Residents and officials in Melrose say they are alarmed about dangerous health hazards caused by open drug use in their neighborhood.

They say sidewalks are littered with needle caps, alcohol bottles and human waste - leaving many people concerned about safety and sanitation.

Outreach groups like the Acacia Network clean the area and provide resources like Narcan kits, but Council Member Rafael Salamanca says stricter laws are needed to tackle the problem.

Some residents battling addiction say these programs give them hope. But many in the community demand stronger action from law enforcement.