Neighbors want city to force family to move 4 'rusty vehicles' from front of Ann Arbor house
Ann Arbor resident David DeVee chats on the phone Monday evening while standing in front of the first of four vehicles in a row that he and his family keep parked on the street in front of their home on Shady Lane on the city's southeast side.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
Linda and David DeVee, who live on Shady Lane, acknowledge they don't have the most attractive vehicles on the block, but they argue they don't have any other place to put them.
"Basically they don't like us," Linda DeVee said of her neighbors. "We're not a Stepford family, we never will be. They do not like my rusty vehicles, I am so sorry."
Linda and David DeVee, who live on Shady Lane, acknowledge they don't have the most attractive vehicles on the block, but they argue they don't have any other place to put them except for the street.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
Their neighbors argue the family's vehicles — packed with boxes of food and other items — have been sitting on the street far too long and are an eyesore and a public nuisance.
They're asking the city to step in and do something about the situation, and they now have City Council Member Stephen Kunselman, D-3rd Ward, fighting on their behalf.
But they're finding out the city's ordinance pertaining to abandoned vehicles — the same one used to tow a resident's Lexus from in front of his home last month — apparently lacks teeth.
"We have to be responsive, and if we have to change the ordinance then we will," Kunselman said. "If we need to pressure the city administration to take some action and some risk and write a ticket, just write the ticket and then see what happens. If we end up in court and the judge says, 'I'm going to throw that ticket out,' then we'll put that on the judge."
The city has an ordinance that deems vehicles abandoned if they're not moved within 48 hours, and the city tows if they're not moved. The city used that ordinance to tow and impound more than 100 vehicles in the last two years, but the DeVees have mostly escaped the city on this one.
They know their vehicles can't sit stationary for more than 48 hours, they said, and so they make sure to move them at least once every other day to comply with the law.
"Oh, my god, it's every year," Linda DeVee told AnnArbor.com on Monday when asked how often she's dealt with city police on the issue of their vehicles in the street.
"Does it make me want to move any vehicles and get rid of any vehicles? No," she said, adding they've only been ticketed and towed once before.
When AnnArbor.com visited on Monday, four vehicles belonging to the DeVees were parked on the street in front of their home: a two-toned Dodge Grand Caravan with a smashed-in rear, a Dodge Stratus with a rusty hood, a Ford Explorer and a Ford Taurus.
They also had a fifth vehicle, a beat-up Pontiac Bonneville, on part of their property but not on the street. They said they've agreed to get rid of that vehicle to avoid a legal hassle with the city.
The city's community standards officers have been out to check on the vehicles at least once since Kunselman called to complain last week on behalf of the neighbors.
Kunselman said he assumed they'd be dealt with by the end of last week, and so he was disappointed when he saw them still there on Monday.
City Council Member Stephen Kunselman, in blue, chats with Shady Lane residents Patrick O'Harris, Cindy Sakstrup and Amy Nowland Monday evening. All three said they're tired of seeing beat-up vehicles filled with junk on their street.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
"It's just mind-boggling," he said. "Why are we being so lenient on somebody who's flouting the intent of the law just to store a bunch of boxes in vehicles on the street?"
Kunselman said he plans to bring up the issue at the City Council's next meeting Monday night and he's hoping his colleagues will share his concerns.
"We are dealing with a blight situation on Shady Lane and the neighbors are extremely patient given what we've been having to deal with," he said. "We have vehicles that have been using the street for long-term storage, and there's plenty of pictures to identify this is the case."
Council Member Christopher Taylor, D-3rd Ward, said he's written to city staff inquiring about the issue and he knows the police chief is looking into it.
"We need to do everything we can, consistent with a property owner's rights, to ensure that blighted properties do not degrade neighborhoods and harm our community," he said. "It's a serious issue."
Neighbors said they've seen the DeVees moving a single working battery from one vehicle to another, driving the vehicles in a circle, and then parking them right back where they were before.
Aside from the vehicles on the street, neighbors have complained the DeVees' possessions fill the house and spill into their yard, which they said gets mistaken for a garage sale.
"I don't believe in telling people how to live unless they cross lines, and these guys are crossing the lines," said Patrick O'Harris, who lives directly across the street.
The DeVees keep their vehicles packed with food and crafts and other items. Linda DeVee said the family takes the food up to the Michigan Renaissance Festival in Holly for the renaissance people on weekends.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
Linda DeVee said she and her husband have been at odds with their neighbors since they moved in 25 years ago.
She said she's disappointed none of her neighbors seem to care about the family's financial situation. She said she lost her job four years ago, and the family now is living off Social Security disability after her husband suffered a lower back injury.
"Now we do crafting," she said. "I do food gathering. I have a bunch of food that I am taking up to Michigan Renaissance Festival for the renaissance people."
She said that's why the vehicles are packed with so much food. She said she and her husband, as well as their son and daughter, are working at the festival in Holly on weekends through September and they've been bringing lots of food up to give to those who need it.
"That's going to go for the families that can't afford a lot," she said of the items piled up in her vehicles. "We're bringing all kinds of stuff. I have the sealed milk you don't have to refrigerate until you open it up. I have cans of stew. I've collected goodies like you would not believe. There's macaroni and cheese and whole wheat spaghetti noodles and pastas."
The DeVees said they need all four vehicles that are parked on the street because there are four members in the family. They said the Dodge Stratus belongs to their daughter, and their son, who is 14, eventually wants the Ford Explorer when he gets his license.
"We haven't done anything to any of our neighbors to warrant any kind of crap that they're trying to give us," David DeVee said. "If any of our neighbors would come directly to us and say, 'Hey, listen, we've got a problem with this,' we could work something out."
The DeVees said they feel like they're being scrutinized unfairly.
More items packed inside one of the DeVee family vehicles.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
"They move, and we are only required to move them every couple days," Linda DeVee said. "Every weekend we have to be up at festival, so we have to drive back and forth because if these aren't moved in 48 hours, we could come back and they could be gone."
Neighbors think the DeVees are gaming the system, and Kunselman tends to agree. He showed AnnArbor.com a photo he took of boxes sitting in the driver's seat of one of the vehicles.
"Our public streets are not meant for long-term storage," he said, suggesting the vehicles sitting on the street could be hurting other people's property values.
"It's unfortunate because all of the good people of the neighborhood are working really hard to maintain their properties and keep property values up," he said. "And here we have an example of where a property owner or family clearly has no care in the world about what happens to their neighbors in terms of property values, and you have a city that's not very responsive."
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's email newsletters.
Comments
walker101
Thu, Nov 15, 2012 : 2:05 p.m.
Move!
Bear
Thu, Nov 15, 2012 : 8:20 a.m.
hilarious! Is that Cindy Sakstrup woman related to the owners of Sakstrup TOWING, by any chance? That would explain a lot.
Sue
Sun, Sep 16, 2012 : 10:48 a.m.
So, are they paying taxes on the crafts they are selling? Or would that interfere with their social security checks?
Sue
Sun, Sep 16, 2012 : 10:18 a.m.
And they call people who live in mobile homes "trailer trash", well most mobile home park owners would not allow this, so why should Ann Arbor allow it on residential streets? And there is something fishy going on if they have 4 or 5 cars filled with food...where are they getting it all from?
Momma G
Sat, Sep 15, 2012 : 1:54 p.m.
OMG, these people have been a problem from the time I first met them. Now they are on "disability" income taking money away from our Social Security. I hope they are going to be included in the disability income investigation because I don't believe for a minute that either one of them is disabled enough not to work. I can only imagine why she lost her job. She is not a personable person but a "trouble-make." I have witnessed that first hand. Hope the city keeps on them.
mistyblue
Thu, Sep 13, 2012 : 6:10 p.m.
This is not discrimination against the poor, the artists of the world, the disabled, or even an attempt to drum up business for a towing company (which Ms. Sakstrup would not benefit from as she is divorced from Mr. Sakstrup, not that it's anyone else's business). This is plain and simple respect for property. People need to own up to their responsibilities and properly maintain that which they own. If they cannot, they need to make budgetary adjustments, and not expect others to pitch in and do for them. Clean up your own garbage.
Dog Guy
Thu, Sep 13, 2012 : 12:46 a.m.
The DeVees are a credit to Ann Arbor. They have that inimitable "Ann Arbor freeze-dried hippie" style. They use the system to live on taxes without work (just as I do)--stereotypical for Ann Arbor. They sell their crafts and are therefore artists. They gather outdated food for a win-win hustle. So why the animosity towards them? Obviously it is because their five vehicles are American. Until they buy a Honda, Toyota, Kia, Suzuki, and VW, the DeVees cannot hope to join what Kunselman calls "all of the good people of the neighborhood."
Sue
Sun, Sep 16, 2012 : 10:28 a.m.
I meant to hit thumbs down. It has nothing to do with what make of vehicles they own and you know it. They fit the profile of low life's who abuse the system and live off taxpayers, proving they don't have any respect for themselves or anyone else.
native girl
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 11:27 p.m.
Ann Arbor is a large city but since it has been developed with density in mind, the issue is how many cars is enough (or fair)? Poor or not, there needs to be a limit on how many vehicles one household should own. If there is no limit and each renter, homeowner or student owns multiple vehicles then where will you park them. There are many locations in the city where residents can't properly stage all three of their carts at the curb extension (trash, compost and recycling) so the automated arms can service each cart safely without knocking all the carts and their contents all over your neighborhood. Either way, it is a no-win-situation.
Dog Guy
Thu, Sep 13, 2012 : 12:22 a.m.
Naive girl, those of us who drive three crappy old cars need an extra for when one breaks down. You may call it the loaner car of people who do their own wrenching.
Gorc
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 10:36 p.m.
How much do think the annual insurance premiums is for four cars annually?
Sue
Sun, Sep 16, 2012 : 10:30 a.m.
They should all be checked to make sure they are currently insured, because most likely they aren't.
DonBee
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 4:32 p.m.
I have to wonder who lived there first? I have to wonder is this a "working class" neighborhood that the upper middle class have found and now want to "gentrify"? Everyone else has moved in recently and are trying to change the character of the neighborhood, then I think they are doing the wrong thing. But, then Ann Arbor does not want working class people to live within the city limits, they belong in Ypsi - RIGHT? Seems that is what the zoning direction is.
DonBee
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 9:32 p.m.
Brad - I think not. I think the people who lived there in the past may have had a different idea for the neighborhood than the new folks moving in. I drove down Shady Lane this morning on the way to work (took a big detour). There were houses in ok shape and houses that were obviously undergoing fix-up There were houses with older cars and houses with new cars There were houses with "gardens" in the yard and those without The older cars, ok shape and gardens all seem to go together - as in houses of that type seem to have 2 out of 3. The same is true of the other houses. In general I would say that a laid back working class neighborhood is transitioning to something else. You may not agree, but that is what my first hand observation says.
Brad
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 5:36 p.m.
Who lived there first is absolutely and positively irrelevant. And if you think Shady Lane is on it's way to "gentrification" I suggest you go check it out first before further wild speculation about what's going on there.
justcurious
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 3:18 p.m.
OK, 400 comments. Shows us what get peoples hackles up in Ann Arbor I guess.
Brad
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 3:39 p.m.
Now we need a poll!
towncryer
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 2:09 p.m.
393 comments, wow? Call me OCD, but that's just to close to 400 to not get to 400, come on peeps, we can do it, lol!
Ricardo Queso
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 1:44 p.m.
Here's a solution. Develop entire neighborhoods with zero restrictions. Advertise that this is the place if you love unkept lawns, decrepit cars and an "I don't care what my neighbor thinks attitude". Do you think you would get any takers? Didn't think so. Long ago, the subjects of the article probably moved into the Shady Lane neighborhood precisely because it was well kept.
Ricardo Queso
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 3:12 p.m.
Mason-Dixon Line? Is that what they call Carpenter Road these days?
barb
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 1:08 p.m.
Ryan, please set the record straight. Did this family provide you with their financial information, information about what is stored in the cars and what they do with it? Did you have to twist their arm and force the information out of them? Did you sneak up on them to take the photo in the article? All the comments about this families "dirty laundry" (no pun intended) being aired out.....could they have just said "NO COMMENT"?
A2transplant
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 12:48 p.m.
