The Woodlawn McDonald’s closed on March 31 after more than 40 years in operation because of continuing problems with crime and vandalism, said Birmingham City Council member J.T. Moore, who lives in Woodlawn.

“It’s because of daily vandalism,” Moore told the City Council during Tuesday’s meeting.

In an interview after the meeting, Moore said he had been in contact with franchise owner Augie Estrada, who told him the persistent crime and vandalism became too expensive to deal with. Estrada was not immediately available for comment.

Moore said the franchise ownership had made great improvements to the business since taking it over several years ago. “They’re great operators,” Moore said.

Lamont Gratton, who had worked at the 5904 First Avenue North store for six years, said the drive-through menu was hit with gunfire earlier this year after a nearby gunfight broke out and a bullet was found lodged in the menu board. The drive-through menu was replaced at a cost of about $20,000 after the incident, he said.

Since then, there has been a fight in the parking lot and other incidents, he said. “It was rough,” Gratton said. As he spoke, a woman was shouting incoherently on the sidewalk. “That’s what we had to deal with on a daily basis,” he said.

Gratton said most employees are moving to associated McDonald’s stores in Irondale or Gardendale.

The giant M on the building was removed Friday, leaving a golden arches shadow, and equipment was still being dismantled and moved to other stores on Tuesday afternoon.

Moore said that nearby motels and apartments have been “hotbeds of crime for a very long time.”

That makes it difficult for businesses to operate in the area, he said. McDonald’s had long been a key part of the business community and was needed by residents, Moore said.

“It’s something that’s a big concern,” Moore said. “It is unfortunate that we have lost a McDonald’s.”

Gratton said that even after the drive-through sign was taken down and laid on the pavement, customers were still trying to drive up and order from it. The entrances have now been blocked.