'Help the people don't just kick them out.' Residents call for more help in the HUB
On the block behind the plaza, a News 12 camera observed someone laying on the ground needing medical attention and bought into an ambulance.
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Roberto Clemente Plaza, which has been riddled with homelessness, illicit drug activity and trash, has been temporarily closed off and guarded by the NYPD.
But residents say it didn't stop the problem, it just moved it elsewhere.
"Go to the side streets and you are going to see everybody. Still the needles, shooting the drugs, everything," said Michael, a longtime Melrose resident.
As News 12 crews captured homelessness and what appears to be people on drugs in the surrounding blocks of the hub.
"When you are walking home it's so uncomfortable, needles on the street… when you are with your kids you do not want them to see what is going on," said Hibrana, a Melrose resident.
On the block behind the plaza, a News 12 camera observed someone laying on the ground needing medical attention and bought into an ambulance.
People in the area say there has to be more done — the barriers are not enough to help the community.
"Most of them are schizophrenic or some kind of 'schizo' disorder. So, they're just not on their medications. So there's a lot of resources that need to be taken up here," said Robert, works in the area.
He says this should just be the first step of many trying to fix the homelessness and drug use in the area.
