$10,000,00 a year taxes to look at this every day?
 

Almost $10.000,00 a year in property taxes to look out of my bedroom window and see this every morning.
Like they say you can fix up your house but not your neighbors.
Whats unreal is that when I put in for a zoning variance to add a third garage to my house these where the only people who showed up at the meeting, to claim that I would cause drainage problems. Note: the large hole in the roof at the chimney and no chimney cap. Drainage Problems?? been this way for over a year.

What a country!:usa2:

Report it to the City. Turn about is fair play.

^ lol! I was thinking the same thing!

Some neighbors are idiots. Have had a similar problem with one neighbor.
If code enforcement isn't doing anything you could take some pics & send them to his insurance company. That said I wouldn't take them from your bedroom window.

I had to deal with things like this when I lived "in town". It was a nice neighborhood but always 1 or 2 rental properties that looked like this. I complained to the alderman and the city and the owners got dogged till they fixed up their properties. One owner actually sold their rental and it was bought by a landlord who actually fixed it up.

That's saying a lot when it comes down to that! Little relief for the straight shooter.

PMD1969 - I'm LMFAO!!!

If they were the only one to complain about drainage , maybe you can ask for a study to be done for the drainage & if & when it comes back & says it drains ok then they will have no grounds to complain & you get your 3rd garage. Also can you pay like we do herre even if someone disagrees we can pay for the variance to be able to build anyway. ?? To a city or township money usually talks louder then small complaints. Here we can pay for the variance to go through. When I built my garage I just took the flat drawing to the city & said how much for the building permit, gave them the drawing & the cost to build & when she gave me the price I said how do I make the check out, & wrote it out as she was telling me how much so I didn't give her a chance to say NO. She stamped the drawing & I handed her the check & she gave me the permit. I'm now about 70% building on my property which if I would have asked if I could have built it , I'm sure they would have turned it down. But I didn't ask I just said how much for the permit & wrote the check which didn't give her a chance to think about it or turn it down. After I got the permit the guy next door complained but the girl at the city told him we gave him a permit theres nothing you can do now.

Oh, that's rich!

That's part of living around people. And that's a LOT of taxes to being paying to have houses so close together.

Hopefully he got his garage despite their opposition.

I attended a newly created HOA meeting in a "transitional neighborhood" where I own a property. An old man got up to complain that his neighbor "built a garage as big as his house" and it didn't have a window in it so he couldn't see what's going on in there.
(1) Bullcrap, the garage isn't half the size of the house which is mandated by codes. (2) The neighbor did the wise thing by not allowing some busy-body old man ability to snoop on him minding his own business.

That was some years ago that I went for the variance, I actually won.
The funny thing is that when I turned around and said, "I'm trying to do the job tastefully for the good of the neighborhood, and not build the 1500 sq ft building I'm allowed to build without a variance that would be just 5 ft from your property right outside your back door".
They both shut up and sat down, and they passed my plan and I built my garage.

the way I figure it now is that they must have a pretty bad drainage problem right in the kitchen and bath area :confused:

Was a regular bi level with two car garage,, The third one back with white caddy is the third one added with a bedroom above it. This was ten years ago when I built it.

Here you're allowed to build a fence and height is not controlled (within reason). I see a need for one. :usa2:
Maybe a house shape one with green foliage?

Nice butts! :D

Should of made your garage deeper!:D

you better believe it..thats water front taxes in michigan..jeez..for 10k a year i better be living on about 500 acres....i feel for ya..your neighbors are waayyy too close....

Here you can have a 6ft max hight fence from the front of the house back and 4 ft max hight from front of house forward,
For the good of an ascetically pleasing neighborhood of course,
I would need a 20 ft tall fence. which means another zoning variance:D

We where considering moving but with the house next door looking like it does, we have to wait for some kind of improvements to happen next door or take a loss on the house,,, Not fair!

How much do they want for the house next door? Check the address on Zillow.com and go from there. Maybe it's for sale, or would be for the right price.

