BY JIMMY LAWTONNorth Country This Week

OGDENSBURG -- Ogdensburg City Councilor Storm Cilley said residents who encounter discarded syringes in the city should contact Ogdensburg Police Department.

Cilley said he's received a number of complaints recently from residents regarding discarded hypodermic needles and other drug-related items found in their yards.

"I don't know what we can do as far as action on it, but I've seen several complaints about needles and drug paraphernalia being left in people's yards," he said. “I'd encourage them to contact the PD rather than clean it up themselves if they come across them."

Mayor Michael Tooley thanked Cilley for raising the concern, but there was no further discussion on the matter.

Since 2021, Ogdensburg has seen an uptick in the number of homeless persons in the city. That problem has been accompanied by a growing number of reports of needles, drug paraphernalia and feces found in public places.

Those issues and vandalism at local parks led the city to implement curfews at the city's parks and greenspaces. The city also saw an uptick in small crimes at the same time the police department saw cuts, though some of those positions have since been restored.

Attempts were made to bolster a neighborhood watch program, but those plans haven't seen the level of participation the city had hoped.

The city has had some good news recently that could help some people find permanent homes in Ogdensburg.

A nearly $10 million grant will allow STEP by STEP Inc. to bring 42 permanent housing units to the former Lincoln School property.

Support services will be provided by STEP by STEP, which is a peer-run organization that strives to empower the members of the community “by establishing person-centered relationships, providing advocacy, educational, recovery, and social services, and creating affordable and safe housing opportunities.”

The grants were awarded through a competitive process by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s (OTDA) Homeless Housing and Assistance (HHAP) Program and are part of Hochul’s $25 billion comprehensive Housing Plan aimed at preserving and creating 100,000 affordable homes across the state, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations.