In the wake of recent drug trafficking arrests in Oil City, residents said they have long been aware drugs have crept into their neighborhoods.

Residents, business owners and community group leaders alike have said they are all too aware of drug problems plaguing some city streets.

“They see it all the time, and they are frustrated as all get out,” said Scott Smail, a member of the Siverly Neighborhood Association.

Smail, a Siverly resident and an organizer of the group, said the neighborhood’s drug problems are real, but so is the hope that the city is serious about cleaning its streets.

Smail said he is encouraged by the recent string of drug arrests by Oil City police, more active neighborhood associations and positive response by many citizens.

Earlier this month, police arrested seven people, including Oil City residents and men from the Detroit and Philadelphia areas, who were selling crack cocaine.

“We were glad to see the arrests,” Smail said. “We need to get the message out to these people.”

Amy Hogue, a Siverly native who now lives in Seneca, hopes drug dealers hear the message and leave for good.

Hogue owns and runs the Siverly General Store, which opened in March on Colbert Avenue, just a few houses away an apartment complex where police recently made several arrests.

Chief Robert Wenner said men from the Philadelphia and Detroit areas were selling crack independently of each other in two different apartments in the building.

“I can’t believe the foot traffic in the area,” Hogue said. “They would even pull into the church and do drug deals in the parking lot.”

Hogue, whose mother still lives in the area, said she would be afraid to raise her children in the neighborhood where she grew up.

“I hope (the arrests) scare people enough to stop them for a while or to make them move out,” she said.

Hogue praised the job police have done in the area. She said an officer regularly comes to check on her store.

Smail said Wenner’s work on the long-term drug investigation and with the local neighborhood associations has been “amazing.”

“I don’t think this community realizes the resource it has with Wenner,” he said.

The associations have also played a part according to feedback provided by Wenner, Smail said.

“We have apparently been having a positive effect,” Smail said. “There seems to be some momentum with the neighborhood associations.”

Even along Colbert Avenue, an area hard hit by drug problems, there may be hope, Smail said. He cited two businesses, including the general store, that recently opened in the area.

“I’m glad to see small businesses coming to the area,” he said. “I think people feel a little more comfortable or confident.”

Smail said the recent drug arrests have had another positive effect — they have residents talking.

“A lot of neighbors don’t talk and (the arrests) gave them something to talk about,” Smail said. “It’s like getting to know your neighbor again for the first time.”