ETA: One turn-down does not mean it's done forever. I would hire a local planner-ask a real estate salesperson or your attorney-to present it to the governing body (city council, planning commission, whatever) instead of doing the presentation yourself.

Make sure the planner knows the people on the planning commission or council-a local person will, that's why you're paying them.

When I was on city council I was always more likely to vote approval when a project was presented by someone I knew and had confidence in. For instance, the planner would have anticipated the almost standard complaints by neighbors (traffic, view, and drainage ALWAYS come up-it's ordinary) and would have had counterarguments or perhaps even studies ready to rebut the argument.

In my opinion, they're worth the money. Talk to one and see what it would cost.

i know its a different topic, but I love those year cadys. post some pics up if you would.

X2:jumping:

Photos of the white Biarritz, that was mine, no longer have it, the others where red series 62 conv. was my brothers, and the silver was a elderado seville belonged to my friend. I miss it but don't miss owning it, was far to nice and rare to really enjoy.

As previous mentioned, don't take 1st no for a final answer from City Council

Building and Code Enforcement is touted by the local admin here http://www.townofwarwick.org/departments/building.shtml

Have their own codes and wording included in correspondence to the Town Departments. Suggest you start with the Supervisor's office here http://www.townofwarwick.org/departments/depts.shtml

And follow up within a few weeks, keeping a positive demeanor and cooperative attitude while also subtlety indicate you will not easily go away until the issues are addressed and corrective action taken.

Building & Planning Depts. would also be suggested areas to contact and document personnel who should be involved in code enforcement. Don't forget to verify NY State codes too - again - as the Warwick website claims to comply and enforce those state codes.

The loose siding and exposed building tarpaper certainly may provide a safety hazard in high winds, etc. that is one angle to be used, besides the aesthetics and resale values in your neighborhood. http://ecode360.com/11144245#11144245

"Fire Prevention and Building Code Administration" may offer you more opportunities
http://ecode360.com/11144583

Are your neighbors related to anyone on the local council, building, planning, etc.?

This may turn into a Civil Court matter where you have to appear face-to-face against your neighbors. Is it worth that? Will it potentially escalate into a more serious adverse relationship right outside your bedroom windows (for example)?

Don't loose your cool. Play it smart, be patient. Document each and every person you speak to; Name, Title, Contact info, Date, Time, Discussion.

Nice Caddy's!

Interestingly the only problem with neighbors I have ever had was with my first house that was not too far from you In West Milford NJ. Must be something in the water up there. Good luck!

On one side they complain about the shade & leaves from my huge 100++ year old tree in my front yard, if anyone's dog barks...even one bark, they leave notes on their door....friggin morons:censored:

On the other side they didn't cooperate when I was building my garage. They wouldn't make the calls to get their phone line moved that cut across my back yard and their fence was built way over on my side. They would not show me their lot survey. I found out about the fence when the measurements didn't ad up, I was suppose to have 3 feet to spare according to my lot measurements, enough for my mower to get through and it doesn't.
I'm not one to bitch so I just left it alone, but if they ever do a new fence it WILL be moved over.
After the 0 cooperation I didn't bother asking any approval or input, I just built it as big and high as I could:D

You might want to check your local laws regarding "adverse possession" before you ignore the fence issue for too long.

That's what I was going to say - you let that go on too long, and it's their property now.

Indeed :eek:

Searched "adverse possession laws in winnipeg manitoba" for these results

http://www.uo2000.com/mortgage/adverse_possession.htm

http://www.mycanadianrealestatelaw.com/rightsofway.html

http://www.canequity.com/library/glo...possession.php

http://www.duhaime.org/LegalResource...law-cases.aspx

Interesting stuff...I'll look into it, thanks guys.
The home owners who I asked to see their lot survey (3 times) moved last year, there's a new young couple in there now, they seem normal (ie not A-holes) so we'll sort it out.

Just a thought Bon Jovi lives in NY and he put in a bee farm he pays no taxes because of this, don't know all the details I caught part of it on tv its legal. Nice Caddies.

Take Care Gregg

LOL! Was going to say this...

