"Cleaning up" the block

[Wesley W.]

Hello all,

So, one of our small multi-family properties (fourplex) is in a section of town that has "turned" a bit since we purchased it in 2015.  Specifically, there are two tenant households that live in two nearby properties (both duplexes) on the same block that are constant source of discord with the neighborhood.  There are LOTS of small children (ages 5 to 10) that either live there or they are dropped off to visit and the kids just run amuck, up and down the street all day.  While they are doing so, they take liberties with riding their motorized bikes, skateboards and scooters on our driveway and elsewhere.  Meanwhile, their guardians are constantly screaming at the top of their lungs with profanity laden commands.  They leave trash all over the sidewalk, up and down the street.  I am constantly picking up in front of our property to make it presentable for showings.  This goes on quite regularly.  

This has become such a problem that the shenanigans are driving away my prospective tenants.  I currently have a vacancy in the building and I've had a few people witness screaming matches in the middle of the street between one of the "ladies" and her adult guest while I was showing them the property.  Needless to say, everyone that has visited the property has declined to proceed with the application process, and I am comfortable saying that a measurable amount do so because of this drama.

I have tried asking the kids to not ride and play in the driveway (all other properties but mine do not have off-street parking).  They leave, only to be back there playing again when I show up the next day.  The problem I have with this is the gas meters are right against the building in the driveway, and I already see tire marks where the kids have collided with the siding while not making the turn in time.  I also worry about my tenants' cars and of course the lingering spectre of a personal injury claim.

I have not pursued a dialogue with their guardians because despite any diplomacy I may use, it will surely cause them to escalate.  One of my tenants works third shift, and politely called out her window to ask for them to keep it down as she was sleeping, and the next day my tenant's car was keyed.  So, this is the element that I am dealing with.

To clarify, this is not the whole block - basically two households - that are ruining the peaceful enjoyment of my tenants, and I assume, others.

I thought of calling the police, but I'm not sure LE would consider this rising to the level of any crime (arguing/yelling at their kids in the street) and I'm sure pursuing a trespass complaint would land a brick through one of my tenant's windows.

I am considering FOILing the CO's to see who is living in these buildings and contacting the owners for cooperation.  Not surprisingly, both properties are owned by two different out-of-town owners.  I believe I can also FOIL who the PMs are as the City requires them to be registered.

I've tried ignoring the situation, but based on the lack of interest in my vacant unit (which is priced under market and is nicer than anything else of similar price) I need to do something.  I'd rather not lower my standards and rent to "people" (term used loosely) like that, as that just makes me part of the problem.

What would you do?