What kind of attorney or lawyer do I need to look for to defend me as a homeowner? -

I purchased my first home about two years ago and a small bodega type store opened across the street that not only brings bad element to my neighborhood, but there is constant trash in the street the sidewalks, my yard, everywhere. I want to fight to get this store closed, or at least responsible for the clean-up because the store owner claims it is not his responsibility, and my neighborhood looks so trashy. What type of lawyer shoudl I look for in my area?

You should contact a civil attorney...BUT, before you consider laying out attorney fees - Have you exhausted all of the possible avenues you could try within your town? I suspect that you are not the only person in the neighborhood who has felt the sting of having this negative element invade your space. That being said, have you approached your town office to speak with someone? Go on the internet and look up your town office officials -- check out your zoning officer, your township officials and anyone at the town or city level government who may give you a listening ear. Write up a letter with your grievances and if you think you have neighbors who would like to get on board to help with this (there is power in numbers), ask if they will sign your letter or present letters of their own. Then make an appointment to see someone at the town or city level first and try to see if they are open to helping you come to some resolution. In other words -- before you bring out the big guns (a personal attorney who will cost you money and charges billable hoursquot;), try to be your own advocate. I can tell that you are totally exasperated with this situation so a word on that -- try to be professional and as non-emotional as you can. Just state your concerns as dispassionately as you can -- don t be a loose cannon - you want the town folks to be on your side. Don t whine and don t back down. Keep a log with dates and times that detail some of the nuisance caused by this business and how it has diminished your quality of life. Good luck -- stay cool and calm and people will listen!

I doubt any lawyer would take it to court. Call your city administration amp; start filing complaints. The city will deal w/the problem.

You ll have a hard time suing unless you can prove that you ve suffered actual damages or injury. Try raising hell with the city s elected government.

Are you talking about a convenience store? As long as they meet the cities zoning requirements, getting a lawyer is just throwing you money away. What you want to do is start with your cities zoning department to find out if they meet all the requirements for occupying the space they are using. If that doesn t work for you, work with the zoning enforcement department, your city government representative and the mayor if applicable (smaller city) to get the owner to keep people from loitering and trashing up the neighborhood.