K

Here's the view of my neighbor's property from my garage door -

K

Those Pontiac parts are beautiful.

Wow, What a nice view, Maybe I have something to be thankful for. At least you don't have to go far when shopping for parts.
What bothers me most about my neighbor is he is a CPA with no kids, can afford to fix his house but is saving his money at my expense.

There are similar laws here, I forget what its called, people try to act on it and think that if they (use) someone else's property for a time it becomes theres.
But in reality it covers very specific circumstances, and involves major things like right of way,or access to something you own. Its not the Wild West anymore.
But Here you are required to get a property survey every time a property changes hands, If something is an issue the surrounding neighbors would be asked to sign off on it.
When I purchased my property there was a guy up on the hill who planted a tree line 10 ft over on my side. My attorney made him sign a paper that said he had no interest in the property and understood it did not belong to him.

my thought also

:heh:

Perfect examples of why most financial institutions require a new survey and title search prior to release of funding for property purchases.

Funny you talk about that. Where I live there was an old run down single wide trailer on a small piece of property in front of a large wooded area. A wealthy individual bought the large wooded property, cleared it out and built a very large home, horse barn, tennis courts, pools, and a huge garage on the property. This property overlooked the run down single wide. Within 2 years, the single wide was hauled off and a very nice brick house was built on the property. The same cars that were in front of the single wide are still there but now parked on the driveway in front of the nice brick home. I have to think that the very wealthy individual got so tired of looking at the single wide, I have to believe he asked the guy if he could build him a nice brick home.

You may consider complaining about the fence to the local board because if you leave it to long the property will become theres by way of use. I know there is a proper trem for it but if you don't make them move it it will become there property line & you won't be able to move the fence to the correct placement if you don't force them to move it now. I'd make them move it NOW. Because the longer it stays the harder it will be to make them move it to the proper placement.

Are you looking for advice or just amazed? Thats been that way for years with people living in it?

From that picture of the house I would say best advice would be the Zoning Dept. as you are clearly in a area that has strict zoning laws.

That is not an acceptable house in any neighborhood. It just isn't allowed by zoning or building codes, and should be fined or condemned by the city.


"Property Condition
In order for any city or municipality to remove a property from private custody, that property must be considered a blight. In other words, the city must provide substantial evidence that the property is in severe disrepair and is causing values in a neighborhood to fall. If a court finds in favor of the city, ruling that a property is a blight, the city can invoke the right of eminent domain and claim the rights to the property. If the owner can be located, compensation for the property must be made, but if the owner is not able to be located, the city can take possession of the property."

If its recent storm damage as it really appears to be, then it is probably an insurance claim waiting to be settled or repaired, good luck.

Or you can discussed with the neighbor. Say that they need to start fixing the place up or it will get worse as moisture/mold will destroy the entire house. Drainage is their least concern as water from shingle failure, and open holes or whatever that chimney is. Not to mention expose sheathing boards is not a weather barrier at all...

what is the story behind missing siding? unfinished work or torn down wind damage? how long that way? Reason I ask is rest of that property looks maintained, mowed, weeds don't appear bad..... if it is some damage, maybe invite neighbor for a beverage and maybe even offer advice / help on repair. maybe mend the drainage issue rift. maybe they showed up out of real concern on drainage and wanted to hear views on impacts. sounds like just kind of a festering thing.... probably not fixable like much of that stuff is, but you never know.

I have a neighbor issue also, cars parked all over back yard, front yard, keep hoping the young guy will grow up..... thought of checking code on that... seen too many neighbor things get out of hand, best to endure the minor, make a stand on the major.... drives you whacky..... winter aggravation for me is neighbors that don't shovel snow from sidewalks (Montana here). I have the local editor of the local small town rag across my street. he writes editorial section opinions on how we all should live in our valley, and he is a lazy whack job himself who never does his sidewalk! with a mail order bride to boot! gotta love neighbors!

re the fence thing, if you can't find prop corner pin, borrow or rent a pin locator, they often are buried a couple inches down. If no pin, you will need one set for any fence discussion. usually pretty cheap if other pins in vicinity to pull off of for an RLS.

