I am a solo operator who mows four 0.5 acre properties on a cut de sac (CDS) in an executive neighborhood that I've been doing for 2 years. I will call these properties "1, 2, 3, 4", where properties 1, 2, and 3 are in a row on my right when driving into the CDS (3 being closet to the closed end of the CDS) while 4 is across the street from 1 and is closet to the CDS outlet when driving out of the CDS. These properties are on my Friday schedule. I start mowing between 8 and 9 AM and It takes me from 3-4 hrs to complete all work.
Regarding the neighborhood, there are six 0.5+ acre properties on each side of the street, all with 2-car wide driveways. On any given day, the CDS has 1-4 contractor trucks and 1-2 visitors' cars, all parked facing in the correct direction along either side of the curbed street, which is a public street. I have been parking my pick-up truck and 12 ft trailer at the curb just feet away from 4's driveway so that I am heading directly out of the CDS once I go past their driveway. Where I park is directly across the street from 1 and 2 but is actually in front of 4's neighbor's front yard (not a customer).
4's neighbor recently approached me and asked that I find another parking spot, noting that my truck/trailer creates a nuisance for people in the neighborhood. He said there have been complaints from "mothers telling him my trailer blocks their access" to his tiny outdoor lending library of children's books he has on the front lawn 10+ feet from the curb. He also has concerns that visitors are unable to park in front of his house due to my truck/trailer.
Wanting to avoid an unpleasant confrontation, I explained that I'd previously tried other spots in the neighborhood but determined that this location was the most efficient and convenient after I'd established my preferred mowing sequence of the 4 properties based on efficiency. I told him I was not willing to find a new parking spot at this time but that I'd consider ways I might otherwise accommodate some of his concern. I also pointed out the CDS is a public street where parking is generally first come first served. He was not happy that I was unwilling to park elsewhere, but we thankfully left it at that for now.
I'm curious whether there is a general practice other operators follow regarding 'considerate neighborhood parking'? Do you park anywhere it's most convenient for time mgmt, getting in and out when mowing close together multiple properties in a neighborhood or is there an expectation to park on the same side of the street and in front of your customer.s property and not park in front of a non-customer's property? The wife believes I'm wrong and should be doing the latter. UGHHH!
Regarding the neighborhood, there are six 0.5+ acre properties on each side of the street, all with 2-car wide driveways. On any given day, the CDS has 1-4 contractor trucks and 1-2 visitors' cars, all parked facing in the correct direction along either side of the curbed street, which is a public street. I have been parking my pick-up truck and 12 ft trailer at the curb just feet away from 4's driveway so that I am heading directly out of the CDS once I go past their driveway. Where I park is directly across the street from 1 and 2 but is actually in front of 4's neighbor's front yard (not a customer).
4's neighbor recently approached me and asked that I find another parking spot, noting that my truck/trailer creates a nuisance for people in the neighborhood. He said there have been complaints from "mothers telling him my trailer blocks their access" to his tiny outdoor lending library of children's books he has on the front lawn 10+ feet from the curb. He also has concerns that visitors are unable to park in front of his house due to my truck/trailer.
Wanting to avoid an unpleasant confrontation, I explained that I'd previously tried other spots in the neighborhood but determined that this location was the most efficient and convenient after I'd established my preferred mowing sequence of the 4 properties based on efficiency. I told him I was not willing to find a new parking spot at this time but that I'd consider ways I might otherwise accommodate some of his concern. I also pointed out the CDS is a public street where parking is generally first come first served. He was not happy that I was unwilling to park elsewhere, but we thankfully left it at that for now.
I'm curious whether there is a general practice other operators follow regarding 'considerate neighborhood parking'? Do you park anywhere it's most convenient for time mgmt, getting in and out when mowing close together multiple properties in a neighborhood or is there an expectation to park on the same side of the street and in front of your customer.s property and not park in front of a non-customer's property? The wife believes I'm wrong and should be doing the latter. UGHHH!
