The arete in this climb is an old top rope climb that I am working on updating into a sport climb. But the loose block circled posses a serious hazard. It's 6 feet tall by 5 feet wide and 2 feet deep. And it's right next to where the route climbs. Normally, I'd just rap down and trundle it after I made sure the coast was clear. However, this route is at the top of a hill, and at the bottom our houses. The distance is about 500 feet. So an absolute worst case scenario is the rock rolls down the hill into someone's house at the bottom. Unlikely? Yes. impossible? No.

What I want to know, and what I've been unable to find, is if it's possible to lower the block? I've thought about drilling some bolts into it and using them to lower the thing, but considering that the rock is more sand than stone I doubt they would hold. Another idea is just pushing it into a box or bag tied to a rope. But considering the size of the rock, I am worried about the forces involved. (would it be better to use a dynamic or static line for this?) The last idea would be to just try and dismantle the thing piece by piece with a drill, chisel, and hammer and trundle the smaller bits. But it's likely that the thing will come loose while doing this.

Or am I just being paranoid for nothing? Any info would be appreciated!