Solving Chronic Nuisance Problems in Neighborhoods

Solving Chronic Nuisance Problems: A Guide for Neighborhood Leaders identifies barriers to solving chronic nuisance problems, discusses ways that experienced leaders find solutions, and provides a set of references for pursuing specific nuisance abatement goals. Whether the nuisance is physical (such as blighted property) or behavioral (such as a drug house), the best solutions focus on the core elements that have allowed its continuing existence. Nuisances become chronic when the dysfunctional behavior of a few and the enabling behavior of many combine with key weaknesses in a community’s system for responding. With greater understanding of these dynamics comes a better opportunity for lasting results. The most effective solutions are based on such an understanding. They balance the need for rapid relief with the importance of changing the enabling factors. The problem-solving approach discussed in this manual includes five questions intended to guide the community leader through a series of escalating steps to reach a solution. Step one begins with trying the simplest, most cooperative approaches. The final step concludes with invoking the power of civil law. By following the steps in order, effective leaders can ensure that most solutions are reached before the final step is necessary. The references listed in the Resources section (beginning on page A8) will lead you to a variety of nuisance laws and case studies that cover how one town, one community, one neighborhood, or even one person has solved chronic nuisance problems. What is more difficult to find is a description for how community leaders approach such problems — that is, the way they think about them — in order to achieve success. This manual is intended to provide such a description. It introduces the reader to the dynamics of chronic nuisances and ways that problem solvers approach finding solutions.

A Guide for Neighborhood Leaders