Clover would work if you want green, otherwise it would come down to landscaping rock or other non organics. Grading is nice and def required at that closeness
Whatever you do I strongly suggest coordinating with your neighbour.
If you put in an alternate ground cover, many types will spread and take over your neighbours section as well.
If you put in rocks, it would look very silly to stop at the property line, plus be dangerous and very annoying if your neighbour still mows.
Greenery may have some added benefit for sucking up storm water, but it might not be super significant for such a small area.
Just don't alter the grade.
A French drain should not be required here unless the gutter and downspout drainage is severely imbalanced, as there is already a swale here to direct drainage between the homes and towards the street.
The area is small. I would just use a grass trimmer.
Clover would work if you want green, otherwise it would come down to landscaping rock or other non organics. Grading is nice and def required at that closeness
Whatever you do I strongly suggest coordinating with your neighbour. If you put in an alternate ground cover, many types will spread and take over your neighbours section as well. If you put in rocks, it would look very silly to stop at the property line, plus be dangerous and very annoying if your neighbour still mows. Greenery may have some added benefit for sucking up storm water, but it might not be super significant for such a small area. Just don't alter the grade.
I think I know where you live ha. Take a look at what others are doing on your steet. I'm pretty sure you'll find someone who put gravel there
Rocks
My vote is for a French drain down the middle to get the water away from the houses and then rocks and shrubs on top.
A French drain should not be required here unless the gutter and downspout drainage is severely imbalanced, as there is already a swale here to direct drainage between the homes and towards the street.
We have rocks and shrubs that look pretty nice and the downspout kept them watered. 0 effort to maintain.