Video shows drug use, homeless issue plaguing MacArthur Park NBC Los Angeles [Video]

Problems continue in MacArthur Park in Los Angeles as business leaders and community members complain about drug use, trash and homelessness – issues that are very visible in the area.

In late August, Norm Langer threatened to close Langer’s Deli across the street from the park after nearly 80 years in business.

NBC4 cameras Thursday captured several people doing illegal drugs in the middle of the afternoon as families and community members walked by.

Derek Rice has worked nearby for 34 years.

“I can imagine how it used to be. I can imagine families walking through the park and riding them little paddle boats that they had in there,” Rice said.  “And now you see the homeless, the drug addicts, 24 hours a day, just hanging out there.”

A few blocks away, Miguel was walking his 6-year-old daughter home from school. He expressed hesitation about going through the park with his child.

“It’s kind of scary because there …