In the interest of journalistic fairness, I would be interested to know the names, addresses, family background and financial situation of the complaining neighbors. I mean, it's great and all to throw stones, especially from an anonymous standpoint. Even the poster that claimed s/he sold the property to the DeVees is decidely anonymous. Really? We're taking "working poor @ u of m" at their word, when we don't even know who they are? Obviously, I'm ok with a nickname moniker for discussion on a2.com, but in this particular case, I'm seeing too much hypocrisy to ignore. Expose the heck out of one particular family, and throw stones behind a nickname? Pathetic.
working poor @ u of m
Mon, Sep 17, 2012 : 1:50 p.m.
I don't know what hypocrisy you're speaking of. Cindy Sakstrup and the DeVees know who I am. I have apologized to Cindy on several occasions for selling the DeVees my former home. It's just disgusting how the DeVees have taken a quaint starter home and turned it into junkyard. I know.... the can take the stones that are around the free standing fireplace in living room and put the in their driveway so they can get their cars out of the street. "Expose the heck out of one particular family, and throw stones behind a nickname?" REALLY? The DeVees exposed themselves. I agree with you on the "Pathetic" comment as long as you are referring to the DeVees. I could have guessed you are a A2transplant from your comment alone!
AlwaysLate
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 12:14 p.m.
After of 24 hours, I think the sheer volumn of comments about this story shows that a very sensitive nerve has been touched. Like myself, it appears that a lot of people have had experiences with neighbors similar to what's going on in this neighborhood. And it also appears, from the blind support of the DeVees family, that there are a large number if people in Ann Arbor who identify with this family of hoarders.
ViSHa
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 12:37 p.m.
I didn't realize there could be a "Page 2" of comments on AA.com
Roy Munson
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 12:13 p.m.
The Stratus is beautiful. Is it for sale? I would love to have it.
A A Resident
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 11:56 a.m.
I suppose I should be going after my neighbors for their violations of some rather petty ordinances, and they should be going after me too. Somehow though, we all get along. Before putting a political sign in your yard this voting season, be sure it complies with city ordinances for size and placement, just in case I get cranky and drive around with my tape measure looking for violations to call in. If that fails to satisfy the "control freak" part of me, maybe I'll go looking for the occasional trash can left out more than 12 hours after garbage day, and see if I can get those people cited too.
Sue
Sun, Sep 16, 2012 : 10:36 a.m.
too bad they don't live across the street from you so you could have the pleasure of looking at their old banged up cars from your front window every day for years on end.
RoboLogic
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 9:32 a.m.
356 comments and counting. Is that a record?
Jack
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 6:33 a.m.
Michigan Renaissance is a festival that is open nearly permanently throughout the warmer months. Admission is around $22 for adults. The article implies the DeVees work there. Has this been verified or is this something the DeVees have told annarbor.com that is conveyed as truth without verification? The Festival offers a $5 discount on the admission price if one brings 4 cans of nonperishable food. It is not a charity and the purpose of attending is not charitable. The purpose is recreational. Participants simulate life in an English village during Renaissance times. The admission price plus the cost of gas is considerable. Surely there are charities nearby that would be more than happy to accept the offer of food (Food Gatherers, for instance) that do not necessitate a long drive if the motive were truly charitable. Are all vehicles currently registered, insured and have a license? Has annarbor.com checked? If this is the case, surely this family is not all that needy. That's more than enough to repair a driveway. It is ever so easy for commenters to declare it is acceptable to make one's neighborhood an eyesore; that is, until it is their neighborhood. People work hard to be able to afford to buy a home and are proud of it. Most take care of it. I find it pleasant to look outside and see houses, sky and trees. I'd find it very unpleasant if I had to also look at a bunch of junky cars. It would be disrespectiful to the neighborhood and lazy. Seciton 10:138 of the Ann Arbor City Code states: "Inoperative vehicles. No person shall park, store, leave, or allow to be left upon private property controlled by him or her, any motor vehicle in a rusted, wrecked, junk, or partially dismantled or inoperative condition . . . ." I don't know if this applies to the DeVees or not, but possibly. Sometimes, what is said in one's defense leaves a lot out.
EyeHeartA2
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 12:13 p.m.
"Surely there are charities nearby that would be more than happy to accept the offer of food (Food Gatherers, for instance)" So, you're saying Food Gatherers want their food back? Since that seems to be where it came from.
thecompound
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 12:09 p.m.
Excellent post, logical instead of many of the others.
bunnyabbot
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 6:06 a.m.
I just see a bunch of people that can afford to keep their properties with it bullying the less fortunate hard up family on the block. Perhaps they should have an old fashion "barn raising" and come together to help their neighbors out.. But I suppose that would mean you would have to get to know your neighbor sometime within the last 25 years of living next to them. every neighborhood has houses like this, in my neighborhood there is the "wild flower" garden home, it's horrible to look at, it just looks like a bunch of weeds. There are couple homes with cars with tarps on them in the driveway that have been there as long as I can remember. There is a house completely disheveled, a couple years ago the city told them to cut their bushes back and cut the lawn, they had to apply for a charity to do it because they are disabled, the immediate neighbors cut the sides and front weekly now even though the homeowners were to proud to ask. If I ever come into a lot of money I want to be this families secret Angel, they really have a sad story. They need compassion not neighbors attitude, just like the DeVees are getting.
ViSHa
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 12:40 p.m.
"Getting to know your neighbor" is a two-way street. We don't know the whole history of this situation and what has been attempted. The jury is still out whether they deserve a pity party or not.
Cendra Lynn
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 5:41 a.m.
Sure, Steve [Kunselman]. Blight is a much more important issue than human welfare. Let's do anything we can to keep up property values! Change the laws and keep changing them until we get rid of, what one responder so compassionately called, rabble. People don't have your standards? Kick them out! Too bad they're down on their luck. Not your problem, is it? Certainly not something helpful neighbors could improve.
Left is Right
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 2:52 a.m.
Why is it that Harper Lee's magnum opus seems relevant to this situation?
Left is Right
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 2:24 a.m.
Perhaps more ordnance rather than a new ordinance is required?
Lynn Meer
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 2:22 a.m.
Ren Faire tix are like $20 each. How about staying home the next two weeks and get that driveway fixed? Then the neighbors won't be on you. Draw attention to yourself and you will get attention and expect consequences. Keep under the radar and all will be well. Next thing you know people will be wondering about the living conditions of your minor child, or possibly that you are in need of protective services because of being elderly and disabled and you really will have social services on you like white on rice. Not kidding and not fun.
DonBee
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 9:34 p.m.
Lynn Meer - I believe they sell items at the Ren Faire, and I believe they may do so at several over the summer. That means they pay for a space to sell from but not daily admission. If this is true (it is the way I read the article) most of the vendors sleep at the ren faire on the weekends and the food is probably their contribution to the shared meals. They may get space in a tent in return for the food provision.
thecompound
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 12:32 p.m.
I didn't think it was a threat, good grief. As someone else pointed out, there had been a story about folks using the slauson playground as a dog park during a particular time. The person in the original story was practically bragging about it....and voila...it got looked into and now (supposedly) not happening anymore. Unintended consequences happen sometimes. My question is, did the family begrudgingly participate in the story or willingly participate and offer family details and photos? No comment is still an option, right?
Jack
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 6:39 a.m.
Chill, Left is Right. He is just stating the obvious. Often, people who behave in such a manner have other problems also. And by making yourself stick out like a sore thumb, you are causing people to take a look closer at you. That is all. Shamie.
Left is Right
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 2:31 a.m.
I'd flag this comment but let's bring it out in the open. It sounds like some kind of threat. Allow me to paraphrase, "You play ball with us and you can continue to abuse (animals, children, cars--you pick). If you don't, we'll report you to the authorities and they'll be in here like white on rice."
Ricardo Queso
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 2:03 a.m.
Camp Take Notice mobile homes?
Ricardo Queso
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 2:01 a.m.
Someone call "Buried Alive - The Rusty Car Episode", we've got some subjects!
Left is Right
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 1:41 a.m.
Brings to mind that famous "Genetic Giant" house on Spring St. Always lots of complaints but in the end...
FredMax
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 1:01 a.m.
The always-barking dog, the winnebago parked on the street, the weed-ridden unmowed yard, the unsupervised kids that disassemble your landscaping. Let he who is without sin...
Left is Right
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 2:20 a.m.
Don't forget about neighbors who erect an unapproved fence.
Left is Right
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 12:11 a.m.
"We have to be responsive, and if we have to change the ordinance then we will," Kunselman said. "If we need to pressure the city administration to take some action and some risk and write a ticket, just write the ticket and then see what happens. If we end up in court and the judge says, 'I'm going to throw that ticket out,' then we'll put that on the judge." They may be a nuisance but they have not broken the law--does that really mean we should change the law? Political pandering of the worst sort, Councilman Kunselman--and a good argument for curtailing the reach of the City Council. Moreover, why do we "have to be responsive?" This kind of crap--neighbors not getting along--goes on everywhere, all the time. Want to put yourself in the middle of a lose-lose pissing match? Go right ahead but leave city ordinances out of it. Reasonable people would find a way to make things work. If it's that much of an issue, the neighbors can file suit in civil court with their own money. Keep my taxes out of it.
justcurious
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 11:44 p.m.
Plenty of jobs here. Maybe one for Mrs. DeVee since she has been looking for four years? http://www.annarbor.com/jobs/
greener_tea
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 10:18 p.m.
This is a humiliating situation that is made worse with publicity. Reminds me of putting people in stocks and having the community come and ridicule them. Doesn't look like it's about those cars anymore. It's about power and shame.
barb
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 12:44 p.m.
Were the DeVee's forced to participate in the story?
Tesla
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 11:18 p.m.
It's about about power and shame? It's about TIME.
Susan
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 9:47 p.m.
We got a ticket once on our car that was parked in front of our duplex on Virginia st. and it had only been there 2 days!
LRF
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 9:19 p.m.
Some people bitch just to have something to do. Live and let live as long as it isn't detrimental to your well being. Sheeesh!
28's..andtheydon'trub
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 9:10 p.m.
Who do I call about stationary vehicles!?!?!? I have a neighbor ( in an apartment complex in A2 ) whos van has sat in TWO spaces since I moved in 12-15-2010!!! Do I just call the police and report it??? As for the story, this is just one of many examples of citizens taking advatage of gray areas in the law. We all know you can't drive all of them at once and I don't think its right that the neighbors of these folks have to come home everyday to see such a mess.
AfterDark
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 4:51 a.m.
You need to contact your landlord. For all you know that neighbor has the right to two spaces. Since the apartment complex is private property the landlord needs to handle the complaint.
Annie
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 8:58 p.m.
Wow. People in the bubble that is Ann Arbor are so out of touch with the real world, it's absolutely ridiculous. In the grand scheme of things, is the state of someone else's house REALLY that important? Is it taking food out of YOUR kids' mouths? Is it really destroying YOUR life? If not, get over it! If you don't like the way someone's house looks, MOVE! If their vehicles are being moved as per the law, then there isn't much you can do about it. Sorry about your luck. This is just something to try to get these people into SOME kind of trouble. There are bigger problems in our area right now that should be addressed rather than some peoples' cars that aren't very pretty. For the record, my neighbors behind us, have used car tires piled in their front yard, haven't mowed their lawn since we moved in three months ago, have shingles falling off their roof, have trash all over their yard, and a porch that is caving in. But guess what? We still bought our home because, frankly, I really don't care what people do with their properties, because it doesn't affect my well being or my family's well being. The nosiness and cattiness of people blows me away sometimes.
AlwaysLate
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 9:45 p.m.
Annie, now that was funny!
Annie
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 9:25 p.m.
AlwaysLate, how presumptuous of you! Kudos on your attempt at trying to make me argue with you and defend myself. I'm not biting. I'm going to go out and mow my lawn now :)
LRF
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 9:21 p.m.
Amen brother!
Brad
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 9:14 p.m.
Amen. This is an example of what I have been saying! "Property values" are a lame excuse to enforce your sense of aesthetics on someone else. Sure, *some* people are going to be less likely to buy a house if their neighbors yard is messy. I am less likely to buy a house if the neighbor has a monster truck and flies the confederate flag. Does owning a monster truck reduce the property value? It does if I am a buyer. Can you have a law outlawing monster trucks? No way.
