I am thinking I might as well just put up a slim vertical and hope no one complains about the 25ft aerial above the house.

Such a pain to try and do it the right way.

As for interfering with TVs... I figured that by next February it will become a non issue. With the new digital TV system HAM does not interfere with it right?

Now the question what is right method? Should I make a little flyer/note to give to all of my neighbors around me telling them of my intentions and give them a chance to oppose it (and complain) or just do it?

If there is one thing I have learned in the past about psychology of problems... If I do tell the neighbors, I would put up an antenna and not use it for a few months. I would let the neighbors know that if they are suddenly experiencing problems that they should let me know and I will (as per FCC rules) fix the problem. The trick to this is that since I will not use the antenna it will merely be a dummy, a placebo of sorts just to see who complains about their problems. After I hear them say "ohh my tv, my phone, blah blah." I will be able to document it as a pre-existing condition and tell them to fix it themselves. Something I have learned in the past, if given the opportunity people will want you to fix their stuff even if it is not related.