CAMDEN, N.J. – County and city leaders are calling out the homeowner and owners of what they say is an abandoned gas station in Camden.

US Petroleum on Admiral Wilson Boulevard has been closed for months, making it the target of graffiti, dumping, squatting and other illegal activity.

On Tuesday, authorities called Pontus Capital Shell Portfolio LLC to clean and maintain the property.

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They say the gas station continues to rack up code violations and has now become a landmark for the community.

“Our city deserves better than this,” Mayor Victor Carstarphen said. “This is a gateway through our community. Thousands and thousands of vehicles pass through here every day and they see this ugly sight.”

FOX 29 reached out to the property owner, who said the property is currently under a long-term lease:

“Under the terms of this lease, the tenant has full responsibility for the maintenance and continued operation of the property. Although the tenant has failed to meet these obligations, our ability to take immediate corrective action is legally constrained by both the existing lease terms and the tenant’s continuing lease. Bankruptcy proceedings “The ownership group, which consists of out-of-state passive investors, has never occupied or maintained legal possession of the property, although it has not received any rental income for several years.”