my fistfight with the neighbour: update [View All]

[CanuckAmok]

I called the strata (condo board) president and requested an emergency meeting. It's scheduled for Thursday. The irony is that I may be working through the meeting. I intend to either read or fax this message into the strata minutes...

This is what I plan to say to those in attendance (tell me what you think---does it make me sound insane?):

I'm sure you've all heard about the incident in the parking garage last week. It was regrettable, but I want to make it clear that I accept no blame for it. I acted in self-defense after being verbally and physically assaulted by a resident of this building. I have a witness to this event, and am currently considering securing a civil order restraining this party from approaching me or my property. I hope this will not be necessary. In case anyone is wondering, this was my first physical conflict since, well, ever. I am shocked an horrified by what has occurred here. Any repeat of such an incident will result in my pressing charges.

I don't care if you have decided to "take sides" or if you would rather just not be involved. The fact is, that each and every one of you with any knowledge of this event has formed an opinion of it.

During this resident's tirade, he suggested that I was unwelcome in this building, by himself and, in his words, "most of the people who live here". I am sorry to hear that. I have held several social functions in my home, and I know that a few of you have accepted my invitations to come by to say hello. While I tend to keep to myself, my door is always open to my neighbours, and you are all welcome. I don't know what I may have done to cause any friction here, but I'm all ears if you'd like to inform me, either in person or though the structure of the strata. I strive to be a good neighbour, I'm quiet and I believe I treat this building and its residents with respect. Please inform me if you disagree, and I will take steps to resolve whatever issue you may have.

I have never been contacted by the strata managment over any such concerns. If any resindents/owners have complained to the strata about me, I have not received any such complaints.

I suggest the way to address such issues is directly, not as persons unknown did on Sunday; by leaving anonymous notes in my door-jamb reading "your (sic) not welcome here. you should move away".

Also included in this resident's outburst was a reference to the attendance of police to see me in January. While I do not think the incident is anyones' business but mine and the police, it appears that this is a 'hot topic' here, and in the interest of clearing up any misconceptions and putting your concerns at ease, I would like to take this time to assure you that the police were not here to seek prosecution, they were here for my protection. This is a matter stemming from a very acrimonious divorce which is now thankfully concluded. The short story is that my ex-wife has become an unstable person, consorting with a rather bad element, and that's why we are no longer together. Some information was obtained by a third party, and forwarded to the police, that she or an associate had intended to cause me harm, and some further confusion was the result. This situation has now been completely diffused. The long story is much, much longer, and really has no bearing on your lives.

Also alleged, quite loudly by this resident, was an accusation that I am/was a spousal abuser. This is completely untrue, and incredibly offensive to me. Rest assured, further accounts of any such baseless allegations by this resident either directly to me or reported to me by anyone else will be forwarded to my attorney, and a defamation action will be considered.

To further clear the air, for any of you who wish to pass judgement on me, I will authorise you to access the contents of my divorce hearing, or request a police background check on me. In fact, as I have never been on the bad side of the law, I encourage any such requests, if it will put you, my neighbours, at ease. I warn you, however, it would be far from exciting reading.

In fact, if you want to know anything about me (although I can’t imagine being so fascinating), please come right to the source. Ask me.

Following the incident in the parking garage, I briefly considered selling my home and moving from here. But I won't be bullied.

This is my home. I own it, and I'm staying. For a long, long time.

I will likely buy subsequent units as they become available here. It is an excellent investment, as you all are aware.

I'm very much in favour of everyone in our little community getting along. We don't have to like each other, but we are living together, so we should really try to make the best of it.

Finally, I apologise for the state of my Jeep in the parking area last week. What began as a minor tune-up became an epic stuggle of man versus machine. I hope I have not inconvenienced any of you with the condition of my parking spot; I did keep the mess contained to my space, and you’ll be happy to know the crisis seems to be over. Further repairs, as required, will be done at a space I have rented for that specific purpose.

On a related topic, I have arranged to borrow a power-cleaner for Sunday April 9, and I will be happy to pressure wash the entire surface of the garage and garbage/recycling area, if this is agreeable to the strata. Of course I will absorb the costs of this cleaning, but will need access to an exterior spigot for the machine's water supply. This service may save the strata the expense of a professional cleaning at a later date. Pending strata approval, if you would like your parking space cleaned, please see that it’s vacant between 9:00am and 1:00pm on Sunday. If you would prefer I not clean your spot, please let Benoit know.

Finally, please note my home number as listed on the strata phone list is incorrect, but I can be reached anytime via my work number.

Thank you for allowing me to voice my concerns.