# Neighbors complain about wheelchair ramp in front of home. **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [August 20, 2013, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682 "2013-08-20T01:32:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2013, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/121 "2013-08-20T19:42:57Z")
> [@Simplicio](#): > > You’re saying she’s being disabled wrong? > > Given that she and her family have been dealing with the problem of how to get a person in a wheelchair up and down stairs pretty frequently for many years, I suspect they are a) pretty well aware of the options for doing so and b) have in fact chosen the option that serves them best. No. Fucking. Shit. +1 ---
**Author:** ![clairobscur](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/839c29/32.png) [@clairobscur](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/clairobscur)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2013, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/122 "2013-08-20T19:46:51Z")
> [@Cheesesteak](#): > > Say that again when you’re selling your property that happens to be next door to a bunch of jackholes who let their property look like the outskirts of the town dump. > > Sure, when THEY sell, the property will look clean and tidy, because they’ll get more money that way, when YOU sell, it stays a shithole that’s chasing away your buyers. > > Legally, you may not be able to do squat about it, but I defy anyone to be happy with the idea of getting thousands of dollars less as a result of their neighbor’s eyesore. And how much of the extra dollars will you give to the neighbour who has a well-tended property? How much will you pay to cover his expenses/efforts? If you come up to me and tell me : “I’ll pay to improve your wheelchair ramp and I’ll give $ X when I’ll sell my house at a premium”, maybe I’ll consider it. But probably not because I’m not interested in having _my_ house looking like _you_ would want it to look, and because your attitude will piss me off. Not selling your house at a premium isn’t something you should be unhappy about. That’s just something that you haven’t any control about, like many other things in your life. People are in no obligation to change their behaviour, or spend money so that it will benefit _you_. Thanks your good stars if it happens that for some reason or another, you can sell your house at a premium, on the other hand. Your house is worth whatever it is worth. If you get something extra because nearby properties are nice, it’s just bumb luck, and you shouldn’t expect that. I find people who believe their neighbours have some duty to make their property appealing to _them_ or expect that they should spend money to benefit _them_ incredibly self-centered and obnoxious. ---
**Author:** ![bartleby](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bartleby/32/10491_2.png) [@bartleby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bartleby)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2013, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/123 "2013-08-20T19:48:52Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > I understand they have a right to the ramp. But shouldn’t they be expected to do it in a more eye appealing way? You know what would be even better, let the {expletive deleted} stay inside!!! I mean really, all they are doing is making the neighborhood all trashy with their disabled self! Come On! Why does Little Gimpy need to live in MY neighborhood!!! OH MY GOODNESS! You have NO IDEA how offensive this whole OP is! I’m stopping now before I say something that’ll get me banned. ---
**Author:** ![Macca26](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/13edae/32.png) [@Macca26](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Macca26)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2013, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/124 "2013-08-20T19:54:36Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > They sunk a tremendous amount of money in that ramp so your premise that they couldn’t afford repairs on a lift are not logical. These are industrial mechanisms of a simple design. They most likely consist of a motor, 4 switches and a worm gear drive. So, tell me exactly when this ramp is going to break down, and I’ll do a cost analysis of maintenance on a lift vs a solid concrete ramp over 15 years. I bet you that ramp will win. Also, the fact that they put a ramp in right now for $8,000 as a lump sum doesn’t mean that they would have $400 for repairs ready at the exact precise moment that the lift decides to break. I imagine watching a solid concrete ramp break down takes years and allows plenty of time to plan around repairs and therefore having no other easy way in and out. That lift may or may not decide to randomly break whenever it feels like, convenient or not. This is why in all buildings with elevators, we ALSO install stairs. I’d go with a ramp any day of the week. ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2013, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/125 "2013-08-20T19:55:14Z")
> [@clairobscur](#): > > I find people who believe their neighbours have some duty to make their property appealing to _them_ or expect that they should spend money to benefit _them_ incredibly self-centered and obnoxious. Self centered and obnoxious is making your whole neighborhood look crappy by refusing to take care of your own property. ---