AlwaysLate
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 9:11 p.m.
If as you say, "...frankly, I really don't care what people do with their properties, because it doesn't affect my well being or my family's well being.", then you are probably just like the Devees and your new neighbors will soon start disliking you and the way you bring down their property values.
Dennis
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 8:46 p.m.
If the cars are registered and operational they should leave these people alone. I am so sick of the elitist attitude in this city.
thecompound
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 12:35 p.m.
"under their own power". again, at the same time? the story claims one working battery is shared between the cars.
Dennis
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 10:44 p.m.
if all of the cars are registered with the state and have the ability to move under their own power, then they comply with both state law and city ordinance and should be left alone.
thecompound
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 10:36 p.m.
Operational all at the same time?
WWBoDo
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 7:51 p.m.
I would sure dislike living next to that mess--whatever number of excuses that they can come up with to defend their disrespect of their neighbors. I would agree with most of the people posting on this article that it is difficult to legislate respect and reasonableness--hard to define in legal terms, however, easy to recognize when you see it. In this instance, despite all of the HS excuses for subjecting their neighbors to their slovenly ways, it simply comes to down to the lack of respect for others. Unfortunate.
thecompound
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 7:26 p.m.
Wow, I thought this story would get 200 comments tops. It's already over 250--it could possibly break the "no plastic bottles in the UM stadium" record, lol. Seriously though, I am not sure what I think of this situation, but I do know that those who haven't lived with this situation really have no idea what the neighbors have had to put up with for years. It's easier to say "live and let live" when the "living" is not near you.
AlwaysLate
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 8:06 p.m.
You nailed it...!
bunnyabbot
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 6:22 p.m.
looks like they are following the ordinance, like it or not they are within the law regarding parked cars on the street, leave them alone
Atticus F.
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 5:37 p.m.
If you want to set forth a city wide policy that says "No ugly vehicles within the city" or "No resident is may own more than 1 vehicle", then do so, and see what happens. But as I see it, the city is singleing these people out because they own multiple ugly vehicles, and trying to use the 'Abandoned Vehicle' ordinance as a tool to harrass. These vehicles are clearly not abandoned, and are in no way a violation of city ordinance. It's just a case of having NIMBY neighbors who want to infringe on the property rights of others.
Basic Bob
Thu, Sep 13, 2012 : 1:27 a.m.
Can we outlaw cars with five or more bumper stickers?
Left is Right
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 1:01 a.m.
Guess we'd also have to outlaw most Hondas and Toyotas--especially the Prius, which took its styling cues from the hands-down ugliest car ever--the Pontiac Aztek.
Left is Right
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 12:58 a.m.
Actually, I think they're infringing on freedom of expression. I'd get the ACLU involved here.
Unusual Suspect
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 10:46 p.m.
"set forth a city wide policy that says 'No ugly vehicles within the city'" I'm for it, because then people would have to get rid of their Nissan Cubes.
Tesla
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 5:28 p.m.
Just out of curiosity, whats the rodent and bug/ant problem like in the neighborhood with all this weird food storage going on? Gross.
HeimerBoodle
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 5:20 p.m.
I feel bad for everyone involved here. While it's easy to say the neighbors are being snooty/classist/overbearing, it's also true that even compassionate, caring people don't necessarily like living next to run down property. However, it doesn't sound like the DeVees are technically doing anything illegal. Too bad the City Councilman isn't helping to mend fences, mediate, and maybe get ALL of his constituents the help and resolution they need. Also too bad aa.com is using the top story slot to, essentially, air one neighborhood's dirty laundry as a ploy to get more page views. It does seem fairly smarmy to have a "story" that exposes bad blood and, perhaps, some unstable habits and behavior of on family/street.
Guinea Pig in a Tophat
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 5:13 p.m.
Out of curiosity I looked at Shady Lane on Google Maps to see if the StreetView had captured any of their cars. I found the Dodge Grand Caravan!
gofigure
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 1:27 p.m.
So, what's your point?
AlwaysLate
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 8:03 p.m.
And that photo was taken in May 2010!
chapmaja
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 5:07 p.m.
The simple fact is these people are NOT VIOLATING the law. The vehicles are moved, so they are clearly not abandonded vehicles and therefore are not subject to laws about abandonded vehicles. The City would be facing a huge issue if they attempt to pass a law requiring the cars be moved because they are CLEARLY picking on this family, and the issue pre-dates the passing of the law. The simple fact is these people choose to live in a manner that is consistent with the laws of the locale they live in. The local homeowners don't like the way they live. That is a neighbor problem, not a legal problem. With all of that said, I don't buy the reason they have to park on the street. I have a gravel driveway where I live. I have lived her since 1986 and we have NEVER put gravel down on the driveway. We still park our vehicles on the driveway without a problem. There people are choosing to not park there vehicles on the driver, which in my opinion is the bigger issue. They are choosing to be poor neighbors, which is not a legal issue, but makes them like less then friendly, sort of like the picture.
outdoor6709
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 4:56 p.m.
Sine this is Ann Arbor, the city of compassion, the solution is for the neighbors to take up a collection and restore the gravel driveway. For less than $900 the driveway could be extended to the back of the house.
EyeHeartA2
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 12:08 p.m.
Yep and make room for another half dozen rat traps.
Nicole Streeter
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 6:02 p.m.
Are you going to contribute? You're all about spending other peoples money.. how much are you going to donate?
Major
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 4:49 p.m.
So tired of the "world according to me" and "I'm the victim" mentality. Get with the program, follow the law, show respect for your neighbor's and in so doing, yourself.....does this really need to be said?!
15crown00
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 4:48 p.m.
move em or loose em
AfterDark
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 4:45 a.m.
They do move em, that's not the problem. The problem is the neighbors think they're ugly. Putting the vehicle issue aside, if there are other problems at the location then the city CAN take action using blight ordinances. If the city does not see sufficient cause then the nasty neighbors need to just bite it.
MC5A2
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 4:48 p.m.
While I agree that it seems pretty ridiculous to be upset about vehicles parked on a street, I wouldn't be surprised if this family were hoarders. Just clean up your cars and don't leave hoards of food inside them. The whole Renaissance Festival story seems like a bad excuse.
Jack
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 6:50 a.m.
That was my thought, too - hoarding.
Gerry
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 4:45 p.m.
Go into Detroit, where hard working people have stretched themselves to buy a house, take care of it, and build a healthy community- only to have it brought down by the few houses on the block that neglected. Now tell me I am supposed to have sympathy for a couple who is not working, whose kid will not drive for at least another two years, but who still feels it is necessary to trash the neighborhood. How would you like it if those were your neighbors? When one tooth is missing, the entire smile just doesn't look right.
conservative
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 5:19 p.m.
Great comment and I like the analogy at the end!
Nicole Streeter
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 4:40 p.m.
Wow, my comment's were removed. So much for freedom of speech. I didn't use expletive language, or type in all caps. I just clearly made a point that I'm really sick of hearing/reading everyone's "be neighborly and help them out" rationale.. What happened to taking responsibility for your own actions? Society has really gone to "passing the buck" It's always someone else's problem,. lack of accountability, and enabling others to behave badly. I'm a member of this community, and am by no means "hoity toity" but due have a morale level of respect for my fellow neighbors. I would be mortified if the police were called, or the news about my dwelling, or property. If you want to be messy, so be it, but keep it in your house. Don't let it pollute your neighbor hood. Point in fact being, it makes the neighborhood less than desirable, and when others are putting in the effort to keep their property in good repair, and tidy, why should it be ruined by others laziness. The Ms. stated this has been ongoing for 25 years.. I think that's long enough for the neighbors to have to put up with your unsightly mess. Oh and BTW, the dollar tree, target, kroger, are all hiring currently. Not to mention the endless part time 'even a monkey could do" positions on Craigslist right now. You obviously have transportation, and even if you didn't, it's called a "bus". Charity starts at home. Just because you take food to those in need in Holly(?) , doesn't make you good people. You could use the money you spend in gas to GET to Holly to re-stone your driveway instead. Even "professional" crafters have "regular" jobs to supplement their income. So your husbands got a bad back, (like millions of other people), what's your excuse lady? I'm done ranting now..:)
barb
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 12:48 p.m.
The moderation is very uneven. I noticed a new female "writer" is particularly heavy on the moderating, to the point of stifling conversation.
Jack
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 6:59 a.m.
Amen, Nicole. Well done. I, too, have had comments removed, as many at 8 in one article! I called up Tony Dearing on that one and he agreed that none of the comments should have been removed. Meanwhile, comments calling Catholics racist,bigots, idiots, etc., were left standing. My comments were moderate and of the nature of trying to bridge the gap. I am thinking of (and will more than likely do so) cancelling my (paid) subscription for no other reason than the eccentricity of the censors. They need to start getting the message.
Brad
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 9:07 p.m.
Freedom of speech just means that you can't be arrested for what you say. It does not apply to forum moderation.
justcurious
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 6:24 p.m.
Your comments should Not have been deleted. The moderation is getting out of hand. Yesterday I had a comment deleted as well. When I complained they reinstated it, rightly. Your comments are right on target in my opinion. I feel that some folks resent themselves in such a way that something has to be said, even if it isn't enabling.
Nicole Streeter
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 5:21 p.m.
The Husband has the back injury. Not the wife. She stated" She lost her job 4 years ago". Renaissance is only on the weekends for like 6 weeks. I have numerous health issues, and I still earn a living. I don't expect others to pay for my home, yard, groceries, kids, etc just because my back hurts. or because I get headaches. I am fortunate that I own my own business, & I pay for my own benefits, when I could easily qualify for SSI. I am also a crafter/vendor in my spare time, as well as being a wife and mother, and it's A LOT of work setting up a booth, and carrying things too and from your vehicle. If he can do that, he can get a job as a cashier for 4-6 hours. You don't receive benefits as a "crafter" either.. Their cars/ driveway are not an issue of "benefits" it's an issue of money. And even if he can't, SHE can. If you're not working, outside of the home, it shouldn't be to hard to keep your house/yard clean.
conservative
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 5:18 p.m.
Good comments, couldn't have said it better myself! I made some similar comments and they were deleted :( These people have been "helped" enough. Time for them to help themselves!
Ron Granger
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 5:05 p.m.
"Oh and BTW, the dollar tree, target, kroger, are all hiring currently." Those are mostly part time jobs with no benefits. A lot of those jobs require standing for long periods of time. Many people with back injuries are unable to stand for even short periods of time. And disabilities vary. Some people are okay one day, but unable to walk the next. From the article, it sounds like they make some income on their trips to Holly.
Nicole Streeter
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 4:41 p.m.
Please excuse my misspells, as I was heatedly typing. :)
MSB10
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 4:35 p.m.
Send in the clowns.
Brad
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 8:25 p.m.
I think they're already here and driving rusted clown cars.
djacks24
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 4:29 p.m.
""It's unfortunate because all of the good people of the neighborhood are working really hard to maintain their properties and keep property values up," he said. "And here we have an example of where a property owner or family clearly has no care in the world about what happens to their neighbors in terms of property values, and you have a city that's not very responsive."" So who's trying to sell their house? If nobody is trying to sell their house, what is the big deal? The cars are registered and operational. The owner of the house himself said if the neighbors have a problem to talk to him and they could work something out. Maybe ask them if they intend to keep parking in the street, that for the benefit of everyone, volunteer to help them relocate the food. Why not try that instead of this phone calls to the city, passive aggressive crap? Why not be neighborly instead and help them gravel the driveway? It doesn't cost much for a couple yards of gravel and if everyone pitches in it will be done in less than half a day. If all of you folks bind together to help this family, and in turn help yourselves, it will get solved and everyone will be happy. As opposed to binding together to kick these people when they are down.
Brad
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 9:06 p.m.
Or maybe their property values are depressed because of the global economic downturn and the collapse of the housing market? Nah, you are right - it is because of the rusty cars. -- the OTHER Brad
Brad
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 8:24 p.m.
Maybe their houses aren't on the market because now that their property values have been depressed and they can't afford to move, or don't want to take the loss. Elementary.
justcurious
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 6:27 p.m.
No one knows when fortune will cause them to need to sell their house. Just because no one has a sign on their lawn does not mean that they aren't intending to sell. This man says he wants to talk to the neighbors IF they have a problem. The problem is staring him in the face but he is ignoring it.
