Help with neighbors!?!?

Question

I live on the south west side of Chicago. Most houses are on small lots (30x130 or so) so we have a garage in the back with a alley. Our neighbors directly behind us happen to have a bigger lot with a side drive instead of a alley entrace garage.

Every year the block behind us has a block party (which is great) but every year our neighbors directly behind us park their own car in the alley blocking our entrace to our garage while most everyone else parks their cars on the neighboring streets. Because they have parked in the alley this means we cant pull into or out of our garage. Plus it is then hard for us to find parking on the street in front of our house because of all the other cars out there.

I came home from work today and couldnt park my car in the garage and had to find a parking spot 2 blocks away! Im not so much upset with them parking in the alley but cant they at least inform us they will be doing so? I think its rude.

Feedback? Advice? Help!!!!

Answer 1

I would just talk to them to let them know that it's not okay to park there.  Tell them that you can't get out of your garage.  Because you have never said anything in the past, they probably think that you are cool with it, when you obviously aren't.  Most people are reasonable, just talk to them.

Answer 2

Does this happen once a year, or more frequently?  If it is one time per year, I don't think I'd make waves...just bite the bullet.  

However, I would suggest to you to get to know your neighbors better.  If they knew you better, they might feel a bit worse about inconveniencing you.  Also, you should put up a sign on your garage door about not blocking the door.  Perhaps they just aren't thinking and aren't aware that is where you count on parking and that they are in your way (really, some people just do NOT think).

Our road was being worked on and I parked in front of my house, not realizing that it would make it hard for my neighbors to get in and out of their garage.  They went to the city and had them post no parking signs in our front yard.  I would have much preferred them just talk to me...I felt bad that  inconvenienced anyone...I surely didn't mean to...but I have to say that the way they went about seemed a bit rude.

Most people would probably rather you talk to them kindly.  Had they called and said, "You know, I realize that the city has your driveway torn out.  Would you mind parking up in front of us so that we can still use our garage?"  I would have felt much kinder toward them than I do now that I have no parking signs in my yard.

Answer 3

get some orange cones and place them in the ally all should be cool and party on

Answer 4

cars are over rated,try swapping it for a bicycle,which you can bring indoors.

Answer 5

I'd say something....what would tick me off most though would be the fact that these neighbours would assume it is ok to block my garage entrance without asking......do people really have that little respect for others......it's just a matter of common sense and common courteousy that you don't block someone's driveway......

Answer 6

Have you ever tried letting the neighbors know that there is a problem with them parking in the alley? If you approach them in a polite way and explain the situation with your garage access, chances are they will agree not to block the alley any more. Good luck!

Answer 7

~~Contact your city-there should  be a department that issues license for the block parties so they can close off the street. Request them to put NO PARKING signs in the alleys. That way a car can be towed.~~