At the Shawangunk Town Board meeting on Thursday, residents of Apple Lane and Blossom Lane in the Hamlet of Wallkill expressed numerous concerns that have troubled them for years.

The group feels the roads need to be repaired and resurfaced. Ditches and drainage should be addressed. They believe that security lighting should be installed at least on each corner of the streets.

There is an abandoned house on Apple Lane that residents believe needs to be condemned and removed. This is of great concern, as vermin might be living there as well as the possibility of the growth of black mold. Removal of this property would ensure that it does not become inhabited by squatters.

Residents also found that the Apple Lane entrance is disgraceful. Weeds are at least two-feet high and the sight of oncoming traffic is very impaired. Signs that were placed on the property years ago have become rusted and ruined. This area is a school bus stop, which could create potential accidents. Residents work hard to keep their property in excellent condition but feel the entrance to their homes is neglected.

“As a long-time resident and senior member of the community, I am asking the Board of the Town of Shawangunk to act on our concerns,” Joseph Sosler of 58 Blossom Lane wrote in a letter to Town Supervisor John Valk Jr. on July 23. “We are all taxpayers and our voices should be heard and action should be taken.”

Enclosed with the letter was a petition which was signed by about 20 residents of Apple and Blossom Lanes pertaining to these issues. In addition to Valk, each town board member received a copy of the letter and petition. Residents have brought up these concerns to the town but time and time again little was done to fix the problems. Thanks to Sosler’s letter and Thursday’s town board meeting, the group feels that they have turned a corner.

“I think now since we’re making a to-do about this thing, I believe we are gonna start seeing something done...,” Sosler said. “We’re gonna keep on going until something is done.”

Valk dropped by Apple and Blossom Lanes on Saturday to examine the problems and talk to residents. The town board hopes to make more progress with Apple and Blossom Lanes during its next meeting on Thursday, Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. at Shawangunk Town Hall. Apple and Blossom Lanes will be featured as an agenda item that evening.