No Service and Repair

I understand if this plea is beyond the allowed scope of the HAMB and expect appropriate action if that's the case.


I write to you looking for support as a friend and fellow wrench turner. The town of Hudson, NH has issued a Zoning Administrator's decision that I am not allowed to perform "Service and Repair" in my home garage on my own vehicles. This began with noise complaints from a long-term disgruntled neighbor. The noise issue was addressed, but persistent, continual, unfounded complaints by said neighbor have motivated the town to issue this decision based on Hudson, NH's "Permitted Use" tables.

I am appealing this decision based on the fact that the "Service and Repair" entry of the permitted use tables is intended for commercial businesses, not a hobby at home. The appeal is being heard at the Hudson town hall this Thursday, November 10th, 2011 at 7:30PM. Town hall is located at 12 School Street, Hudson, NH 03051.

If it is at all possible for you to attend, it would be appreciated. You don't have to live in Hudson, you just need to think this kind of intrusion is uncalled for. With this decision the town is telling me I cannot even do things as basic as check the oil or add windshield washer fluid.

Please feel free to forward this to anyone you know that would be equally appalled this is happening.

Thanks very much!

Rick

 

what happened before all this ..... how did it get to this point.

 

unless you are making a ton of noise how does anyone know what you are doing in your garage? it has a door right?

 

It might be worth exploring the traditional "Yankee self-sufficient" practice of fixing what is yours. Excess noise has been discussed on here, with good input from a few members.
Probably worth a search to see about the current wisdom out there. Yes, this is a town reg's issue.

 

I always thought New Hamshire was very proud of it's heritage, and with a state motto of "Live Free or Die", this is baffling. Disturbing others is not an option, but this just doesn't sound right...
If I lived anywhere close to you, I'd attend to show support for you.

 

We won! Sort of... Basically, the board stated that working on cars in residential garages is customary and that the Zoning Admin needs to come up with some other plan. My counsel says the other plan could work out for us. We'll see. Not out of the woods yet, but a huge step in the right direction. My sincere thanks to those that supported me and the hobby.

 

Congrats Man...and good luck in the future. Neighbors in general SUCK for the most part. You're either bothering them or they're bothering you. The house next to me is for sale and I'm just praying I get someone normal in there!!!

 

What's up with the Jeep in your avatar?

CB

 

That's good news! It appears that you are dealing with some folks who actually have an open mind about these issues. Keep a positive outlook... and good luck!

 

It's a 1957 CJ-5, technically a Willys without much left original. Mildly warmed over SBC, Ford T-18 and Jeep D-20 and a custom one-off tub and nose in galvy.

Rick

 

I try to help out the neighbors when I can. I work in wood professionally and do side jobs at home to fund my passion ; old cars. I have repaired the neighbors furniture etc. the only thing they complained about was my choice of music.So far so good. I wish you good luck in finding a middle ground.