Just a 1/4 mile from Alliance Metals are two/three parks and a youth rec center. Click on the photo for a larger view...
Fitzgerald/Union parks, just across from Alliance is a "waiting room" for Alliance customers. Those living around the park are afraid to use it because Alliance customers loiter there when Alliance is open, publicly consuming alcohol and dropping their trash on the ground. They can be loud and often times argue and fight with each other. Alliance said that they would keep this park clean and orderly but you will find all sorts of carousing and trash left on the ground (even drug paraphernalia). You'll also find abandoned shopping carts and recycling bins. And, unfortunately, this daily mess attracts other dumping.
St Andrews park, is another favorite place for Alliance customers to hang out. They go back and forth between these two spots...wheeling "their" shopping carts down the middle of the streets. St Andrews is also popular for prostitution. Condoms can be found regularly on the ground. Some neighbors are trying to clean the park up but it is a constant battle. With Alliance effectively supplying money for drugs and prostitution it will be impossible to ever make this park a pleasant place to hang out.
Willie Keys Rec Center, is named after Willie Keys who used to live across the street from Alliance Metals on 34th street. He was a long-time resident who complained about Alliance Metals and tried heroically to hold Alliance accountable for the horrible effects it has had (and continues to have) on the community. Unfortunately Willie's voice had been squelched by Alliance's PR machine and army of lawyers. As a tribute to his efforts, the rec center honors Willie's memory...but children in the neighborhood are still subjected to witnessing Alliance customers buying and doing drugs, urinating and defecating in the streets. It's a shame that Jay cannot clean up his business and stop the ongoing damage his business practices are doing to our neighborhood.
Perhaps, it's time for Alliance Metals to move to a more appropriate location. Other recyclers are moving out to the old Oakland Army base. Alliance should do the same.