**Author:** ![clairobscur](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/839c29/32.png) [@clairobscur](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/clairobscur)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2013, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/126 "2013-08-20T20:00:43Z")
> [@muldoonthief](#): > > There’s a clause somewhere in the US Constitution that all Americans have the inalienable right to life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, and stable property values. At least I’d have to assume it’s there, considering the number of busybodies who are convinced they have such a right. Yep. I already noticed and mentioned that. For people who are extremely protective of private property rights by comparison with other western countries, American people have a sense of entitlement when it comes to their neighbours’ property that will never cease to amaze me. ---
**Author:** ![Drunky\_Smurf](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drunky_smurf/32/449_2.png) [@Drunky\_Smurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drunky_Smurf)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2013, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/127 "2013-08-20T20:01:06Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > That’s like saying there’s no place for a ramp. Of course there’s a place for the lift. You seem very concerned for this girls saftey. You should buy them a lift and then your fears will be assuaged. ---
**Author:** ![clairobscur](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/839c29/32.png) [@clairobscur](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/clairobscur)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2013, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/128 "2013-08-20T20:14:33Z")
> [@Cheesesteak](#): > > Self centered and obnoxious is making your whole neighborhood look crappy by refusing to take care of **your own property**. My _own property_, indeed. Thanks for not forgetting that. And as already mentioned, “looking crappy” is in the eye of the beholder. As I wrote in another thread, I like wild flowers and dislike lawns. Do I have a duty to maintain a lawn that I find unappealing just because you and your potential buyer like it better? As I read in another thread, some people will even complain if their neighbour is growing vegetables in his yard because it doesn’t look nice enough for their tastes. As I just wrote, take care of your own property, and consider it as a lucky bonus if the neighbour’s property happens to appeal to you too. Otherwise, you can buy a large track of land without close neighbours and you won’t have this issue. ---
**Author:** ![Lynn\_Bodoni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e47c2d/32.png) [@Lynn\_Bodoni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lynn_Bodoni)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2013, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/129 "2013-08-20T20:27:52Z")
I have a couple of sheets of glittery butterfly stickers that I’m willing to donate to the cause. I’ve only used a few of the stickers. My husband and I have the same phone, but mine is dark blue and his is black, and he’d grab mine, thinking it was his. I put a few stickers on mine…and now he knows which one isn’t his. ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2013, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/130 "2013-08-20T20:32:42Z")
> [@](#): > > I understand they have a right to the ramp. But shouldn’t they be expected to do it in a more eye appealing way? > > ] No, they shouldn’t. Sorry, I should elaborate – Hell no, they fucking well shouldn’t be expected to do anything other than what satisfies their own needs and desires. ---
**Author:** ![HoneyBadgerDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/honeybadgerdc/32/1033_2.png) [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2013, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/131 "2013-08-20T20:45:19Z")
I think common courtesy should have told the homeowners to at least put some thought into the design. Legally maybe no but just out of respect for your neighbors. Function first of course followed by design. Most people do understand of course that special needs often require exceptions to normal custom. ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2013, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/132 "2013-08-20T20:47:50Z")
> [@clairobscur](#): > > And as already mentioned, “looking crappy” is in the eye of the beholder. You like wildflowers, garden gnomes and pink flamingos, it’s a damn sight different than your yard being home to a rusty 1980 Nova up on blocks, a broken washing machine and 10 yards of weed covered fill. It’s the property equivalent of cooking up stinky food every day in the office break room. Yes, it’s your food, you’re the one eating it, but everyone else has to smell it all afternoon. ---
