Help with right-of-way managment

There have been many face-to-face talks and in general, we all are very happy to live-and-let-live, which is really nice about living here. And, when the poop hits the fan, we all come together to help each other out. We really want to maintain this atmosphere. However, there are other deeper issues than speed. The Smith family is grossly overextending their perceived rights on the right-of-way, to the point of telling us we can't do anything to "their driveway" even though about 800' of the ROW runs across our private property. His recent paving extended at least 6' off the ROW and onto my free-and-clear private property (no he did not bother to get a survey before paving). A couple years ago he was hauling a wide load up the lane and there was a tree (nice 12" dbh black birch) "blocking" him, so he cut it down. No permission asked even though the wife was in the house 50' away and probably would have approved. Again, that tree was nowhere near in the ROW and clearly on my free-and-clear property. So, you can see, we are past the simple face-to-face discussion phase. Now we need to set down some clear ground rules (pun intended) for everyone. Ultimately, that should go a long way to resolving any conflicts.

 

Yes, it is a very "blind" "short" view for those coming downhill. The old stone lane was at least a little bit of subconscious reminder about speed, kids, deer, etc. Now with the asphalt, it is way to easy to let your speed get up beyond what is safe. I'll admit, it happens to me on occasion too.

 

Document, document, document. Everything. Every convo, letter, everything.
Just in case you need to get more serious.

 

Too late now but cutting a tree down on someone else's property can cost you up to $3K here replacement cost.

We have lots of granite rocks here and stone walls usually get put up. Or fences but lots of people don't like fences.

 

...Wow. Talk about a lack of accountability...

The engineer in me fantasizes that if I had your situation I could put in a speed bump that sits flush and only lifts up if you try to go by too fast.

 

Like this?

 

Reminds me of that scientist in back to the future movies!!

 

Mike, it looks like that dog in the pic of the painted lines is standing guard against speeders!

 

Not trying to come off as some internet tough guy------however you take care of what u love--kids-dogs-etc....

 

Not at all what I thought you were saying. In fact, both me and Mr. Smith were joking about how the old-timer at the very beginning of the lane chewed us out royally when we first moved in and were driving too fast. We both wound up thanking him for being candid and keeping us out of trouble from our ignorance.

In the end, I much prefer to settle things with rational, face-to-face discussion, but unfortunately in this case, that ship has sailed.

 

I've done that too, with trespassers on sleds, quads, etc. I've actually had to chase down those kids on the frozen lake, then confront them.

I know I've scared the hell out of a few people, but it's never been the same person.. So it's been effective.

Mike, I hope that the caution lines are effective. I would think the Smiths would think about the repercussions of not complying, especially in light of their erroneously paved road.

 

Wife and I have cooled down a little. No more discussions with neighbors until after the holidays. Meanwhile, we continue to put up some warning signs. Ultimately, the cynic in me keeps saying "those sign may make you feel better, but people are still going to drive like crazy." Oh well, it DOES make me feel better. We put up the "Caution, Speed Limit 15," "Hidden Driveway" and "Slow... Animals have right of way" on the uphill direction.
Next weekend we put in the "Speed Limit 15" and "Hidden Driveway" for the downhill traffic.

 

Do you have the ability to put in security cameras or some kind of game camera to watch the signs and intersection? One thing you could do is mark the ROW in two locations a known distance apart. That way you could use a clock to determine how fast they are going when reviewing a video of them using the right of way. If you ever end up in court over this, hard evidence of the speed would be much better than just a "guesstimate" based on personal judgement.

 

Hoping to stay out of court. Neighbors are driving much slower now. Signs are mostly just gentle reminders for the "non-residents" and as I said, to make me feel better.

 

When I first started reading this it reminded me the movie funny farm.



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" signage" I've had a 20+ Year education on signs . My transfer station is polluted with them and no one pays attention. Had so much trouble I had to put gates up in certain locations to keep people out. I've had a few walk around gates. I've chalked it up to some people are just azzholes and won't comply, some walk around only looking at the ground 2 steps ahead of them and some are blind. My sales invoices are a mini contract and people refuse to follow basic environmental law stated in contract.
It's been noticeably worse the last few years . People are changing.

 

I agree. As I said, the signs are mostly to make me feel better.