Comment by krick | Hacker News Reader

Comment by krick | Hacker News Reader

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What reading the article really reminded me, is that it sucks to live among people. I mean, one weirdo thinking he's cool puts transformer statues on what's essentially a public street in a lively neighborhood just because it's technically his property, some other dude cuts down some old trees in his actual own backyard, and gets harassed by his neighbors, because they apparently thought these trees are their family…

Also, considering the length of the article (which includes mentioning the shape of Dr. Howard's glasses) the whole argument sounds oddly unclear about what is or isn't his property and what are the regulations. In place where I'm living rules are pretty explicit (and, apparently, much more restrictive — both with regards to what can be done within my own actual backyard, let alone on the public street). I always thought of these rules being quite annoying, but somehow assumed that they would be much more strict in, say, Seattle.

Anyway, the only way to live a good life is to avoid people at all costs. Also, driving 15 minutes to say hi to your neighbor sounds fun.

In the last year or so two very big, very old trees were cut down in our circle. Both were unfortunately a risk that the property owners didn’t want to deal with (one an issue with possible falling limbs, the other was threatening a sewage line.)

While I understand that, the loss of both trees can have an impact on how the neighborhood is seen, and reduce property value.

Likewise, I think transformer statues are cool. If I lived on the street, I wouldn’t be surprised if it affected my property value, and potential buyers. I would be annoyed, though.

This is why people formed HOAs, and why people like them.

This is also why other people resolutely refuse to buy in an area under the control of an HOA.

I’m in that camp, but I understand the other camp and I’m glad that both arrangements exist and help people sort themselves into more compatible neighbor pairings.

Housing as investment kind of sucks. When all human activity and needs are measured in money it’s a short way away from dystopia

Me too. I'm really glad that we don't have an HOA. I have to say though, I've not heard anyone talk about how awesome their HOA is, and how the neighborhood is better for it.

You seem to be faulting your neighbor for managing their trees responsibly.

Your property values would take a hit if sewer lines were bursting too.

Don't misunderstand me. I get why they did it. I would've done the same thing in their place. I have no ill-will toward them at all. It just sucks. A big old tree takes 30-50 years to grow. People come through the neighborhood and they see a beautiful big tree. No one sees the sewer lines maintained responsibly.

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