They’re tired of leaning fences, untamed weeds and broken-down buildings around town. “The Watchful Eyes,” a group of business owners in the Village of Monticello and the Town of Thompson, have organized an unusual neighborhood watch. They’re prodding local governments to toughen building codes, strictly enforce violations and revamp outdated laws. And they’re set to patrol the area, identifying eyesores and trouble spots over the next few weeks.

“I certainly am not proud of this community, and I dare anybody to get up and say that they are,” said Dr. Marc Hudes, the podiatrist who organized the group, at a meeting in his office this week. “We’ve had years and years of noncompliance, lack of code enforcement.”

Joining Hudes are an electrician, an ice cream store owner, a wholesaler, two dentists (one retired), a retired rug importer and some politicians.

The group includes stalwart Republicans like Bob Kunis, a former county legislator, and Ray Nargizian, who ran to become chairman of the county Republicans. But Hudes is a registered Democrat and says the group is apolitical.

“I don’t care if it’s the Green Party that’s in charge of getting the place cleaned up,” he said. “We’re welcoming anybody that is willing to spend the time.”

The group has convinced several village and town officials to join, including Monticello’s Brian VanDermark and Scott Schoonmaker, and Thompson’s Sharon Jankiewicz.

Monticello Mayor Jim Barnicle said he also supports the group.

“We don’t have the corner on ideas,” Barnicle said. “We’re very limited in financial resources. If they have another set of eyes and ears, absolutely.”

The group has split into two committees, one each for the village and town.

In the next few weeks, they’ll study the building codes and then begin driving around the area.

ROL