We live next door to a church. They have put up a basketball hoop that is about 20 feet from our driveway, which makes the basketball court part of their parking lot and an alley. Because of this hoop there are days where we can't get in our driveway because there are people everywhere. Then when you back out of the driveway you have to worry about hitting someone. Oh yes, then there are the times when the basketball is bouncing off our cars from the rebound. The whole location of the hoop presents such an unsafe situation. The other problem is the type of people that are coming down here to play. There is a group of guys who are messing with our property everytime that they are down here. They leave their trash all over the place and they are constantly over at our house using our hose hookup to get water. I have tried talking to the church but they are very unreasonable. What should I do? Can I point out to city council the safety issues?
2007-09-03 14:13:42 · 26 answers · asked by mobgirl 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
If you have already tried talking to them, then yes, I would report them. It does not matter if it's a church or a crack dealer that's responsible. if it's unsafe, it's unsafe!
2007-09-03 14:18:39 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You are in a sticky situation. Whoever decided to put up the basketball court probably had good intentions to give the kids a safe, good place to hang-out, clean fun. And however you proceed, some may see you as being "hard to get along with" and the pastor and leadership cannot be there 24/7 to police whoever shows up there to use the hoop. Maybe a sign like, "Please watch for and yield to driveway traffic" might help. Before you do too much, I'd like you to know this. When I was in high school our church had a basketball court in the church parking lot. My friends and I had hours of good, clean fun out there. It was a happy place where we hung out and basketball is a good, energy using, competitve sport that gave the boys a way to burn up agression, prove themselves, and bond. We all have such fond memories of those days. Try to not spoil that for these kids. I think if handled properly, you can get what you need without alienating anyone. You obviously have property rights and hopefully can appeal to the leadership's sense of justness if needed. If the pastor is not helpful, ask to speak to the elders or deacon board.
2007-09-03 21:32:27 · answer #2 · answered by angieblossom 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have to keep calm and think this thing through. Some of the answerers have not done this. Cooler heads will prevail For instance, if you get a pick-up truck and a rope and tear the hoop off the wall, they may just put it back up. You will have to also run the truck into the wall and knock it down so they can't put the hoop back up. Alternatively, if they or them, the plaintiff in this case, put the wall back up then the building must be removed. There are demolition companies that specialize in just such cases. And of course you'll need a good lawyer. That's what they're for.
2007-09-04 09:27:27 · answer #3 · answered by hb12 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good fences make good neighbors.
Sue them for a very high cedar fence that blocks the view and muffles the noise.
You can also sue them to have the B-ball court removed or relocated to another part of the church property.
Prepare your case. Take photos of the activities, including people using your hose and water. If possible, make videos of the crowds.
Churches cannot really afford expensive lawsuits and litigation. They will probably move the hoop before it gets too costly.
Get a lawyer. Your city fathers won't do anything.
.
2007-09-03 21:23:12 · answer #4 · answered by The Other Grandpa 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Tell him off? No, not until you have had a good logical sit down discussion explaining the problems you are having.
Always talk to your neighbor before calling cops, lawyers, etc.
Get him or the church council to state what and when they do something to rectify the problem.
Make it politely clear what you will do. Maybe put up a fence at their expense.
If that fails, and or they do not live up to the aggreement, get a lawyer.
Sorry, i missed "I have tried talking to the church but they are very unreasonable. What should I do?"
Yes, make your complaints clear and your recourse and take action.
2007-09-03 21:26:07 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
It's too bad your minister is unreasonable. Is there another spot where they might be able to move the hoop? Failing a peaceful settlement, I would go to your city council and, like you said, explain the safety issues - plus all the other problems. Good luck!
2007-09-03 21:20:21 · answer #6 · answered by Gigi'sMom 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Time to take action, first I confront them with a registered letter That they must sign for. Let them no that this a documented warning and that if nothing is done then you will pursue legal measures and contact local adviser news papers with pictures.
If that doesn't work start collecting evidence, video tapes of loitering, trespassing, illegal parking, littering, destruction of property, disturbing the peace and larceny ( for you water).
Contact the county prosecutors office and have them council you from there as to what to do. If they tell you to get a lawyer then call around and try to get a good civil lawyer, some may do it pro-bono. lawyers love this kind of shitt.
Church or not ( I wouldn't care if Jesus himself lived there) there are laws to maintain order in the community and no one immune. Protect your rights and give the church hell.
2007-09-03 21:41:30 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
The church has created a nuisance with the basketball hoop. You could either rip the thing down yourself or file a complaint with the town.
if it is a free-standing basketball hoop, you could disassemble it with pliers and wrenches. If it is attached to the buiilding you could throw a chain through it and have somebody with a truck just tear the thing off the building. If the church won't listen to reason then you have to take matters into your own hands. I don't see much hope for filing a complaint with the town; too much bureaucracy and red tape.
A self-help solution would be the fastest.
2007-09-03 21:23:50 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Trespassing signs, calling the police each time a tress pass occurs. By the way, another danger that they present is IF someone will get hurt on YOUR property (for example, when getting the water), YOU will be held liable for their injuries. That's exactly why you have to get that hoop as far away from your property as possible.
Trespassing signs, calling the cops when the trespass occurs, and contacting the city ordinances/
2007-09-03 21:29:36 · answer #9 · answered by OC 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you have tried talking to the Church and that has not worked, say something to them once more and if that does not work go to the city council because of safety , and try and remain calm.
2007-09-03 21:22:57 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You don't need a lawyer for this one. If things are as you say, this basketball "court" is a public nuisance. Go to your local prosecuter's office and file a complaint. I'm sure he will get the attention of the church officials!
2007-09-03 21:23:07 · answer #11 · answered by gerald M 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