Basic Bob
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 4:26 p.m.
Would this be considered blight in Ypsi township? North Main St? I don't think so. Kunselman is about useless.
Audion Man
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 4:17 p.m.
Being an inconsiderate slob is not a crime. If you want it to be, move the UK. ASBOS, ASBOS, everywhere...
Jack
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 7:03 a.m.
Anti-social behaviorial disorder? (ASBOS)
AlwaysLate
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 7:57 p.m.
"Inconsiderate slob"...perfect description!
JB SHOOTER
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 3:58 p.m.
They are abiding by the law. I wonder how long they can keep up the moving the cars and driving back from the festival to move the cars. I think there should be a limit on the number of cars a certain residential address can have on the street. However, it would probably be 4 or 5. High school/college age kids living with parents and possibly grand parents = many cars possible. Maybe the neighbors should buy a couple of the rust buckets and take them to the scrap yard. That would help them(if they are not hoarders as some have stated).
Brad
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 8:09 p.m.
Because it is the neighbors who are complaining.
Bubba43
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 4:03 p.m.
Why should neighbors have to spend their hard earned money to get rid of this problem?
L D Wahl
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 3:53 p.m.
The GOOD people of this town should want to drive out the petty people that have NO concern for their neighbors situation and are more concerned about cars in the street than the people of their community!
PoliSci
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 3:43 p.m.
Ann Arbor is in the USA. It is not your business what your neighbor drives or where they legally park. If you don't like it move.
Middle America
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 9:49 a.m.
Look, PoliSci, ignorant people don't get it. There is no way their property values have been "driven down". These commenters should visit a real city and see what the recession has done. They won't do that though. Ignorance is bliss.
Lynn Meer
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 1:58 a.m.
Move? that's how Detroit and every other blighted area happened. People don't work to make areas better, they abandon the area and it declines further.
Brad
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 8:08 p.m.
PillowRock - do you understand how an alternator works?
AlwaysLate
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 7:55 p.m.
Can't move because the DeVees family has driven down the property values and no sane person wants to live near them.
PillowRock
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 4:17 p.m.
If it is true that they need to move batteries around to do their mandated car shuffling, then one or more of the cars is being stored rather than "parked". The number of cars that they have "parked" is number that run independently of the others (in other words: the number that can run even if the others are simultaneously running).
Unusual Suspect
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 3:40 p.m.
Since when do City Council members take sides in neighborhood disputes? Isn't he also the DeVees' representative?
outdoor6709
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 4:59 p.m.
No potential for campaign contribution so probably not.
Richard Han
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 3:40 p.m.
Maybe Mitt would build a couple car elevators for them.
Robert Granville
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 3:39 p.m.
This abandoned car ordinance is more trouble than its worth. When is the last time it actually helped the city remove a car that truly WAS abandoned? Let's repeal it and be done with this mess.
AlwaysLate
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 3:33 p.m.
As I have read all the comments about this story, one thing has becomes very clear to me, none of the people who support the DeVees family have ever had to live next to neighbors like them. One of the most horrible experiences in life is to be stuck living next a neighbor like these people. Food stored in derelict vehicles throughout the hot summer? Oh, please...! How long will it be before the area is swarming with rats? Before you so quickly condemn the rest of the neighbors as Ann Arbor Elitist, try spending a fortnight next to the DeVees family. Or better yet, buy a house next to them…and then try to sell the house. The DeVees family are instant property value destroyers.
L D Wahl
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 4:04 p.m.
So what have you done to help them improve their situation or are you too busy calling the cops?
J. Zarman
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 3:23 p.m.
I usually agree with City Council Member Stephen Kunselman, but not this time. If the vehicles are operational, registered, and legally parked, then please do not use city resources (police, clerk's office time, etc.) to hassle law-abiding residents. If there is no ordinance covering what is visible within a legally-parked car, please work on crafting one, Mr. Kunselman.
J. Zarman
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 10:11 p.m.
@OLDTIMER3. Please note that I wrote, "If the vehicles are operational." If the hearsay reported about the battery rotation is true, then not all their vehicles are truly operational, then we do have a problem and maybe a violation, and I then agree with you, Oldtimer3.
OLDTIMER3
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 9:06 p.m.
If they have to move the battery from car to car to move one then technecally they are not operational. And are a hazard in case of a fire. They cannot bemoved quickly. What do they o in the winer on days the snowplow comes thru?
Ron Granger
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 3:15 p.m.
What Would Jesus Do? And, does Love Thy Neighbor only apply on Sundays? I can't recall.
barb
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 12:55 p.m.
I don't understand people assuming that the DeVee's are being forced to participate in this story? Could the writer clarify? It seems one could just say "no comment" and shut the door if they didn't want to participate. How did the writer learn about the family's financial situation? Were they pressured into disclosing it? I think they assumed they would get an outpouring of support and that hasn't necessarily happened, IMO.
A2transplant
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 12:37 p.m.
Raise your hand if any of you would like to be showcased on annarbor.com by your neighbors in this manner. I'm seeing a lot of hostility about this family not being a "good neighbor." But, really...given the choice, I'd take the "junk cars in the street" neighbor over the "post your name, address, photos, everything on the internet" neighbor any day. Hands down.
A A Resident
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 11:14 a.m.
"Wouldn't loving they neighbor include not trashing up their neighborhood and thereby negatively impacting their property values?" _______________________ The biblical "Loving thy neighbor" carries no expectation that the neighbor will abide by the same creed, or reciprocate. It is a unilateral act, not a mutual deal between two parties.
EyeHeartA2
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 1:04 a.m.
Jesus only drove cars that were a year or two old. Generally hybrids or full electric.
AlwaysLate
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 9:18 p.m.
Jesus would start by donating the cars to Mother Waddles! Then he would open their eyes to the mess that everyone else clearly sees.
Brad
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 8:05 p.m.
Hmm, Jesus said "Love thy neighbor unless he is negatively effecting your property value"? I must have missed that.
Basic Bob
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 4:21 p.m.
I just can't picture Jesus with a weedeater and an herbal tea.
Brad
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 3:46 p.m.
Wouldn't loving they neighbor include not trashing up their neighborhood and thereby negatively impacting their property values? I bet Jesus would think so too.
justcurious
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 3:13 p.m.
Sorry to not join in on the pity party but I would venture to guess that the people with support for these folks on here would not want them and their cars as neighbors either. If they are in such dire straights, why are they able to give food away? And drive all the way up to Holly to do it. Sometimes people put themselves in positions which they need to realize is not someone else's fault all the time. I agree that the cars should be ticketed regularly and then impounded. Flame away!
BradP
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 3:50 p.m.
Totally! don't want them near my house. Taking the cars away isn't going to fix it though. This kind of thing runs deep. Even people who get it all cleaned up, come back a couple years later and it's just as bad. Who's going to convince them it's not someone else's fault. How are chronic victims made to see the light? Doesn't happen. Sorry for the neighbors. Children of hoarders can grow up and move away after realizing there's no fixing it. Neighbors don't have that escape route. My dad is a hoarder, my mom isn't, so there's some balance--and a lot of arguing. But with two people working TOGETHER to hang on to everything (and not worrying about the consequences)? That's bleak.
BradP
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 3:11 p.m.
Scratch the surface . . . and you'll probably see hoarders. I'm not a hater--hoarding is a sad place for people to be. I'm just saying that if they don't have room in their house for these items, then the house may be a problem as well. Are there animals? Are the windows always covered up? Any other signs? It's not really normal to keep 4 cars for two people, even if they do run. Ordinarily, you would sell two of them, clear up the space and use the money for something you need, but hoarders just can't let go. What if one of the cars break down--better hang on to the other two just in case. It's a different way of looking at things, and not an easy place to come back from. Neighbors: GOOD LUCK!
EyeHeartA2
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 1:03 a.m.
Generally feces is involved somehow as well.
xmo
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 3:02 p.m.
Why do residents think they can tell other people how to live? They have "green Laws" that tell you what cars to drive, light bulbs to use , gas to fill your car with, etc. These people are doing more to "SAVE THE PLANET" by not wasting the earth's precious resources on building new cars and what do their neighbors try to do to them? Run them out of town! This is America, land of the free!
Arboriginal
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 1:50 a.m.
Yeah, "they" have green laws....ummmm....never mind.
pbehjatnia
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 3 p.m.
All I hear in Ms.DeVee's comments is: ME, ME, Poor, poor me...... How about a little more: I'm sorry for making the neighborhood unsightly. I know that it's not okay. It lowers home values and attracts problems. Would anyone please be willing to help us repair the drive just enough to get our vehicles off the street? We would really appreciate it. Nope. Instead, it's "We don't have the resources to care for our cars, but we somehow have them to drive to Holly each weekend and give away food to people who also apparently are only about 'me.'"
Mike
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 1:58 a.m.
Another social security disability recipient...........I have a problem with that due to the fact there won't be anything for our seniors soon. Rhis si the fatsest growing population in the USA.
TrappedinMI
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 3 p.m.
Ugh. I've lived next to people that don't have any respect for their neighbors. You're generally stuck with it and it isn't any fun because they will never change. Might as well move. :(
Brad
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 8:03 p.m.
Or just not look.
justsaying13
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 2:52 p.m.
I'm wondering if the neighbors would have a problem with these cars if they had a makeover and were made to look "nice" and the boxes inside were replaced with stylish plastic tubs and organizers for the food the family generously donates? The problem here seems to be (to me) that the neighbors dislike the organizational habits of this family more than anything else, and them having cars that don't have a fresh coat of paint is the perfect excuse to persecute them. Maybe if the family sold a car they could replace the driveway, maybe they didn't do the necessary upkeep to prevent it from needing to be replaced, maybe maybe maybe. Who here can claim to be perfect? All of these things are questions that the neighbors COULD pose to the family and actually find out more about them and maybe even *GASP* HELP THEM OUT. If you want good neighbors it has to start with you. You can't be a curmudgeon and expect other people to run and jump when you say so. They obviously are trying to do good things with their lives and their resources, and I don't really see why others can't do the same for them. It's people like this, who care more about other lives than they do meaningless physical objects, that really make a difference in this world. Stop being jerks to them.
LiberalNIMBY
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 2:52 p.m.
I would reserve judgement on this situation until you're trying to sell a house on the same block as these folks. But whether or not this behavior crosses the line is not the issue: for the most part, the city doesn't bother to pursue these issues because we don't have a "blight court" and the judges tend to throw these cases out. Ditto for the messes in some of the less-cared-for student areas. Why aren't we on this?
UncleMao
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 2:51 p.m.
The Renaissance Festival is super lame.
barb
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 12:57 p.m.
LOL
Borisgoodenough
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 2:47 p.m.
It seems horribly unethical to use the power of large corporate media for a top-of-the-page feature about a few residents of one street who are unhappy with a neighboring family that so clearly has personal issues. I'm sure this racked up a lot of page views and comments -- including mine -- for your website statistics. So congratulations, annarbor.com. But what ever happened to journalistic ethics or, even more, just plain common human decency?
barb
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 12:59 p.m.
Again, I ask, were the DeVee's willing participants in this story? Would there have been a story if the family just said "no comment" and shut the door? I don't know the answer to that, would the writer have done a story without their participation?
Borisgoodenough
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 12:33 p.m.
Linda, I'm certain the problem is serious to a few neighbors on the street, and perhaps worth some attention by the Council member from that ward. What's less clear is whether it warrants the bright spotlight on the lives of the private citizens involved that this website decided to shine on them. It's called journalistic judgment.
Linda Peck
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 9:59 p.m.
Actually, Mr Boris, this problem is a serious one. If you owned a house in this neighborhood and wanted to sell it for the best price, a price it was inherently worth on a current market, you would not be able to. Your price could drop tens of thousands of dollars! This is serious money! Also, it is disgusting to look at such a messy thing. I own a 14 year-old car, not very rusty, and I am not ashamed of it, either. It is a nice car. I don't want to buy a new car. But I don't hoard rusty cars or donated food in hoarded cars and leave them on the street. It is really rude and it is really expensive for the neighborhoods in terms of the equity in their homes!
zeeba
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 2:35 p.m.
