Neighbors are upset over what appears to be a noose hanging from a tree in a Roosevelt yard, while a resident at the property claims it's not what it seems.

A resident walking by recently noticed the noose dangling along the driveway of a home on Nassau Road.

It's unclear how long it's been there, or why it was placed there, but Roosevelt resident Dave Tillery contacted News 12 about the situation. He says it's upsetting to see.

A man who lives on the first floor of the home came outside to speak about the issue. He denied that it's a noose, claiming that it's there to "pull engines from cars" and that it's been there for 40 years.

"I'm not racist man, I wouldn't be living in this neighborhood if I was," the man said.

The man said it's not being actively used, and asked why it wasn't removed, he said he'd "talk to the owner of the house."

News 12 reached out to the landlord for comment and is awaiting a response.

In the meantime, Tillery wants and apology -- and he wants the noose removed.

It comes after an incident at Roosevelt Middle School last week, where a photo of a noose surfaced inside a classroom, drawing outrage among parents.