**Author:** ![Labrador\_Deceiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7c8e57/32.png) [@Labrador\_Deceiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labrador_Deceiver)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2013, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/133 "2013-08-20T20:51:04Z")
> [@Macca26](#): > > So, tell me exactly when this ramp is going to break down, and I’ll do a cost analysis of maintenance on a lift vs a solid concrete ramp over 15 years. > > I bet you that ramp will win. > > Also, the fact that they put a ramp in right now for $8,000 as a lump sum doesn’t mean that they would have $400 for repairs ready at the exact precise moment that the lift decides to break. > > I imagine watching a solid concrete ramp break down takes years and allows plenty of time to plan around repairs and therefore having no other easy way in and out. That lift may or may not decide to randomly break whenever it feels like, convenient or not. This is why in all buildings with elevators, we ALSO install stairs. > > I’d go with a ramp any day of the week. You left out one point: The lift is 10 times uglier than the ramp. I have no idea why anyone would think a giant piece of machinery tacked to the front of the home would be more attractive than what amounts to an elevated sidewalk. There’s a reason we don’t put the HVAC system next to the fron door, in most cases. ---
**Author:** ![VunderBob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/839c29/32.png) [@VunderBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VunderBob)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2013, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/134 "2013-08-20T21:00:11Z")
[Appropriate shrubbery](http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a378/VunderBob/topiary.jpg) to plant around the ramp. ---
**Author:** ![bartleby](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bartleby/32/10491_2.png) [@bartleby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bartleby)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2013, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/135 "2013-08-20T21:08:51Z")
Magiver I am glad for your good health. I am also glad for your overwhelming wealth. I hope that they both continue! Sadly, not all of us are in your situation. One does what one can, and if one’s neighbors are offended, they can go do anatomically difficult things to themselves. ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2013, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/136 "2013-08-20T21:18:22Z")
> [@Cheesesteak](#): > > It does have a bit of a… loading dock feel to it. Functional, neatly constructed, but distinctly lacking in charm. > > Not that I have any idea how one would construct a charming wheelchair ramp. Perhaps charming is just not in the cards, and the neighbor should be thrilled that it’s tidy instead of a hot mess that will be tipping over in 5 years. The neighbor should be thrilled he doesn’t have a ramp in front of his own house. ---
**Author:** ![Colophon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f05b48/32.png) [@Colophon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colophon)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2013, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/137 "2013-08-20T21:43:34Z")
> [@Cheesesteak](#): > > Self centered and obnoxious is making your whole neighborhood look crappy by refusing to take care of your own property. But how is this “not taking care of their own property”? It’s not like they built a ramp out of some shoddy bits of timber propped up on rusty oil drums. It’s a well constructed, perfectly standard concrete ramp with metal handrails, like you’d see outside a public library or a college building, say. I really don’t see how anyone could object to it. When did **concrete** become such a terrible thing to see in a built-up area? 😕 😕 😕 ---
**Author:** ![YogSothoth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/8edcca/32.png) [@YogSothoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YogSothoth)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2013, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/138 "2013-08-20T21:46:44Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > That isn’t how it works. How exactly does it work? I was under the impression that real estate agents use a combination of precedent and their own intuition to set a house’s market value and see who bites. Couldn’t they simply reject any sort of devaluing of the property due to the ramp? ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2013, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/139 "2013-08-20T21:52:25Z")
Inspired by this thread, I went for a walk around my neighbourhood and took some pictures - [this house has a quite nice ramp;](http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s142/featherlou/Miscellaneous/HPIM7991_zps18a42461.jpg) [this house has quite an ugly chair lift.](http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s142/featherlou/Miscellaneous/HPIM7995_zps95e0cafe.jpg) I’ve seen both of them many times before; it never occurred to me before to criticize them on the basics of esthetics (and I’m one of the aforementioned busybodies who wants their neighbours to look after their yards and houses). When I see the ramp and chair lift, my thought processes didn’t make it any further than, “I guess someone in a wheelchair lives there.” ---
**Author:** ![madmonk28](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madmonk28/32/20811_2.png) [@madmonk28](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madmonk28)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2013, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/140 "2013-08-20T22:01:33Z")
The attitude of some people in this thread is a great example of why a lot of us hate the suburbs, just soul crushing conformity and an obsession with other people’s business. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682.md?page=8)