This thread is cool.
My neighbor called the cops because I had a truck parked outside on the street (not blocking anyone, just visible) instead of in my driveway (full of other cars, i have visiting family) - he never attempted to knock on the door or ask to move it. He's done this before. The truck was just parked temporarily - it's parked outside my house maybe 5 days max a month. Long story short, the guy is a jerk.
The cop that came the first time (year or so ago) described him as "some yuppie that ran into some money and thinks he's all that" and the second cop agreed that he's "a dick."
TIP 1: Don't give the cops crap. When cop showed up, I wasn't super-kiss-ass "yes sir no sir" polite, I was just honest. "It's the truck, right?" I asked, knowingly. He said yes. I told him I'd move it. The cop went on to say that if the truck is a commercial vehicle it has to be moved - I explained that it isn't one, but repeated, I'd be moving it anyway.
Because I was honest with the cop, and told him I'd be moving it in such a way that let him know that I thought the situation was silly but I understood he had better things to do, he actually drove off without waiting for me to move the truck into my driveway. This was ideal.
I pulled in and blocked the cars in my driveway, and it was an annoyance in the morning. Later today I parked the truck back out on the street because people were moving in and out. I saw what's his face pulling out his driveway and hailed him down.
Now last night, after that day and a beer or two, I probably would have punched him just because, really, who calls the cops?
TIP 2: If you can avoid it, don't try to negotiate "hot." It'll get you in a fight. Especially with a guy like this, it'd mean assault and battery charges. Handle your head. If you can't handle your head, get out your energy. I went biking in the rain instead.
But today, I was actually rather honest, forthcoming, and polite. I explained that the truck would only be there temporarily. He goes on to say that "the first day I was kind enough to ignore it but on the second night I
had to do something." I explained that calling the police isn't nesesary. I offered my phone number and suggested that he knock on the door. He ignored this offer and said that when he first moved into the neighborhood (after us, for what it's worth), he "made it clear that he didn't want that truck outside." I saw that this wasn't getting anywhere, told him again that we'd be moving the truck soon.
TIP 3: Try to resolve the conflict, but know when you're not getting anywhere. Clearly, the guy thinking he owns the block for some reason. It's a public street - really, I can park it where ever or however I want. Just attempt damage control. Also, remember, he may be in the wrong, but it's not THAT big of a deal. But if there are cars in my driveway that I'm blocking, whatever, I'm gonna park it on the street. He'll deal.
Local neighbors whom I'm friendly with saw me talking with the guy and came over to talk about how the guy is a jerk.
TIP 4: Have an outside opinion. Apparently this guy has a history of thinking he controls the cul-de-sac and in general, being obnoxious. This gives me backers, support, and camaraderie. It's good to know that I'm not the only one.
For the future: I'll probably just go about business as usual. When I was "hot" last night, I thought about parking my POS Honda with the dent in the side in front of his house every day from now on, but really, that's not worth it.
I'll probably piss on the door handle of his Lincoln and call it finished.
TIP 5: Do what you gotta do.