rest. MUST.
Tell her. Sickness is not a card.

Annette

 

[Steel]

I have seen the half-joking replys about the BB gun and I am not joking. Do it. They have to prove it was you.

In a situation where there's an ongoing dispute and an obvious motive, this wouldn't exactly be hard to prove.

I know it must be incredibly annoying and it's fun to vent, but actually doing this would be a terrible idea (not that I think there's much risk of you carrying through!).

/lawyer hat.

Assuming criminal charges would be brought then the local PD would have to seek proof beyond a reasonable doubt - they would have to put some effort into this and IMHO it is far more likely they call it as a civil issue. IF the the creepy neighbours are bothered to sue, sure based on the history and e-mail they could secure damages based on the balance of probabilities. But what would they get really? More to the point Lisa would have proven her status as a hard a$$ to the neighbour. Facts are, these people have had their business curtailed and their next door neighbour was the leader of the pack. This light is not a coincidence; they have not overlooked the impact to her. In all probability they have done it simply to pi$$ her off and it is working a treat. I used to believe in the law - trust me on that. But no more. Some people are so lacking in scruples that to work within the system plays to their advantage and I don't believe in victimisation. Sometimes when somebody hits you, you hit back.

Another option occured to me: Put up your own spotlight. When theirs goes on, so does yours. Aim it just right and the message will get through- this way nobody calls the police. Fire with fire.

 

[Liane]

I work in criminal law, so I'm familiar with the standards of proof and, unfortunately, also with the extremes that some of these grudges can turn into. Honestly, the neighbor vendetta cases involved more venom and hate than most of the murder cases I've worked on (although one of them later turned into a murder case, for whatever that's worth). Vandalism, assault (of the catfight/street fight variety), and pet theft are extremely common.

Right now in Philly there's a case making headlines because a woman found a stolen husky on her porch that had been chopped in half, beheaded, and had its two front paws cut off. It wasn't her dog, and the crime is still being investigated, but the current leading theory is that horrific act was probably committed by a former neighbor with whom she was on bad terms.

I doubt either the OP or her neighbor are anything like the people I typically see at my job, and I also doubt this situation will get anywhere near that crazy... but you can never say for sure, and there's no reason to escalate if it's at all possible to resolve the issue without shooting the offending neighbor's lights out. Especially if the OP is sick, as seems to be the case, I'm sure she doesn't need the extra stress.

(also, my observation is that these cases tend to become criminal matters rather than civil ones because it is cheaper and easier -- and, sometimes, necessary -- to call the cops in the heat of the moment than to go through the comparatively expensive and time-consuming process of filing a civil suit. But by definition I only see the ones that turn into criminal cases, so take that limited perspective for what it's worth.)

 

[Kaleigh]

Thanks guys!!!

The trees that are uplighted, or whatever the term is ARE on a timer. I was asking her two things.

1) that the tree closest to us, turn off at 11:00 That's reasonable right?? Right now they turn off around 1:30 AM

and

2) that the spot light on this tree be directed away from shining on US....


This is a woman who lied under oath infront of a judge when she ran a business out of her house. I proved her wrong, and put her to shame.

The whole street hates her, and hired a lawyer to stop her from having a business out of her house....

She would hold shows at her house, the traffic on our private street was rediculous and people's driveways were blocked, as were mail boxes and fire hydrants...

ALL of this I brought up in court... And thank god I had dated pics.....

MR. Kaleigh hates her and will not speak to her. He doesn't care for the husband either, but will email him, so that's what he did at the beginning of this, and the husband said they would have the spot light turned away from shining on our house..

Is it 5 oclock yet???

 

[dragonfly411]

I would recommend reporting them for disturbing the peace. They are disturbing your sleep by aiming their lights into your house. They can illuminate their stupid trees without aiming things into your house and they need to apply a timer. Who is really sitting up at 11:00 PM to look at their trees? WHO??!!

 

[Steel]

I work in criminal law, so I'm familiar with the standards of proof and, unfortunately, also with the extremes that some of these grudges can turn into. Honestly, the neighbor vendetta cases involved more venom and hate than most of the murder cases I've worked on (although one of them later turned into a murder case, for whatever that's worth). Vandalism, assault (of the catfight/street fight variety), and pet theft are extremely common.

Right now in Philly there's a case making headlines because a woman found a stolen husky on her porch that had been chopped in half, beheaded, and had its two front paws cut off. It wasn't her dog, and the crime is still being investigated, but the current leading theory is that horrific act was probably committed by a former neighbor with whom she was on bad terms.

I doubt either the OP or her neighbor are anything like the people I typically see at my job, and I also doubt this situation will get anywhere near that crazy... but you can never say for sure, and there's no reason to escalate if it's at all possible to resolve the issue without shooting the offending neighbor's lights out. Especially if the OP is sick, as seems to be the case, I'm sure she doesn't need the extra stress.

(also, my observation is that these cases tend to become criminal matters rather than civil ones because it is cheaper and easier -- and, sometimes, necessary -- to call the cops in the heat of the moment than to go through the comparatively expensive and time-consuming process of filing a civil suit. But by definition I only see the ones that turn into criminal cases, so take that limited perspective for what it's worth.)

Nobody is this crazy because of escalation; they were crazy to start with. IMO it is rare that nice people do thoughtless things and once pointed out, refuse to amend thoughtless behaviour. It is the crazies that behave badly and continuously. I completely agree that shooting out the light is not the 'right' thing to do and I doubt she would even consider it. But evil will prevail when good men do nothing.

 

[Kaleigh]

I called one of my neighbor's who is a dear one. Have known her since I was little. I grew up with her kids, spent a ton of time with her daughter who was in my class and on the same gymnastic team...


She is a very successful realtor. I figured she'd know the protocol, the laws and what kind of rights I have...

She hates that this neighbor did this, said she would take this on for me.... I said gosh hate to put you in that position.


She said LOOK I was away when you defended our street. She said she wished she would have been here to back me up.

YOU testified with pics, and were so elequent. You gave us our street back.


Then she said please let me deal with this for you. I said sounds great....

Love her!!!!

And she's a tough lady, my neighbor won't stand a chance against her!!!!

 

[Steel]

I'm delighted to hear that and I am sorry about my ranting.

 

[princesss]

I'm so glad your friend is stepping in to help with this. (And seriously, what a bizarre thing to do. Light up your tree until 1:30? Who comes up with this junk???)

 

[Kaleigh]

I don't know how her kids get any sleep. She has 4 kids, and the place is lit up even more next to her house... The only problem is the tree that is soooo close to me...

She has a Nanny, who she works to the bone... Feel terrible for her...

And have been known to leave their gorgeous golden retriever out in the cold when they leave to go out at night... Yes I have called the police about that too. Hearing poor Sadie howl is too much for me. Sadie is a rescue, nice thought, but wrong family for sure....