An "open-air drug market" on Melrose Avenue in the Bronx that drew outrage from lawmakers and residents earlier this month has seen significant change after a NYPD crackdown.On September 14, FOX 5 visited a block of Melrose Avenue north of East 149th Street that was lined with people openly using and selling drugs. Some drug users could be seen barely conscious, while another was seen passed out on the sidewalk near a pool of his own vomit.
FOX 5's cameras saw officers politely telling addicts they couldn’t stay on the block, but many simply crossed the street to continue their activities.Many residents living nearby say that the city must provide more money for services to get to the root of the problem."They all have issues and problems that they need worked on and instead of just pushing them aside, find out what the problem is, the placement, the jobs, whatever needed to be done," said Pam, who lives nearby.