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A literal "hole in the wall" in a vacant Harlem building is attracting unwanted visitors to the neighborhood.

"Every vagrant in the area goes in there to either get high or turn tricks," says local Derrick Taitt.

That has neighbors of the vacant building very nervous.

"I'm worried that they'll start a fire and burn out my neighbors. Or that the building will collapse on someone that's in there," says Taitt.

Neighbors say the building has been vacant for years but there has never been a problem until the city broke in and left a gaping hole.

"In December, when the city went in to inspect the structure then, they left it with just a piece of plywood nailed up against the wall," says Taitt.

Neighbors say the plywood fell down within hours, leaving the building open for anyone to enter. It is a scary prospect to neighbors, since the Department of Buildings inspection deemed that the structure was somewhat unsafe and should be partially torn down.

"If it's so unsafe, then why would they leave it accessible?" says Taitt

"As long as it's sealed it's okay that it's vacant. It doesn't seem like a real hazard," says neighbor Hannah Carlson.

Residents say they have called 311 repeatedly with no response.

After they called NY1 For You, the station contacted the Department of Buildings and a spokeswoman said earlier this month the DOB inspected and issued an "unsafe buildings violation." The building's owner, Parade Place LLC, must now seal the building to prevent public entry.

NY1 reached out to the owner for comment but has yet to hear back.

The DOB spokeswoman told NY1 if the owner is either unwilling or unable to do the work, the department will seek a court order allowing the city to step in and perform the work.

Residents hope that will be sooner than later. NY1 will continue to follow this story.