It would appear that these people are following the letter of the law, if not the spirit. Unless these vehicles are actually abandoned, inoperative or unregistered, the city has no grounds to remove them. This is the sort of thing that happens in some neighborhoods during an economic downturn, so the neighbors just need to get used to it and quit complaining.
EyeHeartA2
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 1:02 a.m.
Evidently, the downturn must have been going on for over 20 years.
Angry Moderate
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 5:43 p.m.
This problem started way before the economic downturn, and the nuisance and blight laws don't require the car to be abandoned or unregistered.
Ricebrnr
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 2:32 p.m.
oh that's right, Half the commentors here won't want to help them until they are homeless. The other half won't after they are homeless. Yay hippie-town USA.
W.J.Mundus
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 2:25 p.m.
The city should just ignore this situation. That approach worked so well in Detroit.
David Bardallis
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 2:21 p.m.
Reminds me of the jerk I used to live next to who once called the cops on me one evening for listening to a Tigers game on the radio outside on my deck. And no, I wasn't blasting it at top volume as I'm not deaf. He was just another self-entitled personality who believed the police are the answer to every one of his grievances, reasonable or not. I'm with the other commenters who say if this First World problem is so unbearable, why not help the DeVees in getting their driveway repaired rather than expending so much time and effort to sic the police on them? Busybodies who think state-sanctioned violence is the only way to resolve disputes with neighbors are the real "nuisance" in my opinion.
barb
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 1:03 p.m.
So tired of hipster "First World problems". It's like saying you can't ever vent about anything because someone somewhere is always worse off.
Brad
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 9:02 p.m.
If it has been going on for 20 years, then people who moved in later than that can stop whining about property values.
Angry Moderate
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 5:42 p.m.
Seeing as several other commenters have pointed out that this problem has been going on for over 20 years, and therefore has absolutely nothing to do with the broken gravel or recent unemployment, it's clear that these people have no interest in alleviating their nuisance.
treetowncartel
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 3:03 p.m.
I'd love to hear what the police officer had to say about that call.
Emily Swan
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 2:20 p.m.
Why don't the neighbors pitch in and help these folks buy some gravel for their driveway? That'd be the kind thing to do, and would help with at least 2 of the vehicles.
EyeHeartA2
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 2:26 p.m.
Doubt it. More likely make room for 2 more on the street, for a total of 6 now.
rusty shackelford
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 2:18 p.m.
Definitely one of those situations where you wish both sides could lose.
Left is Right
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 12:41 a.m.
Both sides have already lost.
SurlyCommenter
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 7:38 p.m.
Like a certain football game this weekend! (ND v. MSU)
brimble
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 2:16 p.m.
Many of the comments on this article are really disheartening. Sure, I would be unhappy were I an immediate neighbor as well -- we all want our neighborhoods to look their best. To that end, we agree on ordinances, or if we're in newer developments, homeowner association rules. But the uninformed judgmentalism about this family, their economics, their personal lives and their priorities is really stunning and disheartening. We can and should have a valid public policy debate about the law, the definition of blight, the question of the abandoned vehicle ordinance, but we have no right to debate this family's personal lives.
zags
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 12:30 p.m.
"But the uninformed judgmentalism about this family, their economics, their personal lives and their priorities is really stunning and disheartening....... but we have no right to debate this family's personal lives." In essence you are correct. But AA.com chose to make this the top story on their front page. Your issue is really with this website. 2 replies
CincoDeMayo
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 2:17 a.m.
Well said Brimble.
newsboy
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 2 p.m.
I can dig where they're going with this. (1) Park some old ve'hicals in the front yard to help lower SEV of the whole neighborhood. (2) Property taxes drop so severely that "tree huggers "and "public art people" finally leave town in disgust! (3) Real Ann Arborites move back to the fun loving town we once knew!
Mike
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 2 p.m.
Ann Arborites are all for helping the less fortunate as long as they can't see them. If these cars are not properly licensed then tow them, if they are then get a life and leave them alone. If they can't afford a nice car like their condescending neighbors that should not be a ticketable offense. Take a collection and buy them a load of gravel so they can park them off the street. That's what good neighbors would do, NOT turn them into the police.
mbill
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 1:57 p.m.
Celebrate diversity Ann Arbor!
Brad
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 7:59 p.m.
Celebrate conformity! (Well, only if everyone else is going to... Might want to check with the neighbors first)
aanative
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 4:15 p.m.
Celebrate Eyesores!
Michelle
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 1:52 p.m.
I used to live on Shady Lane. Trust me, this is a problem that has been going on for YEARS, and is not just a result of a recent job loss. I'm all for helping out your neighbor, but this goes beyond that. I believe the city or township should've acted years ago. For all you naysayers, take a drive down the street and see what you think. It's more than just the cars. I'm glad I was able to move away from that mess.
Robot Charles
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 1:48 p.m.
The contents of a vehicle is of no concern to anyone other than a police officer. If the cars are not violating city law then the neighbors should leave them be. However, they all need to be good neighbors, so maybe the DeVees should only park two cars on the street at a time. Then the neighbors should stop complaining and instead try to help these folks out.
Jonathan Blutarsky
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 2:24 a.m.
Dude - that is way too reasonable!
dotdash
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 1:47 p.m.
Ryan: What is the "BLIGHT BEAT", exactly, and what is the goal? It's one thing to investigate Bank of America for not maintaining its foreclosed properties, or going after deadbeat landlords, but I for one, am uncomfortable with your digging into and making public the personal problems of individuals in the community. Do you see an ethical issue here?
dotdash
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 7:23 p.m.
Putting someone's name, street name, picture, and neighborhood wrangles on the internet is what I meant. This family could be dogged by this for years after the whole thing is resolved by anyone who googles them. Even the kids. That's what I meant.
Angry Moderate
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 5:38 p.m.
What do you mean "making public"? They made it public when they parked 4 beat up cars in public view.
Thoughtful
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 1:37 p.m.
How about just some common sense, without all of the bickering? They pay registration AND insurance on FOUR cars, and gas at $4 plus per gallon to drive to the festival every weekend, so if they WANTED to, they could get some gravel for the driveway. Her husband has a low back injury, yet he can drive or ride in a car that often? Doesnt that aggravate his injury? Maybe its not so bad, hes not really disabled, and he can go back to work. Perhaps when this comes to the attention of the social security administration, things will change. This would seem to be more than blight, it is a FIRE hazard. If the four cars are sharing one battery, they are not all fully operational. If there were to be a fire, they would be in the way and not easily moved. Isn't there reduced visibility with all that crap in the car to drive it safely? And don't these people care how their 14 year old kid feels? Isn't he humiliated by this situation? I don't think that the Ann Arborites that are rolling in the dough choose to live on Shady Lane. Really.
Jasem Yousuf
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 1:31 p.m.
The members of the neighborhood should figure out who has the power to fix this the fastest, split the cost on an equally ugly car and park it infront of their house and move it every 48 hours. Once it gets towed they'll have the precedent to get these cars towed.
dotdash
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 1:29 p.m.
These neighbors are perfectly happy to deal out humiliation and public embarrassment to their neighbors of 25 years, including their 14 and 18 year old children? I hope that before my neighbors called a councilperson and a newspaper to take pictures of my cars, self, and personal property, and put them on the internet with my name attached, they would think about how they would like to be treated if the positions were reversed. Bad karma, people.
Indymama
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 10:07 a.m.
...and i suspect that is a good part of the Problem! If there are some mental and financial issues and the neighbors just complain and complain...they ( neighbors) have caused resentment by the couple . Then the complaining neighbors complain more , which enforces even more resentment resentment. And so goes the world!!
Angry Moderate
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 5:36 p.m.
You must not have read the part where they have already been trying to get them to fix it for years, and have gotten nothing but weak excuses in response.
PattyinYpsi
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 1:28 p.m.
Gosh! Today's AA.com is really revealing. Ann Arbor has blighted houses and rusted cars filled with boxes of food on its streets? From the posts I've seen on this Web site, I was under the impression that Ann Arbor was nothing but perfect homes, perfect neighbors, and perfect streets. Bad public art, but everything else--perfect!
PattyinYpsi
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 8:05 p.m.
That would be nice, dotdash. But the truly ugly comments about Ypsilanti that are posted on AA.com and pop up as fast as mushrooms after a hard rain will need to stop first.
dotdash
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 1:43 p.m.
Now that we have gotten past that, can we be good neighbors? :)
oldguy
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 1:28 p.m.
They`re pleading poverty and yet they`re holding unto five cars...sell them for scrap. I suspect an investigation of the inside of the house would should something worthy of a "Hoarders" episode on TV. btw: the city ordinance is a joke... it has no teeth... we have a case of a guy moves his car two feet to avoid the tow notice on his car, and so they can`t tow him.... it`s a farce.
OLDTIMER3
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 8:52 p.m.
@Brad Unless prices are way down it would be way more than $50 dollars more like $3oo to $500 dollars. Especially if they are driveable.
Brad
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 2:30 p.m.
Yeah, 'cuz $50 for a scrap vehicle is going to help them out of poverty?!? Not.
smc1971
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 1:28 p.m.
This family aren't bad people - they have some mental health issues. If they don't want help and aren't breaking laws, there isn't much to do about it. I feel for the neighbors - it's a helpless feeling living near people who are in that state of mind. About obesity and money: it's MUCH cheaper to buy junky food, so saying they have money because of their size is absurd.
Kevin
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 8:16 p.m.
Thanks SMC, a breath of fresh air here.
Lifelong A2
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 1:26 p.m.
Others have said it well: these residents appear to be obeying the law. Kunselman's cavalier attitude -- issue a ticket without regard to whether any law is being broken -- is shameful. If he wants to change the law, then bring a proposal to the Council table -- but don't ask the police to ignore the law on the books and harass people who are complying with the law. That's an abuse of power that makes Kunselman unfit to serve.
Brad
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 1:43 p.m.
His "let's write them a ticket that won't stick and then blame it on the judge when he throws it out" strategy is pretty lame.
BOBBY
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 1:23 p.m.
Only in Ann Arbor would an article like this make the news...
Brad
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 1:23 p.m.
Maybe the health department could do something. It looks like a serious tetanus threat.
noyfb
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 1:23 p.m.
Stephen Kunselman has no credibility for anything he thinks, says or does. He's proven this time and again. If I was the neighbor and wanted credibility for my argument I would distance myself from him.
Anita
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 1:22 p.m.
Done't people have better things for fight for?
aanative
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 4:11 p.m.
Yeah, property values are so inconsequential...
Brad
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 1:24 p.m.
I suggest you drive by the place and see what you think.
Eleanor Brier
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 1:18 p.m.
BleMax79..I guess you get to shop at Plum Market and buy organic. Come down off your cloud and join the real world of "folks that are not just like me"
smokeblwr
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 1:15 p.m.
Figures the cars in question are American. You'd never catch a Honda driver doing this.
Basic Bob
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 4:14 p.m.
I've seen some vintage Hondas that would fit right in. But they would be overpriced.
MyOpinion
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 1:15 p.m.
1)Kunselman is not out of touch about driveways. I'd say his ward has an abundance of on-street parking because while many homes have driveways, they don't have two car garages. 2)I'm in the 5th ward and my son got a ticket on his car which is parked in front of my home (not a two-car garage house). However, it was not in violation of the 48 hour abandonment ticket, but how is an officer to know? It is parked in pretty much the same spot every day, but it is gone for hours at a time. I'm guessing that a neighbor complained, but they can use the spot. There are plenty of other sections of street available for parking.
AfterDark
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 4:30 a.m.
How is an officer to know if a vehicle is in violation of the 48 hour parking rule? Simple - a tire is chalked when the violation is suspected. After 48 hours have passed the position of the chalk mark on the tire is checked to see if the tire has moved - no position change = no vehicle movement = violation.
Kevin
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 8:14 p.m.
Or Brewer's complained. I think we should amend the law to state any personal complaints will be confidential, however any complaints by for profit companies shall be made public!!!!!
Arieswoman
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 1:13 p.m.
The food shown in the photo comes from Food Gathers! I know this for a fact. So....A2 dot com do not delete this posting.
E Claire
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 7:44 p.m.
