Portage Park

Big thanks in advance to anyone who takes the time to read all of this...

So, we had our old detached garage facing the alley behind our house completely demolished and rebuilt almost exactly a year ago because it was completely falling apart. It's nothing fancy, but broke our bank and it works.

Less than a month after it was built, I noticed the first major ding on the garage door… Fast forward a year, and the garage door is severely dented, dinged, warped and getting worse by the week. It is very apparent that our neighbor across the alley from us is using our garage door as a stopper when they back out of their own driveway. But, we’ve never received a visit or a note... no one has attempted to take responsibility for what I image to be at least a dozen pretty major impacts and who knows how many smaller “taps” at this point.

My husband has walked around to knock on their front door, but as the old adage goes: the lights are on, but nobody’s home. And frankly, I’m really worried about confronting them… If these people have no concern for damaging our property over and over like it’s some kind of joke, I worry about my two small children. What kind of people have such a blatant indifference toward their neighbors?

I called 311 and was sent to the non-emergency police line. The guy I talked to was sympathetic but said gathering evidence was the key. Once we have evidence, we can bring it in to file a report and go from there. I have an IP security camera ordered, but I’m worried our wifi won’t stretch all the way to the alley, my dad suggested hiring a private investigator – does anyone have experience with anything like that?

However this goes, I can’t imagine a good outcome. Either we’re total chumps that just take this beating or face possible retaliation. It’s a complete garbage fire either way. I guess I’m turning to my Everyblock neighbors for encouragement or any ideas I may be missing.

Thanks for reading!

According to the city website, this is scheduled through 5/7. These closures are frustrating for everyone. However, when you choose to cut through the side streets and you get stacked up 10 deep trying to cross Laramie during rush hour, please don't think that laying on your horn will get the cars moving any faster. Perhaps sticking to the main arteries is a better option for you. Or just please have a little courtesy for those of us living on the block and already having to deal with lines of cars blocking us from getting to our own homes. I realize it is pointless to post this as those who honking like psychos are not likely to change based on my post. Just hoping.

Hey Everyone,

My mom is moving out to the area this June, but they are driving her stuff out here in a large Uhaul or Penske type truck. Does anyone know of any hotels out by O'hare/Rosemont that has a parking lot or garage that can accommodate a truck of that size for one night? I know there are lots downtown that can, but I wouldn't be comfortable having all of her stuff in a lot downtown overnight. I'm open to downtown hotel recommendations as well, if they have a private parking structure that would work.

I've tried to work it out with my HOA but they will not allow us to park the moving truck in the building's lot overnight, so I'm trying to come up with a contingency plan. We'd prefer not to have to unpack 60 boxes and several heavy loads of furniture immediately after making a cross-country trip.

Any thoughts or ideas appreciated. Thanks!