(quote ) If its recent storm damage as it really appears to be, then it is probably an insurance claim waiting to be settled or repaired, good luck.(quote)

They bought the house at the same time we bought ours, 17 years ago. Ironically my house was an empty dump and his was beautiful. They went in the house and never come out to see what the house even looks like. He pays a guy to mow and the guy had to pick up the siding each time a pc falls so he can mow, its all piled up in front of the house near a window for a year and a half.
We do not talk to them, But when they first moved in they told us that they got a discount on the house to help pay for the loose siding on the house. :eek:17 freakin years ago !! The same barbQ on the back porch has not been uncovered for 17 years. there are garden hoses in the same place. for,,Did I mention 17 years? that they mow around. The front gutter is hanging off the house,and the storm windows have been open and or missing, for you guessed it 17 freakin years! the inside of the house must be damaged, moldy, stinky and very unhealthy. Wouldn't be my business if it wasn't dragging my neighborhood down. I think the guy is just a money hoarder.

I would expect there is some physical or mental condition that has led them to that. You may want to get in touch with a local Scouting or church group to see if they could help. They could spend a couple of days and clean the place up for the people.

Making a couple of calls concerned about their condition will likely get you further than complaining about your taxes & view.

I have always been very good at recognizing a distress situation, This is not one of them.
Healthy, young , Certified Public accountant, member of the Chamber of Commerce . Well educated, well spoken . In ways he is probably a lot smarter than the rest of the neighbors, Watching us pay for improvements so he can sell a crappy house in a nice neighborhood and walk away with a smile.
No kidding his hobby is money, Getting it counting it and keeping it.
I just think its unfair that towns have laws to keep me from doing things. Yet in reality in a situation like this ,if you act in some way it is usually slow and drawn out and you just end up with spite and an angry neighbor.
There was actually a photo of the guy in a local paper of him holding a pile of money and the heading said ( The Millionaire Next Door) No kidding.

Anyway thanks for all the feedback it was funny and fun,
Bottom line is there are many of us who consider others, But unfortunately there are some who don't. I will just look forward to the day I see a moving truck and a large dumpster so I won't have to deduct $25.000 from my house to sell it.
Thanks again for the fun all over comments:D

If the neighbors own you can try a raft of things:

Call building and zoning Dept. See if they will make them make the repairs for the safety of occupants and neighbors. Obviously many code violations

Health Dept. and express similar concerns.

Social Services. With all the taxes you are paying maybe the Govt. will cough up some money for the poor people to get their house fixed or bring in their own housing improvement entity to do the repairs with taxpayer money. Regardless of your feelings about this, the $ is already there. Might as well do some good.

Think about it, the municipality would be motivated to get the property value up so they can collect more taxes. There are tons of programs with public money to facilitate this. If you go to the Govt. with a good attitude and spinning it as though it will be to THEIR advantage to do it, you may be surprised at what happens. Talking to a private consultant before hand can give you a few good tips on the way it can be presented to be more likely to get the locality to participate. Builders will help you find this person.

When you get it resolved, the way it changes your life is well worth it believe me. I spent 6 years trying to get worthless meth heads extracted. Night and day difference in daily life.

Edit: Somehow missed the last post of this. Might help somebody else though.

What are you complaining about I see Pontiac Parts in that junk yard. I know how you feel I have a Cuban that lives behind me and he still has the raft he came over in displayed in his yard.

Wow, 17 years of that is amazing for those untouchables in your backyard!

I see your point and his to a some extent (a real sickness or ego issue). But, the fact that a family lives there is at their own health risks.

This is probably a case of full ownership and no homeowners insurance? Now a land value thing that drives them to hang on....

I could see it being a "I like the money" hoarder as it fits the way its unfolding.

Been in some "hoarders without money" homes and nothing will surprise a person who sees this with eyes and nose. People are adaptable is all I can say.

I think it's a case of them not having to look at that side of the house.