In this neighbor dispute, air-purifier maker clears the air
They say good fences make good neighbors, but in one New York City apartment building, an air-filtration system was key to keeping the peace.
The dispute became known last winter after news stories reported that a couple, lawyers who live in an upscale Upper West Side apartment building, had sued a neighbor on their floor because cigarette smoke was wafting from her condominium into the common hallway. The plaintiffs have a young son whose health, they claimed, was being affected by the secondhand smoke.
New Yorkers love a good real-estate dispute, and this one had the makings of a reality-TV classic (the defendant had also been accused of having her dog urinate on a the plaintiffs’ stroller). But the parties settled the matter out of court, thanks in part to the third-party efforts of Aerus, which makes vacuums and air purifiers.
Shortly after the suit was filed, Aerus offered to install an air-filtration system for free in the defendant’s apartment to help capture the smoke from her cigarettes. In a New York Times article, Joseph P. Urso, chief executive of Aerus, said the filtering system was instrumental to reaching a settlement.
We’re currently working on a story on neighborly disputes, and would love to hear your stories about any nuisances you’ve had to deal with, including issues related to topics like noise, fences, trees, boundaries/property lines, safety, and esthetics.
If you have a compelling tale to tell, send us an e-mail with all the details. As always, we’ll respect your privacy—read our privacy policy—and will keep your information confidential. Please indicate if you’re willing to be contacted by a reporter working on this story.—Daniel DiClerico
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Posted by: Cynthia Riley | Jun 15, 2008 7:13:47 AM
We own a 28 year old house in southern Ontario. The front cement porch has had cracks in it, which we fixed. We are now going to purchase interlocking brick for a sidewalk. In order to have more curb appeal we would like to refinish the cement porch. The only product that I know about is "Hard Rock". A roll on 3 step process that gives a rough surface. Will this product be durable? Has anyone used this product?
Posted by: Barbara Staib | Jun 24, 2008 4:56:02 PM
Additional problems that people have with their neighbors are annoying dog barking and neighbor’s dogs or cats getting into their yard. One possible way to deal with this problem is installing a pet repeller. This electronic device sends ultrasonic tones to either keep animals out of your yard or to stop a nearby dog from barking. Although the sound is irritating to animals, it is humane and painless.
Posted by: Air Purifiers | Aug 10, 2008 8:46:38 PM
Fascinating case. Smokers should be encouraged to heal those neighborly relationships by getting air purifiers... there's always a solution for those who seek...
Posted by: The Unit | Aug 25, 2008 11:54:26 PM
This seems like such a touchy subject since the smokers were within their private residence and the smoke drifted into the hall. It's not like the smoke was purposely blown into the hall and into the other person's apartment. That's what happens when you live in a residence like this. You have to give up some of your privacy and liberties.