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Resident urges stronger enforcement after drug arrests at vacant Broadhead Street property
Summary
Elena Santa Cruz told the board that repeated drug activity, break-ins and long-standing maintenance failures at 10–12 Broadhead Street have left neighbors unsafe; building staff described permit history, interim grass-cutting and a plan for dumpster/demolition activity while the village pursues a vacant-property policy.
Elena Santa Cruz, a resident on Broadhead Street, told the Village of Ellenville board that the house next door — a two-family property at 10–12 Broadhead Street purchased in March 2025 — has become a neighborhood safety concern after repeated drug-related arrests and break-ins.
"This house has had almost constant and escalating issues that I have been reporting...the two drug related arrests have happened in the driveway of this home," Santa Cruz said, citing on-street arrests and an observed 6-inch dagger recovered during a traffic stop. She asked the board how the village can hold an absentee owner accountable and requested a clear escalation path of fines, citations and enforcement actions.
Building department staff member Dan (building official) told the board the property has an active building permit that was renewed in April 2025 and that some construction inspections have occurred, but staff also acknowledged repeated maintenance problems on multiple village properties. "We cut the grass," Dan said, noting staff are charging the owner for that work and are aiming to accelerate demolition work with a scheduled dumpster on site.
Officials told Santa Cruz the village is working on longer-term tools — referenced in the meeting as a vacant-property law — to give more leverage for repeat problems. Staff advised continuing to document all complaints and promised to follow up with enforcement steps and an email trail to the property owner so the village has a clear record of requirements and deadlines.
