This week’s question (Have your own? Email us.):

My neighbors treat the sidewalk like their personal patio. Folding table, chairs, friends, beer, etc. I’m actually mostly fine with it because they’re nice and they do leave room for wheelchairs and strollers. But, they often go late. Even on weeknights. Am I rude for wanting quiet after 10 p.m.? What can I say?

Stephanie Farr, features columnist

If this were happening in Chestnut Hill, it’d be pretty unusual, but if you live in South or West Philly, it’s probably not completely out of the norm.

Philadelphians love partying in the streets; it’s one of the great things about rowhouse living and tight-knit blocks. That being said, if your block is tight enough that you feel comfortable hanging on the sidewalk, you should be OK with neighbors approaching you and asking you to be respectful. So that’s what I’d do first, just ask them.

Rosa Cartagena, Arts & Entertainment reporter

I’m a city girl who grew up in a very loud home that threw countless house parties, so I am pretty sensitive to the dynamics when new neighbors move in. The neighbors are attracted to the community because of that vibrant energy and social connection, but sometimes newcomers impose their own expectations that can create conflict, and it’s a typical experience of gentrification.

But let’s start with the positive: the neighbors seem to be friendly, welcoming, and spatially aware of the sidewalk, which is already a great setup for you to engage with them.

Stephanie Farr

I totally agree, Rosa. For me another one of the X factors here is: who lived on the block first? I know some people may disagree, but longevity on a block matters when it comes to situations like this, especially in Philly.

Another question for me is: are they manspreading onto the sidewalk in front of their neighbors’ houses or remaining on the sidewalk in front of their property?

Rosa Cartagena

It sounds like they’re pretty respectful of the area, but the noise is the primary concern. I’m also curious if the neighbor has spent an evening out there with the group (Can I pull up a chair?). That might be a good way to make more of a personal connection with them so that you can come from a place of understanding before a critique.

Stephanie Farr

Yes, I love that. Heck, they could bring a six-pack with them and I’d bet it would help make broaching the subject even easier. If this person is extremely shy or timid, I’d suggest they privately approach their block captain, if they have one. They could tell them about the situation and ask if they’d speak to these folks on their behalf without bringing up their name. Of course if you go that route, your neighbors may wonder who on their block couldn’t approach them directly, which wouldn’t feel great. Around here, face-to-face brutal honesty is the way to go if you can. People respect it more.

Rosa Cartagena

There’s definitely a way to do it that focuses on problem-solving. You can say, neighbor to neighbor, I have this concern and I’d like to talk about it. Explain that the problem that the noise is causing, ideally in specifics — are you having trouble sleeping on work nights? Do you have a little one being kept awake? They may totally be open to meeting you in the middle, like cutting the weeknight hangs earlier.

Stephanie Farr

You could also gauge how much their sidewalk setup and late-night hangs bother your other neighbors. If it’s something that’s disrupting their lives too, you could approach them as a group. And if that doesn’t work, I don’t know, start trying to out-party them?

Rosa Cartagena

Let’s also not overlook the easiest and fastest solution here: Earplugs. (If it really is that serious!)

Or a white noise machine.

Stephanie Farr

I used to live between two sets of train tracks. Earplugs are my friend.

Just wait till bars start staying open till 4 a.m. this summer. Lots of streets are going to be boppin’ all night.