The only place where its suggested that the food is being sold is in the comments section. "they've been bringing lots of food up to give to those who need it. "That's going to go for the families that can't afford a lot,"
music to my ear
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 1:58 p.m.
looks like gorden food store to me
peg dash fab
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 1:34 p.m.
… which suggests that the DeVees are receiving food as charity from FG, then selling it at weekend festivals. Nice work if you can get it.
Eleanor Brier
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 1:12 p.m.
Leave the people alone already. It's unfortunate that in Ann Arbor you have to be just like everyone else. Help the people buy stones for cripe sakes and quit whining. Next headline: "Neighbors Form Coalition to Get Rid of Nonconformists"
aanative
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 4:09 p.m.
Uh, no: the neighbors have repeatedly requested that they show some consideration and tidy up.
Lizard
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 1:11 p.m.
Looks like these people are hoarders.
Left is Right
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 2:09 a.m.
And looks like some of those others might be aliens. And wait, that one over there...
Brad
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 2:28 p.m.
Hoarders have no property rights?
Ron Granger
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 1:10 p.m.
The link to the Sakstrups Towing business is very telling.
Kitty O'Brien
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 8:05 p.m.
The Sakstrup family sold the business to Brewer's over a decade ago. Besides Cindy's his ex-wife.
aanative
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 4:01 p.m.
No. It's not.
Brad
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 1:42 p.m.
That nonexistent link? That one?? Your comment about it is very telling. It tells that you are quite uninformed about the situation.
peg dash fab
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 1:32 p.m.
Neglecting to read others' comments is very telling.
working poor @ u of m
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 1:02 p.m.
The owners of 2915 Shady Lane have been like this ever since they purchased the house. It's not that they are just hitting hard times. The community of Shady Lane has been nothing but patient and have tried to work with the DeVees for 25 years! How do I know? This was my home. Our family sold it to the DeVees after our mother passed away. It sickens me to see my mothers former home in such a trashy mess! If Mr. DeVee is collecting social security disability, how can he work at the Renaissance Festival? Lots of scamming going on here.
J. A. Pieper
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 1:28 a.m.
I agree with this too. All you readers & posters, it's not just the cars! The house and lot are a total mess, definitely different from the rest of the neighborhood. And is has been as long as I have know the family !
Brad
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 1:15 p.m.
And there you have it, people.
Judy
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 12:58 p.m.
You mean to tell me the City of Ann Arbor does not have an ordinance about vehicles that do not have "current" license tabs? I live in a township that deems vehicles abandoned on your "own" property if they do not have "current" license tabs the township can issue you at ticket and you only have so long before they will come and remove them.
Allison Camara
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 3:16 p.m.
as the story stated they are register and insured that's why there have been way to many comments to count about how can they afford insurance on 4 cars and in order to have your car registered you need insurance. Unless they let the insurance slide since they registered the cars.
Judy
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 11:38 a.m.
Being registered is not the same as "current" license tabs. To have "current" license tabs you have to have insurance on the vehicles.
OLDTIMER3
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 8:45 p.m.
I think they stated they were all registered. So they are somewhat legal.
Jon Wax
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 12:57 p.m.
25 years makes them locals. any of the neighbors who haven't been in town longer then 25 years need to shut it. seriously. all you new folks who just got here who think your opinion is legit, YOU guys are the ones ruining town. Go back to livonia or plymouth where you guys can all live your c average lives. Leave the locals alone. And most of this smacks of a "have, have not issue". We don't do that around here. Not unless it comes to A2 looking down on ypsi. But locally, no... we don't do that. Peace
Brad
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 7:52 p.m.
But they aren't breaking the law.
Angry Moderate
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 5:33 p.m.
The rule of law is actually the same for everyone, you don't get an exception depending how long you've lived here.
Brad
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 2:27 p.m.
Agreed. It was the hippies and the creative folks who made Ann Arbor popular. Move to Birmingham if you don't like it.
Tom Hager
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 2:08 p.m.
so let's see, I've lived in Holland for almost 9 years having previously lived in GR the other 36 years of my life. I don't really have a right to express my opinion about the goings on in my old neighborhood. And, according to your logic, I don't have the right to express my opinion in my current neighborhood. It makes me glad that you're not my neighbor.
Ron Granger
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 12:47 p.m.
"O'Harris recently sent letters to a handful of his neighbors, asking them to commit to making one phone call per week to the city to complain until something is done about the vehicles." The DeVee's might want to make a criminal harassment complaint to the police, and get a lawyer. If people like O'Harris are attempting to intimidate the DeVee's, then that is a criminal or civil matter.
Angry Moderate
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 5:32 p.m.
Ever heard of the right to petition the government to redress your grievances?
Brad
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 1:13 p.m.
They are going to call the city. How would that be harassment? Calm down.
a2susan
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 12:43 p.m.
I think the issue of the so-called abandoned cars is really only the tip of the iceberg. If you really want to know the issue just take a drive over there and you'll see. The neighbors have to start somewhere in dealing with how the property looks, and this is where they can take some legal action.
J. A. Pieper
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 1:23 a.m.
I agree, everyone involved in posting here should go look, you don't need an address, and you don't need to find the place with all the cars. This home stands out on its own, the cars are truly the tip of the iceberg!
Kevin
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 8:07 p.m.
Or not as the case seems to be.
Ron Granger
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 12:42 p.m.
Kunselman demonstrates being completely out of touch with the fact that a large number of A2 residences have no parking and depend entirely on street parking. He also demonstrates being completely out of touch with priorities. Similarly, there are countless families that are in this same situation. They have a narrow driveway and many vehicles to shuffle. It makes parking in the drive difficult.
CobraII
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 12:41 p.m.
Why don't the neighbors all chip in & buy a load of gravel?
Left is Right
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 2:07 a.m.
I think that the neighbors should pony-up for a concrete driveway and a four-car garage.
J. A. Pieper
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 1:20 a.m.
Cobrall, this is a small neighborhood with affordable homes. No one is rich here, I know several people involved in this situation, and they are taking care of their property, but can't afford to take care of the neighbors. Go look for yourself, this home stands out in more ways than just the cars.
Angry Moderate
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 5:32 p.m.
How about the rich people who own FOUR CARS buy their own gravel?
Ricebrnr
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 1:41 p.m.
I'm in for $10. Who's collecting and who's going to arrange with the DeVees and gravel suppliers? AA.com? Chance for you to step up and be a service to the community...
Tom Hager
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 1:23 p.m.
A few other people posted this same thing. Maybe you and the others who feel this way would like to contribute as well?
Barbara E. O'Donnell
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 12:40 p.m.
It's no surprise that the city lets this car parking issue slide . Take a ride around the city and see yards that look like a dump . Extensions serve as a place to dump junk with the hope that someone with pick it up , meanwhile it makes our city look like a living slum in parts of our city.
Tom Hager
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 12:40 p.m.
BTW, what the hell are "community standards officers". Sounds like the city of Ann Arbor has more money than it needs.
Andrea Zastrow
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 3:15 p.m.
They once wrote me a ticket because some orange ditch lilies growing around a phone pole on the easement were too tall.
Indymama
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 9:23 a.m.
That was my thought exactly ! Sounds like a communist police position ! ..and why are we paying for someone to do this ?
Kevin
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 8:05 p.m.
I think these are the same folks that ticket anyone who can't shovel their walkway after 1" of snow. It's a "standard" ya know. More rules please and then when the rules don't work, add more rules AND tougher punishments.
Hactin
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 12:37 p.m.
A little bit of 2-way understanding may go a long way to help these neighbors get along. First, understand please, that when cash is tight, a car is an asset which would be very expensive to replace. Maybe it's just transportation "in the bank" 'cause they don't know how they would buy a newer car if their daily driver pooped out. No mention of insurance costs, so maybe it's not so expensive to just keep them resistered. The other direction, they could put their cars' contents indoors if they were inclined to compromise with their neighbors, or experiment with a privacy fence. Is the back yard already filled up? It's pretty tough to deal with a hoarder, if that's what they are, and it's not an issue of rich vs. poor. It's an issue of willingness to compromise.
OLDTIMER3
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 8:40 p.m.
With 4 autos insured it must be quite a bill to have to pay on disabilty or otherwise.
CincoDeMayo
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 1:05 p.m.
My thoughts exactly on replacing a vehicle Hactin. Good point too on it being an issue of willingness to compromise.
Ron Granger
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 12:35 p.m.
That first picture shows a lot of other neighbors' cars parked in the street. These people have legally registered their cars and they are just as entitled to use the roads as anyone else.
Ron Granger
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 12:48 p.m.
Thanks for the clarificaton, Ryan.
Ryan J. Stanton
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 12:40 p.m.
Actually, I believe those cars in the background are in a driveway. The only one that isn't is Kunselman's truck, which he parked on the street for about an hour while he talked to residents.
DDOT1962
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 12:34 p.m.
Just a thought here, but wouldn't it be a better political process if councilman Kunsel took the concerns of the DeVee's neighbors and brought them to the attention of the DeVees themselves, in a sort of friendly, diplomatic approach that avoids getting the authorities involved from the start? I'm sympathetic to the surrounding homeowners because I think the DeVees are skirting the law and playing games, but I think trying to force their compliance without first seeing if a softer approach makes headway will only bring defensive defiance from these urban rebels.
EyeHeartA2
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 12:31 p.m.
Our own little bit of Taylor, right here in Ann Arbor. How quaint. Anyway, live and let live. Be a free spirit. It's all good. Until it moves in next to you I guess.
EyeHeartA2
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 1:57 a.m.
I think I bought a cars from you there once.
treetowncartel
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 2:59 p.m.
How do you know about Taylor?
Tom Hager
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 12:26 p.m.
This family of four is living off of social security disability but yet can afford to take four cars on a 100 mile round trip every weekend? I'm also wondering where they're getting all this food. Donations? Are they buying some of it? I can applaud these people for wanting to help those less fortunate than them but maybe they should stop the trips to Holly for awhile and save the gas money so they can purchase some new stone for their driveway. Then they can get their cars off the street and the neighbors will stop complaining.
Brad
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 2:24 p.m.
Living in Michigan requires owning a car. Until there is public transportation throughout SE Michigan, this will be true. They have three drivers and four cars. Growing up we had six vehicles in the yard that were registered and in use (one for each member of the family) plus usually one classic car that was being worked on for fun. Luckily we did not have neighbors like these.
music to my ear
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 1:56 p.m.
I assume if they get food stamps they are selling stuff they purchase with the stamps for a profit not uncommon. yes 4.00 a gallon for gas is not cheap ,they say.( I am assuming) they are donating but I bet they have a vendors booth up there .when you are down and out you can get creative,
murphthesurf
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 12:23 p.m.
why the need for 4 cars? if they all run then perhaps its time to get rid of a couple of them,this will give them some money to fix the driveway!
CycleGirl
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 12:20 p.m.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME! This Councilman has nothing else in Ann Arbor to focus on but this family. I would think he would try to help them instead of take sides, he represents them as well. How dare Ann Arbor.com take pictures of the personal content of these peoples car. What a noble thing to do, in need and still trying to collect food for others in need. The picture looks like a group of "busy body" neighbors. Why don't you act like neighbors and help the family, Get together and try to work out a way to get the driveway done so they can move the cars off the street. Offer them can goods to help with their mission. Become good neighbors and not "haters". I wouldn't want to live in this neighborhood with this group of "snooty neighbors".
Kevin
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 8:02 p.m.
No kidding here CycleGirl. This council person only cares, as he stated, for the "good people". His prejudgment is to be loathed. Clean in yard or clean in mind/actions? So we should all picth in and deliver a driveway full of rocks, on the neighbors yards!!! and see who helps move them. Ahahahahaha.
noyfb
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 1:25 p.m.
Stephen Kunselman has no credibility for anything he thinks, says or does. He's proven this time and again. If I was the neighbor and wanted credibility for my argument I would distance myself from him
lorayn54
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 12:42 p.m.
why would he want to help one family (with two potential votes) when he could help the neighbors who represent many more potential votes. It sounds to me as if these folks need some compassion, not judgemental neighbors.
Tom Hager
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 12:36 p.m.
While I agree that the neighbors could do more to help these people, there comes a point when you need to take responsibility for yourself and take care of your needs first. The busy bodies aren't the only ones being bad neighbors here.
average joe
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 12:09 p.m.
