I am writing as a frustrated resident who has grown increasingly concerned with the lack of response from our city of Olean code enforcement office, as well as the absence of follow‑through from both the mayor’s office and the city attorney regarding serious and ongoing issues on a North 4th Street property in our North Olean neighborhood.

On two separate occasions, I filed service requests related to a property that has been deteriorating for more than a year. The site contains piles of bricks, construction debris, and other discarded materials that create a clear hazard for stray animals and a likely breeding ground for rodents. Additionally, several totaled vehicles sit on the property without plates or registration — conditions that would typically trigger immediate enforcement action for most residents and businesses.

More concerning is that the property owner appears to be performing structural repairs without any visible safety precautions. These activities have generated mortar and brick dust from a building that is visibly aged and in deteriorating condition. Given the apparent age of the structure, it is reasonable to question whether proper testing for lead and asbestos was conducted before work began. I highly doubt this, considering the state of both the building and its grounds.

This raises serious public health concerns, especially because the property is located near three different schools. Young children, including my own, walk past this area daily and are potentially breathing in airborne dust and debris. No family should have to wonder whether their children are being exposed to hazardous materials simply by walking to school.

Despite submitting my concerns nearly two weeks ago, I have received no meaningful update. Instead, I was redirected from code enforcement to the city attorney, and since then the communication has stopped altogether. The lack of responsiveness is unacceptable given the seriousness and duration of the problem.

My frustration also stems from personal experience. Several years ago, I was cited for having an unregistered vehicle in my own driveway while waiting to repair it. I ultimately had no choice but to part with that vehicle, which held significant sentimental value as something I purchased with my basic training earnings.

It is disheartening to see selective enforcement now, where nearly identical circumstances appear to be ignored.

Beyond fairness, this is a safety matter. My children walk past this property every day on their way to and from school. No parent should have to worry about feral animals, rodents, vagrancy or possible exposure to construction dust from an unmonitored site — especially when a 14‑year‑old daughter is involved.

Residents deserve to feel secure in their own neighborhoods.

This issue extends beyond one property. Similar concerns exist on East Fall Road and other locations where it appears that local businesses and residents are being held to unequal standards. We all expect code enforcement to act consistently, fairly and with transparency. When the city fails to follow its own rules, confidence in local leadership erodes quickly.

I encourage our city officials to take a moment to drive by the property in question. A brief look at the building today versus the Google image from three years ago reveals the steady decline of the site and the negative impact it has on surrounding homes.

I am asking not for special treatment, but for fair and timely enforcement, and for the basic courtesy of communication. Our community deserves better than silence.

(Pat Morgan lives in Olean.)