Ask the Architect

Skateboards, and bluestone

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Q. A group of skateboarding kids have been using the parking lot next door for their playground, and it has spilled over onto my front steps, which are wide, with slate on top called bluestone. They’re now chipped and damaged. The kids are so disrespectful. How can I stop this without making more problems for myself? They look rough and I don’t want more trouble. I just want them to leave.

A. You could buy a skateboard and go next door. You know what they say, “If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em.” Think of how your balance and fitness will improve. Wear your baseball cap backward for the full effect. Or you could put up security cameras and outdoor carpet on the steps. Unfortunately, unless you bond the carpet down or attach rods to hold it in place, the skateboarders will be able to lift it up and toss it out of the way. The cameras will have the best effect for the least amount of inconvenience, so you can identify and press charges against the vandals.

Cameras are a good idea, anyway, and if discreetly placed where they can’t be reached easily to tamper with, add value to your property and a level of security. It seems, these days, it doesn’t matter where you live, someone with the wrong intentions can find their way onto your property — even into your home. I find that each time I hear about people encroaching onto someone else’s property, it’s an act of bullying, of taking advantage of another person’s right to their property, privacy and security. Putting up fences can actually have a negative result, in some cases, by making the yard less visible to others around you who may otherwise be able to see what’s happening when a vandal or thief enters your yard.

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