The area has experienced an extended period of dry weather that we haven't had in decades. The notion that they couldn't park in their driveway, repaired or not, is a very weak excuse.
Davidian
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 12:09 p.m.
Technically they are not breaking a law. So the city shouldn't mess with them. Regardless, I think it's pretty clear that they are not only terrible neighbors, but hoarders that are completely lacking in consideration of others. I have lived next to blighted houses with junked cars filled with garbage. Trash collects trash. Very quickly, people began to litter in MY yard. Friends stopped coming over. I couldn't look out my own windows without being disgusted. I didn't feel comfortable in my own house. I moved. I shouldn't have had to do that. I don't think this is a case of "snooty Ann Arborites" looking down their noses as people. Basic neighborly common courtesies are being flouted and trampled on, and their whole "I don't give a care" attitude is appalling. If they want to turn their yard and street into a junkyard, then maybe they should move to an area where it doesn't affect other people. In the meantime, they could try exercising an ounce of common courtesy and respect for others. It would go a long way.
J. A. Pieper
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 1:14 a.m.
Well said. I know three of the people involved, they are not part of snooty AA. The DeVees are hoarders of junk, period.
Craig Lounsbury
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 12:06 p.m.
"Our public streets are not meant for long-term storage," Our city is full of folks who rent and whose rental units do not provide sufficient parking for the tenants. Consequently they play the "moving game" shuffling their cars as needed to keep the vehicles from being towed. Wake up MR. Kunselman.
tdw
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 4:10 p.m.
Craig....are you in a bad mood ? I was expecting something witty ( as per the norm )( BTW I agree with you )
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 12:04 p.m.
@discgolfgeek: Actually, 4.6% of all adults in Michigan between the ages of 18 and 65 are currently on social security disability.
justcurious
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 3:25 p.m.
That's a "sick" statistic. Very sad. Too easy to play the system.
Ryan
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 12:03 p.m.
I love how many of you Ann Arborites are always ballyhooing about being free and progressive, yet these yahoos are raising a huge stink about some ugly cars, such a huge stink that opportunistic councilmen are lining up to secure future votesm and there is an article in the paper about this non-issue. This situation reminds me more of Royal oak than A2; remember when they tried to outlaw begging? Hey geniuses, these people broke no laws and you're acting like this is a serious issue; it is not, get over it. You've got stabbings, assaults, and robberies taking place nightly and this is what you waste the police's time with? I always suspected there were a lot of undercover Republicans in A2, now I know it is a fact. P.S. I'm sending Shady Lane residents a bill for wasting the time of police officers who would be much more useful investigating a real crime like the ones that fill the crime section of this paper every day.
Brad
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 7:49 p.m.
Republicans want the government to stop interfering = they want to pay less taxes. There are more than happy to regulate who marries whom and what sort of medical care people can be provided or what type of car you can drive in their neighborhood. I have more respect for Libertarians - I don't agree with them but at least they have integrity.
tdw
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 4:07 p.m.
Ryan....I was a little too quick to give you a thumbs up.Republicans are the ones who want to government to stop interfering.It's the libs who say that people should be free to live like they want.....as long as they agree with it
Brad
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 1:55 p.m.
You are making assumptions that all people want to live like the Stafford wives. There are those who enjoy living in diverse areas that might include the occasional horder or crackpot. I would pay more to live where I am NOT told what color I can paint my house and if I am allowed to own a boat or not. I don't want neighbors who would tell me what car it is appropriate to own. Property values are a lame excuse to enforce your own aesthetic standards on other people who are just minding their own business. Can you PROVE you can't sell your house because of a rusty car parked down the road? Maybe you are just asking too much money. Maybe the market is down. Unless you have signed statements from everyone who has ever considered buying your house, then you have only a "feeling" that your property value has been diminished.
music to my ear
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 1:46 p.m.
what about others right, who clean up day in and day out to maintain a clean enviorment what about joe next store who may want to sell his home do you think he will get any bites ,no people will drive right on by. that street is small I could see if they had a couple of aceres
Davidian
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 12:13 p.m.
Somehow I get the feeling that either you enjoy living in filth, or you have never lived next door to someone that did.
rs
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : noon
maybe the city should consider an ordinance that some other cities have that limits how many un-garaged cars can be parked at or in front of a single family home. It is a little big-brotherish, but it does prevent car farms like this from popping up in town.
bluemax79
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 11:52 a.m.
in the first picture you have the 4 rusty vehicles, a bent over fence, chicken wire around some kind of "garden" and some sparse weeds for a lawn. Oh and a couple of hanging plants to make it look "nice" would hate to live near these people. they have plenty of money to be obese and have junk pouring from their house onto the lawn but no money to take care fo their home. looks like an episode of horders. pathetic.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 10:02 p.m.
Good grief! Obesity is a major characteristic of being poor. Welcome to the world or reality.
Left is Right
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 2:03 a.m.
How is it in that ivory tower of mine? Pathetic.
J. A. Pieper
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 1:11 a.m.
And, they have plenty of money to purchase coffee at coffee shops on a regular basis.
Brad
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 7:44 p.m.
Ever hear the phrase "one man's junk is another man's treasure"? I think leaf blowers are a menace and should be outlawed. Other people don't like rusty cars.
Angry Moderate
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 5:28 p.m.
Hoarding beat up crap and not cleaning up your own trash (despite being unemployed and having plenty of free time) is neither "diversity" nor "vitality."
Brad
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 1:47 p.m.
If you would hate to live next to these people, then there is a simple solution - move to Birmingham. If you enjoy the diversity and vitality that is Ann Arbor, then you also have to deal with people who don't feel that their lawn must look like a golf course.
Anita
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 1:41 p.m.
How is it in that Ivory Tower of yours?
Billy
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 11:51 a.m.
I knew the DeVee's son back in high school (their OTHER son.....) so that's like almost 20 year ago.....their property was pretty messy back then. I can only imagine it got worse.
timjbd
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 11:51 a.m.
The cars are parked on grass in front of the house so that means they could be parked on the grass now growing in the guy's driveway. Go down near the stadium on football Saturday and you'll see people parked on grass in nearly every yard. His excuse for not using his driveway is nonsense. There's something else going on here.
timjbd
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 7:29 p.m.
Not if it's growing in your driveway.
Brad
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 1:06 p.m.
That's a great plan EXCEPT that it's only legal to park on your grass on football Saturdays.
A2James
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 11:49 a.m.
Also: if it's true that the neighbors haven't talked to the DeVee's face-to-face, yet have all of this time to print flyers and call the police, that is a sadder state of affairs than any of the cars on their property.
J. A. Pieper
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 1:10 a.m.
To some people, it is always someone else's fault. I know this family and the neighborhood, and although they say the neighbors won't even talk to them, you would need to check out the other side of the story. It is always someone's else's fault is probably their mantra in life.
Billy
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 11:55 a.m.
I was going to point this out....but Mr. Devee is an....interesting person to talk face-to-face with...
A2James
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 11:45 a.m.
Important question: is Cindy Sakstrup (in the picture) related to the Sakstrup family who started the A2 towing business?
aamom
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 12:52 p.m.
A2James, it says they have been at odds with their neighbors for 25 YEARS!!! I don't care if my neighbors had Mercedes filled with gold out front, if they're keeping them in the street for years, it's junking it up!!!
A2James
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 12:28 p.m.
Thanks, Ryan. OK everyone: let's say, for example, that these were more "typical" A2 residents, and had 4 "typical" A2 cars parked out front, like a Subaru, Saab, VW, and Lexus, for example. Let's say that they had kids who played hockey, and one of the cars was filled with hockey equipment. And one of the other cars was filled with food to donate not to the Renaissance Festival, but to a local church. Would your attitudes be the same? Would all of that be "junk"? My point is, they've lived there for 25 years. I don't know them, nor the neighbors. But if I were in a position of enforcement, I'd take more pity on a homeowner strugging who has been there and paid taxes longer, than a few neighbors who care more about neighborhood appearances than anything else.
CincoDeMayo
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 12:25 p.m.
Why? Is Richard Sakstrup even an owner anymore??
Ryan J. Stanton
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 12:25 p.m.
I answered the same question above. See my reply.
Homeland Conspiracy
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 12:11 p.m.
$$$$$$$$$ that's why it's relevant
bluemax79
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 11:55 a.m.
why is that in any way relevant? you think that the neighbors want to make money off towing the cars? these cars should not be parked on the street full of junk. THAT is the important issue here.
discgolfgeek
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 11:43 a.m.
Offtopic. I don't know about Mr DeVee but I see way too many people collecting social security disability for a bad back or ADHD/ADD. No wonder the society security fund is in jeopardy.
Robert Granville
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 10:52 a.m.
I hear far too many anecdotal tales like this... the funny thing is no one can ever back up the myriad cases of disability/social security/welfare fraud they personally "know" about. They just "see way too many"... I wonder if they can "see" medical and work history without knowing the people they love complaining about.
Billy
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 12:20 p.m.
You'd think so huh....are you aware of how the SS system works? You have to have WORKED....for at least 5-10 years full time......to even come CLOSE to getting enough work credits to even DRAW disability..... People who collect social security......earned that NO MATTER WHAT.
4 Fingers
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 11:43 a.m.
My take? If your living on disability, and can't afford the up keep on your house, maybe you need to sell a few of your extra cars.
ViSHa
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 12:37 p.m.
It may have been the politician who alerted AA.com, but who supplied all the family information/quotes---neighbors?
craigjjs
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 12:32 p.m.
What makes you think the car owners were drawing attention? My money is on the politician.
towncryer
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 12:06 p.m.
I wouldn't be surprised if this backfired on the people like the slauson/dog park story. Drawing attention to something through the newspaper will do that sometimes, bring unanticipated attention...
A2Since97
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 11:37 a.m.
I'm sure these are not the only people "skirting" the law, here in A2. I know of a home in the Pioneer neighborhood, north of Stadium, where another family played the same "game" for several years. They collected old hearses, and other old, rusty vehicles. Yes, they were all registered, and they moved them around on the street to also avoid tickets. We didn't live on this street, but walked the neighborhood on a regular basis. We also noticed people trying to sell homes on the street, and I'm sure that with the eyesore of these vehicles made the home sales even more difficult. None of the vehicles EVER appeared to be driven anywhere, just moved around on the public street every couple of days. The city does need to take action to address this issue.
actionjackson
Fri, Sep 14, 2012 : 1:44 p.m.
Billy, you obviously know our friend and the negative posters are so new to Ann Arbor that they don't recognize Ann Arbor character when it's right in front of them.
actionjackson
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 1:05 p.m.
Actually he did drive each and every one of those vehicles. You are exaggerating the number by double as he had five vehicles, some of them very nice. 1967 Cadillac in good shape, BMW in good shape, a Fiero with a Corvette engine, and of course the hearse, not is such good shape. He did drive the hearse and a lot of folks loved it in town. Gearheads are hobbyists just as you probably love your hobbies. That resident waxed and washed those cars constantly. It became his hobby after the loss of his wife some 15 years ago at a young age. Every one of those cars was driven throughout the year.
Billy
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 1:13 p.m.
OK you're getting downvoted because you're going to give GROK trouble? You didn't know anything about the neighborhood if you thought it was a "family" that lived there.
A2Since97
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 12:40 p.m.
Of course it was on Birk! I was pointing out that there are people that do this all over A2. Free pass for certain people; probably not. There were up to 10 vehicles on that street, and I'm pretty sure that many people were tired of looking out their windows at hearses every-single-day. You can easily say only ONE family ever complained, and I can say that many people complained. You talked to some people, and I talked to the other people, obviously. Disagree with you. I am a great guy, and I know many great guys...I guess the great guys should all get a FREE pass from the A2 city to use as they see fit.
actionjackson
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 12:30 p.m.
You are talking about Birk Ave. and Snyder. That was not a family. It was a Viet Nam veteran Marine! Only one neighbor ever complained and so it forced him to get rid of them. Landlord sold the house and voila, no more cars, no more great guy that used to live there. Houses on Birk sell in days and always have.
aamom
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 11:35 a.m.
The answer seems easy enough to me. Sell the ford explorer to pay for the needed gravel so they can park in the driveway. Saving a 4th car for a 14 year old when you are unemployed and are claiming you cant maintain your home is ridiculous. Not to mention getting a car when you turn 16 isn't a right, it's a privilege that some get if their parents (or the child themself) can afford it.
