Parramore residents complain about crowds blocking streets

ORLANDO, Fla. — An Orlando pastor said there is a constant, unwanted, large gathering in Parramore in the center of the nationally registered historic district.

Residents want the blocked streets and trash stopped and many said they’ve reached out to police for help several times a week for months.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

The troublesome corner is at the intersection of Terry Avenue and West Washington Street.

“I have to go about 5 miles as hour to go through there and if you ask them to move you may be in trouble,” Parramore resident Lynn Nicholson said.

READ: Local program teaches Parramore teens the art of public speaking

He said it’s usually a group of 150 to 200 people blocking the streets.

Some say the crowd stems from people gathering and paying people to sign petitions, but no one really knows.

READ: Dozens of Pantene, Herbal Essences dry shampoo sprays recalled after carcinogen found

“My members can’t even get to our door to conduct business and many of them are actually frightened by this crowd,” Pastor Robert Spooney, with Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, said.

While Channel 9 was in the area on Monday, police arrived on the scene and as quickly as the crowd scattered they came right back.

READ: Legends Academy finds permanent home in Orlando

Channel 9 received a response from Orlando police, which reads in part: “We are aware of concern from some of the residents in this neighborhood... Our patrol bureau commander has been active in ongoing conversations to find ways to address the concerns.”

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.