 The note my neighbors so lovingly left me
You parked in front of our recycle bin so they didn't take it. That's super NOT cool. Thanks alot. PS: It's freaking full for another two weeks.
There are many problems with them having left such a note, but the main problem I saw was that my truck didn't actually impede their recycling pickup. What did impede it was that they left the bin on the grass instead of the street. Even though my brother and I had the recycling guys come back to pick it up anyways, the neighbors never did say anything to me. I thought I'd leave them with a note instead.
Dear New Neighbors.
I received the note you left on my car on Wednesday morning (5/22/13). I thought that since your recycling bin wound up getting taken after all that I might hear from you again. But since I have not, I am writing you instead.
The note gave me a good laugh, but was also a little ridiculous seeing on how you've only lived in the neighborhood for maybe a month. As such, please allow me to provide you with some facts about trash pickup, and opinions about being a neighbor.
Firstly, I appreciate that you think I blocked in your recycling bin, but I did not. I've been living in this house for just over six years and have been parking there for equally as long. In fact, had you moved in just a few months earlier you would have seen me parking there daily; I had a 26 foot bus in my driveway. Street parking does not inhibit the trash and recycling pickup. If it did, people would miss getting their trash picked up regularly.
Secondly, you can call 311 at any time to ask about or even utilize a city service. After receiving your note, this is what I did. Of course the waste services people were more than happy to swing back and handle the situation, albeit probably only because they were still in the area.
When I asked them why they didn’t take your recycling, they told me it was because you left it on the grass. Moreover, city regulations specifically require that the bin must be placed in the street alongside the curb. I have since read the side of the bin and admit it is a little ambiguous, but this is what the city said. I would imagine this rule has to do with their machinery, but I did not inquire. Regardless, I asked if it had anything to do with the vehicle in the street and was told it did not. Again, I've parked there for six years now without incident. That's over 312 potential Wednesday trash pickups if you're curious.
Thirdly, I'm not sure if you think that specific portion of the curb is somehow reserved for you, but please let me assure you that it is not. This street is full of duplexes, many of which are section-8 (as yours is, though I'm not sure if you're taking advantage of this program). Duplexes logically have twice as many people in them, and section-8 homes typically have many more people living in them due to basic socio-economic reasons. Pair those together and you'll find most of these houses are very dense and lack sufficient driveway parking; this street is constantly filled with cars parking in the street. I suppose you will simply have to get used to that here.
Finally, I wouldn't really mind all of this except that you literally just moved in about a month ago and we've even exchanged verbal pleasantries. I can therefore only assume that you're still learning how to be a neighbor.
Let me help you.
If I caused you some sort of recurring problem, I can understand why you might be frustrated and sarcastically lash out. But since this was the first time you've encountered this problem with me, and since the problem wasn't caused by me in the first place, and incidentally fixed by me (as your neighbor), it seems you made a pretty poor decision to communicate in that manner.
What probably would have been better would have been just to point it out in a friendly sort of manner when you saw me. I would have apologized profusely and tried to resolve the issue. Instead you were kind of a dick and now I'm not really inclined to care if I help you out or not. Perhaps next time you'll be less inclined to jump to conclusions without all of the facts and will be a little kinder in your delivery.
Hopefully this will help you with future neighbors.
|
|
|
