From December 2005 through April 10 of this year, Boston Police made 65 arrests for the sale and possession of drugs in the parking lot of McDonald's on Gallivan Blvd., C-11 Community Service Officer Mike Keaney told the Cedar Grove Civic Association Tuesday evening. In light of a recent proposal by McDonald's to expand its hours of operation, neighbors are questioning whether the business is aware of the drug trafficking problem and if it is doing enough to combat it.

Cedar Grove Civic Association President John O'Toole said in a phone interview Wednesday that his group is opposed to McDonald's or other businesses on Gallivan Blvd. expanding their hours and believes that McDonald's needs to be more receptive to concerns about their parking lot as a hot spot for drug trafficking.

"I can say without reservation that they have no idea or they're ignoring what's happening on their site," said O'Toole.

The business's proximity to the Expressway makes it an easy hit for dealers and buyers coming from beyond Dorchester. O'Toole said that a sign on the highway advertising the McDonald's only increases awareness that it's convenient for more than just a quick bite to eat.

On Tuesday night, Keaney said that while a lot of activity is initiated in the McDonald's lot, police are seeing activity move out into the surrounding side streets.

"It originates there, but they take it outside of McDonald's and out into the neighborhood," said Keaney.

- Brian Denitzio