Dear PoPville – Anyway to Resolve This Situation Without Being “That Guy”?

Photo by PoPville flickr user Rukasu1

“Dear PoP,

I have a quick question regarding noise complaints. I live on a very noisy block, which comes from two sources. A group of kids play craps using the streetlight directly in front of my house, and an older drunk neighbor (about 50) two houses away who buys alcohol for these kids and goes around yelling “I’m getting it in” all damn night long.

These kids are nice enough, but they trash my yard and make way too much noise. I’ve asked them to move, which means they go down one house or directly across the street. This works slightly better for me, but I’m just making it my other neighbors’ problem.

The police recommended I call the cops every time I hear them. However, I’m not sure I want to be known as “that guy.” Should I give them some ground rules along the line of calling the cops every time I hear them after 10? Or should I just start calling the cops? Any advice or older posts would be much appreciated.”

I’d say if they are willing to listen – then give them some ground rules. Set a clear hour if possible like 10 or 11pm (side question what time do you think people should start being quiet at night?). If they then don’t follow the ground rules – you really will have only two options – you can become “that guy” or try to block out the noise. It’s a shitty situation – but if you truly can’t sleep and/or it is seriously affecting your quality of life – I’d probably recommend becoming “that guy”.

So yes we realize we live in a city but in my opinion, living in a neighborhood on a side street is not the same as living on 18th St, NW in Adams Morgan. If you live on a side street in a neighborhood with families – what do you think is a reasonable time to expect people to quiet during the week – 10pm, 11pm, midnight?

If you faced the situation above – how would you deal with it in hopes of maintaining positive relations with the noisy neighbors? (Final side note – I’m assuming the kids are 21 years old – would you change your advice if these kids are under 21 years old?)