Tom Hager
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 1:02 p.m.
First, you have to find someone that would actually want to buy a Ford Explorer.
towncryer
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 12:10 p.m.
"if they wanted to" being key
bluemax79
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 12:01 p.m.
license fees and insurance are not cheap either, think of all the money they would save by not having 4 junkers.
markguy
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 11:56 a.m.
Ding, ding, ding, we have a winner. They clearly could repair their driveway, if they wanted to.
Andrea Zastrow
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 11:54 a.m.
Paying insurance on a car nobody's driving seems like a waste of money as well.
walker101
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 11:32 a.m.
How about being neighborly and fix this guys driveway? Sometimes you just got to spread the wealth?
J. A. Pieper
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 1:03 a.m.
I know three families involved in this situation personally. Two who are complaining are by no means rich, and are surviving through working and taking care of themselves/family. They can't afford to be this neighborly, why don't you offer? I also know the owners of the cars, and although they are having a difficult time financially, they do know how to manipulate any system in place.
bluemax79
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 12:03 p.m.
and that would help the other junk around the yard? gravel that "sinks" into the ground happens over YEARS of neglect. these people are the kind NOBODY wants to live near, they destroy the entire neighborhood with the blight of their property.
cinnabar7071
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 11:32 a.m.
"She said she lost her job four years ago, and the family now is living off Social Security disability after her husband suffered a lower back injury." " She said she and her husband, as well as their son and daughter, are working at the festival in Holly on weekends through September " So he gets Social Security disability, but he able to work at the Michigan Renaissance Festival, somthing doesn't seem right.
OLDTIMER3
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 1:54 p.m.
You are allowed to do some types of work while on disability. As long as it isn't the job you were disabled from doing.
music to my ear
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 1:10 p.m.
oh P.S all the welfare office has to do is take that E.B.T. card number to the store in there area or like everything else on computers check purchases I am not saying do this to all card holders, but they would be surprise, yet they say they dont have enough case workers to moniter these things but if they did they would sure save more money for the people who really need it like seniors I ve seen are granted only 15.00 a month. go figure.
music to my ear
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 12:52 p.m.
my guess is they are selling snacks they bought (if they receive) with food stamps with their low income they probably qualifie for assistance, like did you all see them snacks in the cars must be buying in bulk from meijers,because sams dont take E.B.T. cards paying 10. 00 a box making big profit my guess. I worked at a grocery store the goverment should talk to me, I could tell them a few hundred ways to save on fraud ,but we all know they dont care how they spend the taxpayers money. I"ve seen it all and nothing surprises me .
walker101
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 11:30 a.m.
"Gee", I guess those rich 1%'s can't stand the rift raft in the neighborhood, I thought A2 was a peace loving city, I guess only if it's not on your street. As long as they move the vehicles within the the time frame, they should stay. Brewers towing is now on notice, maybe they (friendly neighbors) can get a retaining order in place for a stealth mission to remove the cash for clunkers.
CincoDeMayo
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : noon
Really? You think the 1% are living on Shady Lane?!!
pseudo
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 11:30 a.m.
I normally agree with Steve but if these vehicles are operational and get moved, they are compliant with the law. The neighbors don't like someone but have not been able to find a resolution, maybe, just maybe they should mind their own business. I get that its frustrating. Too bad. Don't make up a law/ordinance to fix this one situation - thats wrong and its weak in the courts. Do work with the neighbors to clean out their cars.
Angry Moderate
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 5:25 p.m.
They are compliant with the abandoned vehicle law. The public nuisance / blight laws are separate. It is possible to break one law while following another.
Shi Schultz
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 11:27 a.m.
This is the case, where now, a few people are going to try and change the law. Typical people now a days, let's not make too big of deal about the guy with the Lexus, but we'll wait till there's a struggling family, who struggles in their own daily life, at the same time putting most of their efforts into helping others. The vehicles are current with registration, fully operational, and fully comply with the city "abandoned vehicle code". So just to spite these people, they figure, hey, let's change the code. Come on people!
music to my ear
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 11:25 a.m.
solution: you all do so much for the workers at the renaissance festival. ask them to do you a favor, let you put the cars on the land at the festival lot.there are lots of acres of land .its not that your neighbors hate you, it is because their tired of looking at those eyesores .if your son is only 14 that car will sit another two years. but they say they are all legal.and that is comply with the law it is a no win situation.this is where consideration should come in.
OLDTIMER3
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 1:49 p.m.
If that Explorer sets there hardly moving for 2 or more years it will need so much work done on it to make it safe to drive it won't be worth it. Take $100 or so and and the drive repaired. My driveway is 90 years old and gravel and we still use . This year is so dry there shoudn't be a problem driving and parking on it anyway. Like someone else stated there is more going on here than we know about.
music to my ear
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 1:32 p.m.
um 3 drivers in the house 4 cars,take up at least 1 they said they were saving one for their son till he is 16 its an effort.
ferdcom
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 1:14 p.m.
they drive to and from the festival. If they park there how do they get home and back? You can't solve your home parking problem by leaving your car permanently at work.
RUKiddingMe
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 11:16 a.m.
I don't get why you can't park a car on dirt and grass. I don't get the part about them not being able to park the cars in the double driveway because the stones sank under dirt and grass. It is definitely unfortunate that people who are relatively cleanly and organized have this type of rabble in their midst. However, this is why there are those homeowner association places. If you want the freedom of living as you like, you take the chance of people next to you living as THEY like too, and that not being compatible with your world view. Feuding with neighbors totally sucks, but I don't see any right they city would have to intervene here if it's just about the vehicles. I've been guilty several times of crapping up the neighborhood; storing stuff on the porch while we handled some home improvement stuff in the house, or cleaned the garage, etc. It's easy for stuff to pile up and stay there while you deal with 2 jobs, etc. BUT, I also try to be considerate and take my neighbors' feelings into account; so I make a point to address it. I would especially make an effort if neighbors said something to me and it seemed like a reasonable request. These people just seem like they're digging their heels in to be ornery.
Alex Brown
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 11:24 a.m.
KEY PART: If you want the freedom of living as you like, you take the chance of people next to you living as THEY like too, and that not being compatible with your world view.
DennisP
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 11:14 a.m.
It's ironic that the city could tow a new Lexus without a problem but is unable to remediate this type of problem. First of all, I take issue with Kunselman's position that these people are violating the intent of the abandoned car law. The law is to remove abandoned vehicles. Vehicles left behind by their owners on city property. It really wasn't intended to tow away the cars from in front of their own homes. That's how the Lexus mistake occurred. The law operates on a presumption--if the vehicle sits unmoved for 48 hours, it is presumed abandoned and can be towed. I would aregue that presumption is rebuttable and if the city learns or knows that the vehicle is NOT abandoned it doesn't matter if the car sits there longer than 48 hours. Nonetheless, these eyesore vehicles are clearly not abandoned. They belong to residents in the home on the street where they park and the owners move the vehicles. So, they advertise their ownership. The storage of food is incidental. Lots of people keep stuff in their cars and the law says nothing about storage. Ann Arbor has a blight ordinance. Not having a functional driveway probably is blight--driveways are usually required. Order the family to fix and use the driveway. I'll agree the 48-hr parking ordinance needs to be fixed. But, not because of this--this can be addressed with zoning and blight ordinances. But when a law can tow a new Lexus because the owner is gone for the weekend, even though registration would show it's owned by a homeowner, that's wrong. The civil approach would be for a bunch of neighbors to help these people buy a load of gravel stones and spread them across the driveway. But, because they live in Ann Arbor where people resort to laws and ordinances first, with a City Council all to happy to craft new laws to micromanage lives, rather than work out minor problems like this we are then left with this "photo opportunity" for Councilman Kunselman.
1bit
Thu, Sep 13, 2012 : 11:23 p.m.
should be "would not" not "old no"
1bit
Thu, Sep 13, 2012 : 11:22 p.m.
DennisP: FYI, the Lexus owner was renting the place. His registration old no be that of the homeowner.
Tag
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 8:07 p.m.
DennisP, you sound reasonable. What are you doing on AA.com? LOL ;-)
Bertha Venation
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 3:30 p.m.
I'm with you RU. I don't know why they can't park their cars on the grassy area that used to be a driveway. Lots of people do that. Seems like an excuse to me.
Chip Reed
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 11:13 a.m.
The August issue of the Observer had a piece about Shady Lane where the writer referred to the aforementioned Pontiac as being an example of "unpretentious cheeriness". How long has this even been in the city? It was still a township island fairly recently. Stepford doesn't have "problems" like this...
tom swift jr.
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 11:04 a.m.
The law is the law, and it doesn't appear that these folks have broken the law. How about we just leave them alone.
cybercitizen
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 10:58 a.m.
I think it is the fact that they may be poor and down on their luck at the moment that their snooty Ann Arbor neighbors are raising a stink. You "Ann Arborites" kill me, you think your crap don't stink and feel a need to snub others who are having a hard time or who may not dress or appear as you and your whitebread friends and family do. You people make me sick! Leave them alone, instead how about trying to be a good neighbor and offering them a hand in their time of need.
HONDO
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 12:05 p.m.
Sweet, feel free to not visit A2 then.... no loss homie. um as I commented, they dont seem that poor. If they can afford food for others and insurance and registration on 4 cars, and driving to Holly every weekend..... They have the money, no consideration to the other homeowners who put that money into unkeep of their own residences. let me guess Jackson? Ypsi? My crap does stink, BUT I CLEAN IT UP!
CincoDeMayo
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 10:56 a.m.
I think the fact that the vehicles are registered and operational, as well as being moved, are key. This will be a hard battle for the neighbors to win. Obviously a very frustrating situation. I'd like to think if the neighbors pitched in to reconstruct the stone driveway at least the vehicles might be parked there, but I think there's a lot more going on here than just needing a couple of cars moved.
Left is Right
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 1:37 a.m.
They should respect their neighbors who don't respect them? Please. Respect is earned not demanded. The neighborhood has a communications problem, period. Maybe it can be resolved. Maybe it can't be. But trying to deal with it with what amounts to state-sponsored harassment is likely both to fail and to have unintended consequences.
Goober
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 11:08 a.m.
They should pay for their own driveway and have respect for their fellow neighbors. I do agree with another commenter that there is probably more going on here.
Ricebrnr
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 10:53 a.m.
The city needs to take action and push strugggling people trying to stay afloat under? Isnt the next step paupers prison? I dont suppose anyone considered being neighborly and having a fund drive to: get the mayerials and put in a drive Or Get them gift certificates to a bady shop to pretty up their vehicles? Way to go AA neighbors for sticking your noses in and up rather than your hands out.
Tammy Mayrend
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 10:45 a.m.
They should deal with their situation first then give food away in Holly. We have a neighbor that allow their rusty vehicle to become blight too. It's not a pretty sight!
tdw
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 3:41 p.m.
bluemax.......where does it say or show any junk food ? please explain. I must have missed it
bluemax79
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 12:08 p.m.
absolutely they have cash to buy junk food to take to the needy and gas to drive to holly but can't take care of their property.
tdw
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 12:04 p.m.
You are correct.Screw the people who are having a hard time getting food.The neighbors view should be the first priority
Homeland Conspiracy
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 12:03 p.m.
Then don't look at the rusty cars. Live & let live
areyoukiddingme
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 10:43 a.m.
....."City Council Member Stephen Kunselman, in blue, chats with Shady Lane residents Patrick O'Harris, Cindy Sakstrup .............. Is she related to Sakstrups Towing????? They're operational! They drive them! Leave them alone!
aroo_mama
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 10:04 p.m.
The article says they have to switch a battery from car to car in order to move them, so are they really all operational at the same time?
Kitty O'Brien
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 7:58 p.m.
Her ex-husband SOLD Saktrup's Towing over a decade ago to Brewer's Towing. No longer any affiliation.
Ryan J. Stanton
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 12:17 p.m.
Her ex husband started Sakstrup's Towing years ago.
Joseph Lewis
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 11:27 a.m.
Agreed! Leave those people alone. Sorry they don't own new Lexus vehicles.
A2comments
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 10:32 a.m.
The city needs to take action now.