My New, (None Welcome) Neighbors...

[chefcraig]

Since 1968, my family has resided in a town in Southern Florida known as "Plantation". The area's main employers are Motorola, built in 1971 (since downsized) and American Express, built in 1976. It had a predominantly middle class neighborhood, until recently.

Last month, my dear neighbors of seven years, a typical young family of two parents and two young daughters where forced to move due to a change in venue of the husband's employment. We were sad to see them leave, as we had developed a strong friendship with them, and in times of my abscence they helped out my mother, who was often alone after her eldest son and her husband has both passed on recently.

The new neighbors arrived 3 weeks ago. Three (yes three ) families of varying size and structure share the same house. One of the group repairs cars in the garage. This is not allowed by public zoning laws, yet bylaws (or common sense) seem to matter little to these, uh...people. Apparently in the area these folk used to live, it was accepted that when one runs out of garbage bags, one should simply throw one's collected trash in the front yard. This includes items from the car repair business, such as old tires, auto parts ect. along with other household items.

Upon their first arrival, my mom baked some cookies and went over to introduce herself and welcome the new "culturally diverse" folk to the neighborhood. She was met with outright hostility from some of the younger members of the tribe, err...family currently there. I myself went over one afternoon with the same "welcome to the neighborhood" intentions, and was greeted with the same suspicion and hostility, apparently thrust upon me for the unpardonable sin of being a white guy.

The new folk have a keen interest in basketball, which they play in the front yard most evenings (accompanied by loud rap music) until around 1 a.m. or later. This noise is then replaced by the metallic sounds from the car repair industry thriving in the garage.

My dear friend Top Timi stopped by yesterday, and can attest to the condition of the unmowed lawn and the garbage piled in it, clearly visible in their front yard. The city has dropped by with notices several times, yet no action has been taken as of this date.

I look forward to the diminishing property values to be brought forth by people who apparently have no respect for themselves. I'll also regret moving, after having lived here for so long. Yet apparently this is the future. Several other houses on our long street have recently sprouted up as being for sale.

It's truly a shame that folk cannot be tested for character (or the lack of it)before moving into a residence. At last I truly understand the impact of the statement "There goes the neighborhood". I have no use for folk, which goes far against my nature as a typical, liberal minded white guy. Maybe I should be more accepting as a neighbor, yet please...do not piss on my back (or in my front yard) and claim that it is merely raining.

...craig

[lal5150]

chef, im surprised that the city of plantation has not cracked on your noisy and pitiful neighbors . i have friends who live in the area just west of commercial blvd and it seems when ever we got together for family events or whatever .the first sound of loud music or noise the police were showing up for a complaint. looking to close the party down.


leave to the realtor to bring in any family , just for the sake of making a buck.

[fast98dodge]

There's ways of making them wanna leave... Be creative...

[smithjc]

And legal of course.

Sounds like the city is dropping the ball in not enforcing some rules on these "folks" there. That's a darn shame that one family or whatever they are, have the ability to do whatever they want including disturbing the peace.

For some reason I'm thinking about Vic and Ramona now.

[wham bam will rock]

Hey man.

Crank up the Ugly Kid Joe song 'Neighbor' and remember.....



...stereotypes exist for a reason

[Jimmy is Cool]

Does anyone watch South Park?

[billy007]

Befriend them, get invited in...then use their facilities and flush a sock (acquired covertly from their belongings) down the toilet.

[evans5150]

If they are up all night then they must sleep during the day. You should mow your lawn PROMPTLY at 8am EVERY morning. If they complain...tell them you have "overactive lawn growthitis". And while you're mowing the lawn, (this may pain you just as much...but sometimes you must sacrafice for the good of the cause) you should BLAST some country music. Really BAD country music like Tim McGraw or someone else that sucks. Do that for a few hours in the morning. That might help.

evans5150

[cokemach1]

I've got a similar situation. Not quite as bad as yours though. I feel bad for your Mom. Nobody's Mom deserves that. Makes me think of MULTIPLE evil things to do to the "neighbors".

I hate to say it, but don't hold your breath on the city. I'm sure they will use excuses that they have other issues at hand.

Not to mention, um, if anyone pulls a certain, um, uh, "card" shall we say, the city won't touch them.

It sucks. Sorry I'm of no good information or news. My wife always tells me how "uplifting" I am.

"F" THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME!!!

[Rocket]

Write a very courteous e-mail to the mayor as well as the city council. It should outline the blatant disregards for the cty rules as well as your concern for property values and maintaing the integrity of the neighborhood. By the way, neighborhood integrity has NOTHING to do with race and I would strongly avoid ever briging this up publicly as a civil rights suit would be coming your way very fast.

The city has a vested interest in keeping the value and charector of the community developing. The city board members probably live on the next block and by way of employment have to stick it out as well.

DO NOT make this a war of who's stereo is louder as you show intent to cause harm and they just don't have good manners.

The city will enforce it if you make your claim in a professional and courteous manner.

You may end up moving, but if you do the right thing and make a stand, you just may be the one person who can make a change for the better. Be that person!

[Phatie]

Chef,

They are probably running a speed lab and a chop shop. Don't just sit there and sulk about the quality of life going down the crapper! Put the public street under video surveillance, and call the cops a lot complaining of the smell of marijuana, street racing, breaking glass, screaming, music noise and menacing crowds. The house also may be over exceeded limits for occupancy. Organize an HOA that patrols for overgrown yards, trash, odors, music and thugery. Declare outright war on litter, public urination, rap music, and Mexican polka. Find out their full names and birthdays and run background checks to alert the authorities in the case of illegal immigration status, or warrants. .....or make a few hundred enchiladas, get some baggie pants that hang around your knees, buy a keg of tecate, and spit some spanish rap over there to fit in.

Try this,
"Bienvenido. ¡Tome por favor su basura, o lanzaré los cocodrilos! ¡Gracias!"

Ph@

[InTheBeginning]

Better yet,

Hey Jollyman neighbo', kin ya' keep yo' beat waaay down? Why gots'ta ya' wo'k on yo' cars so's late at night. Man!

Bring over some greens and a new basketball!

[the_atomic_punks_rule]

Well its good to see the South is alive and well...lol

[the_atomic_punks_rule]

Does anyone watch South Park?

Great episide...was my fave, but now mine is Scott Tenorman must die...

[Jimmy is Cool]

Great episide...was my fave, but now mine is Scott Tenorman must die...

I was waiting for someone to get that. And Chef, I think you should tell your neighbors that it is "time to leave!"