Why Tho? Will I start a parking war if I let new neighbors know they’re hogging street space?

To Lizzy,

New residents moved in next door recently. Despite having a garage and a driveway, they are parking one of their two automobiles on the street rather than in the garage.

We are packed, to put it mildly, because there is an apartment complex on my block and many people, including me, park on the street. The issue is that these newcomers are parking their car in the center of the area in front of their house rather than going forward or backward, thus taking up space that could accommodate two automobiles.

Although I haven’t truly met them yet, I would like to ask them to move aside so that we can continue our possible friendship. Assist!

Automobile Issues

To Car Trouble,

Even the most peaceful community can become tense due to street parking. Seeing a sign on your windshield warning you not to park in a particular area or in a particular manner is practically a cliché in Portland, where I live. As though they can somehow identify who parks on a public street, people place cones in front of their homes. It can get absurd.

I’m only expressing sympathy; I’m not recommending that you do any of these things. The world is crazy.

I believe that getting to know your neighbors should be your first step, even though you might not enjoy this. Say “welcome to the neighborhood” and bring them over with some freshly baked cookies.

You can more easily address the parking issue face-to-face once you get to know them by saying, “Hey, parking is really limited on this street.” To make room for another automobile, would you mind going a little farther in either direction?

You may also point out that the former occupants of the house parked differently, giving the neighbors greater room.

Naturally, one of your neighbors might use the passive-aggressive note technique while you’re trying to build rapport and prepare for a chat. A passive-aggressive note, however, would cause a more defensive response, such as cones in front of their house, which would increase tensions and not resolve the parking issue, according to my theory.

Wait until they’re gone, then park your automobile in a space that can accommodate many vehicles in front of their house. Perhaps they simply aren’t aware that it’s feasible. Perhaps they can pick up tips from others.

Eliminating vehicles completely is my ideal option, but I believe it will take much longer than getting to know your neighbors.

I wish you luck!

Lizzy

See Why Tho? for additional information.