Resident urges town action after alleged squatters, unpaid taxes at neighboring Endwell home

At the June 5 Town of Union Board meeting, resident Robert Donlin described continuing problems at 3613 Dean Drive in Endwell, saying squatters or homeless occupants were present, the property had no electricity, and taxes had not been paid since 2021.

Donlin told the board he and his wife have worked with the Code Department for years and asked for an update on enforcement and the tax-foreclosure process. "They call the Sheriff nearly every day," Donlin said, describing daily disturbance and visible property deterioration.

Town Attorney Alan J. Pope said the county foreclosure process begins after two years of unpaid taxes and that he had hoped to have paperwork filed with the Supreme Court before the meeting; he apologized for the delay and said he expected to file this week and would notify the Clerk's Office when filings were available. Deputy Town Attorney Rosemarie Pope explained that after two years of unpaid taxes the process advances in the third year and that partial tax payments can trigger different foreclosure steps.

Donlin and neighbor June Leonard described the backyard conditions and asked whether the town could pursue emergency removal or obtain a search warrant; the Town Attorney said taking a search warrant and proceeding with the paperwork were part of the planned actions. The Town will make filings and the Clerk's Office will have copies for public review once filed, the attorney said.

The Board did not take immediate additional public action during the meeting but the attorneys said filings toward a court process were imminent and staff would notify the complainants when papers were filed.