Undeveloped Oswego neighborhoods raise concerns for residents
OSWEGO, N.Y. — Drivers traveling down Lazarek Drive on the south side of the City of Oswego may notice an empty cul-de-sac lined with overgrown storm drains, fire hydrants, and a street sign reading John Paul the Second.
The road surface itself is also an issue, with potholes scattered throughout the street.
The undeveloped neighborhood is owned by Lazarek Inc., the namesake of Lazarek Drive, which is connected to John Paul the Second.
At the intersection of South Liberty Street and John Paul the Second, trash scattered throughout the gutters — including discarded bottles and cans— has added to concerns from residents, making the area both a nuisance to drive through and an eyesore.
Similar concerns exist at an entrance near the intersection of West Utica Street and Fourth Avenue, close to Oswego High School.
Dominic Ciccarelli, a resident of Premiere Living Suites across the street, said he is not a fan of the overgrown gate blocking the roadway.
“This is pretty disgusting, I have to admit,” Ciccarelli said. “It’s kind of an eyesore. Every time I drive by it, I just go, ‘ew.’”
The gate features a private property sign listing Westlake Development LLC, a Syracuse-based property management company.
Ciccarelli said he would like to see additional student housing developed on the Westlake property.
“I honestly wouldn’t mind something else like Premiere Living Suites,” Ciccarelli said. “Something to get more college students into better housing conditions compared to the dorms would be really nice to see.”
Westlake Development LLC said the property is currently receiving bids, but construction timing is uncertain. The development is expected to consist of small rental homes.
The Westlake neighborhood is one of several examples of development moving forward in the city, as the former Hammermill paper plant across the river is currently listed for sale at $1.6 million.
Attempts to contact Lazarek Inc. were unsuccessful.
For now, neighbors are left with overgrown lots, deteriorating roads, and unanswered questions about what comes next.
