A man is divided after revealing that his neighbor is causing a parking nightmare on their street by leaving two unused cars in his driveway for 14 years.
The frustrated Calgary resident increased Reddit to explain that the neighbor must then park the vehicle he does drive on the street – usually in front of his house.
As a result, guests visiting his home struggle to find a place to leave their cars, and to make matters worse, their already busy street is filled to the brim with cars, leading to congestion.
He said he offered help to his neighbor to have the vehicles removed, but nothing ever came of it, and asked for advice on what to do next.
But commentators remained divided when one lashed out at the affected poster, telling him to “mind his mind,” while others said they would be just as furious.
A man sparked outrage when he revealed that his neighbor hasn’t moved his car out of the driveway in 14 years. Stock image used
“These are not vehicles of value and leaving them in the driveway will clog up an already crowded street,” he wrote in a post on the r/Calgary subreddit.
‘Of course, this is also the house on the street that ranks number 1 when it comes to needing repairs and being visibly in disrepair.
“I know everyone’s financial position doesn’t allow for a perfect home, but dumping $0-50 worth of old cars to free up street parking would be fun for everyone.”
The irritated homeowner says he has already tried unsuccessfully to resolve the situation.
“I spoke to the neighbor two years ago and offered to have the folks at Donate-a-Car Canada call to arrange the donation of the vehicles, which they agreed to,” he added.
“One is an early 1990s Pontiac Grand Am with flat tires and an open window for at least 6 years) and a 1980s Chev pickup that had a tree growing in the open passenger window for years until someone finally the tree pruned.
“I heard from the Donate-a-car folks that they never responded to multiple calls and messages.”
The Redditor felt it would be better for the entire community if the extra space could be resolved.
“Most of the other spots on our street are taken by other people who have a garage in the back and don’t use it for cars, or who have too many cars to fit on their own lot,” he explained.
Commentators weighed in on the matter as many criticized the man for being ‘petty’ and said he should ‘mind his own business’
“Absolutely super petty,” one slammed. “Maybe think of a better way to spend your free time than complaining about your neighbor’s property.”
‘Do you also complain about another neighbor’s noisy air conditioner?’ joked a second sarcastically.
“What about people like you,” a third commented.
‘Mind your own business. Can’t your guest park in your driveway? Are you lazy? Are they?
‘I dislike an eyesore as much as anyone else, but you seem to speak of an East that is useful to you. I could be wrong here.’
He turned to others for advice – but dozens of commenters lashed out at the poster in question, telling him to ‘mind his mind’
Another person wrote, ‘Chances are some of your neighbors feel the same way about you getting regular visitors who clog the street with vehicles.
“They’ll wonder why they can’t take a bus or a taxi, or why you can’t meet them somewhere.
“Maybe they have complaints about honking at exit, loud stereo or vehicle, driving too fast or too slow.
“It sounds like they told you what you wanted to hear last time to get a lift on you, and just want to be left alone.”
Others, however, chimed in with advice for solutions, such as invoking the bylaws — which refers to regional regulations of a particular area that may be violated — because property values can be affected by the situation.
However, the original poster replied that he didn’t want to cause “grief” by calling the statutes as he doesn’t know their personal financial situation or circumstances.
One commenter even suggested buying the neighbour’s vehicles and reselling them.
In an update, the Redditor explained that he will likely try to approach his neighbors again.
“I will again offer to help them get some money out of their assets so they can use their driveway IF they want to,” he wrote.
“Thanks to the people who made reasonable suggestions and didn’t just yell “DESTINATION WITH YOUR BUSINESS, LET EVERYONE DO WHAT THEY WANT” when the actions of the people around me clearly violate the statutes – where I am anyway wouldn’t invoke because I value positive neighborly relations.”
