I need advice, too (another crazy neighbor post) --sorry so long!

[rhondapiper]

Ugh, I feel your pain.

I had a family like that behind me in my last house. I moved.

I called the police constantly about the 10-15 children screaming in my backyard at all hours of the night while their parents sat on the deck and smoked pot, but no one ever did a thing. I couldn't go outside because it was so loud, I couldn't read or study inside unless I wore earplugs, even with the windows shut, and I couldn't let my dog out to pee without first yelling like a maniac until all the kids cleared out of my yard. I never had people over because these people were such a disturbance, and I felt trapped inside my house.

Awful.

I agree with all the suggestions of CPS, contacting the landlord until he is as annoyed as you are, and telling the kids and the parent no swimming is allowed.

 

[klf73]

I didn't read all the posts....but when we had a neighbor problem a few years ago we were told we could sue the homeowner....not sure how it would work but we were told to tell her about everything and the harrassment that was going on (and yes, I would call what you are going through harrassment), we talked to her but she was already trying to evict him

. I don't know the laws where you are but it's worth a shot, sometimes it just opens the homeowners eyes a little bit more....

 

[Boyd]

You've gotten a lot of good advice here. But the cops won't even come out anymore? What?

Even out here in the sticks the cops enforce a curfew. I would be madder than a wet hen if they were too busy to help. They are here to serve and protect right?

I would contact your city counsel or mayor and ask for some time to discuss the problem. I would even bring up that the cops are aware of the problem, and people are leaving the area because nobody on the city's payroll is helping.... If they don't want to help, why are you paying taxes to them right?

I would have your Husband Jerry walk over there everytime he was woke up, and have the parents come to the door and explain to them that the kids are a menace. Lock them up.

You may be painting a big target on your back by doing this, but darn it, this is your home and your piece of mind. Tell the Clampetts to stay away

PS, if none of the above work, look up your area by wikipedia. Here's what I came up with for mine..... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaines,_Michigan

it gives names of senators, county commisioners, state reps etc. Make enough noise and something will be done!

 

[shawnkfl]

i have a neighbor like this. all of on the street kept calling the police dept to shut them up at night. the cops would leave, and the noise would start back up. i called again and said that if they can't stop it, i will myself! not much noise after that. the cops actually cruise through now and listen for them!

 

[HobokenChickenEmergency]

Thanks for all the advice, everybody!

I ruled out calling CPS, because I know what it's like dealing with them. Someone called on us last summer (I think it was Shirley, actually), and it was terrifying. Nothing came of it obviously, but I've heard a lot of horror stories of kids being taken away for no reason -- true or not, it's a scary thought. As long as they feed, clothe, shelter and LOVE their kids....well, I guess they can constitutionally raise them to be irresponsible dolts if they want. I wouldn't wish a rabid social worker on my worst enemy.

***No offense intended to NON-rabid social workers***



Quote:
This is a GREAT idea! Thanks!

They all sleep late in the morning, so my most recent scheme was to buy an airhorn and aim it at their window at 9 am.

Your idea is way better.

 

[HobokenChickenEmergency]

Quote:
Awww. Thank you!!

Somehow when I write things down, they come out funny rather than annoying. I'm glad I entertain you.

 

[HobokenChickenEmergency]

Quote:
I'm going to try that, too.

J and I aren't very confrontational. Well he is, but not when he should be.

We get in arguments all the time over how to deal with this.

I feel harrassed all the time. I mean, I can't take my kids out in my own yard without getting bombarded. And I feel like a big meanie saying no to the neighbor kids, so I end up BEING a big meanie to my own kids and telling them they can't swim or whatever when the C's are home.

When little Miss Clampett offered me a dollar to swim yesterday, I said no. So she ran to her brother complaining, and HE came over and asked, "Could my little sister swim with you?" We weren't even swimming! That annoyed the poo out of me, because she must KNOW that I'm easily railroaded if she thinks I'll say yes to someone else.

I told him no too, but things are starting to come to a head. Unforunately, I'm one of those people who holds things in for years, then suddenly blows up one day because of something minor. I don't want it to get to that point.

 

[SophieLain127]

Still call CPS but first video tape them or record them out at 2:30am. Call the cops and let them know if they don't start comming out and dealing with the problem you will be writing the newspaper and contacting the local news stations about how the cops are not doing their jobs and putting the best intrest of the public first. also they are endagering those kids. Let your husband be confrontational with them. Maybe they need someone to get in their face (with in reason) and let them know they are horrible neighbors. Annoy the pee out of the landlord. Don't for get to include that the house has rodents, lice, is falling down,etc.

Call the Health Department about the rodent problem and the lice problem.

Don't do anything anonymously let them know your family thinks this is unacceptable. Demand when you call these agencies that they come over and speak with you. Get written complaints from other neighbors and if all else fails go to the town hall and ask them their advice, ask them is their a process to get bad neighbors evicted or something to that nature.

 

[mrsengeseth]

Quote:
Bingo! Excellent advice. And I am so sorry you are having to deal with all of this mess.

My grandmother had a pool, and all the kids in the area were being dumped there while their parents ran errands. She installed an ornamental flag and pole at the driveway, telling everyone that if the flag was not up, no swimming was allowed.

Then she had all parents sign a disclaimer drawn up by a lawyer, since they were leaving their children unattended. And the last page of the agreement? Her babysitting fees!

No problem with "random swimmers" after that!

All of this is great advise, and I love the babysitting fees!!

 

[littlebowpeeps]

After reading your original posts and all the advice, I am just as mad as you that you have to put up with them! It's hard with kids, but I really think you just need to stick to your guns and just keep telling them no. Even if your kids are swimming and they want to come over, you could say "we're having family time, you can play with them later" or "our pool is small and there's not enough room now" As far as them out at night late, you could get together with your neighbors and have a noisy morning. We have another neighbor that has a party house, and so sunday morning, all the neighbors mow their lawns and everything around 7am. We really haven't had a problem after that.

but obviously these are different situations. I just wish peace for you