Local residents and small business owners are calling on Governor Kathy Hochul to address the growing issue of insufficient police presence in their community. On October 9th, they gathered at the Elmhurst subway station to advocate for more National Guard support to help restore a safe environment in Jackson Heights and its neighboring areas.
The crime problem has escalated along Roosevelt Avenue, spanning from 72nd Street to 114th Street and affecting predominantly Hispanic communities such as Woodside, Jackson Heights, Elmhurst, and Corona. Illegal vendors and sex workers have overtaken the streets, creating challenges for local businesses and raising concerns among residents about the safety of their neighborhoods.
One of the event’s organizers, former state senator Hiram Monserrate, emphasized the urgency of the situation. He stated that crime along Roosevelt Avenue has reached intolerable levels, with brazen sex workers and unscrupulous vendors impacting both residents and businesses. “Today, we stand here hoping that Governor Hochul will recognize the lack of police presence in our area and allocate 100 additional National Guard troops to assist precincts 110 and 115 in tackling gang violence, drug trafficking, theft, prostitution, and robberies,” Monserrate said.
Local merchant Mireya Guitierrez shared her frustration, noting that hundreds of vendors block storefronts, making it difficult for pedestrians to navigate the sidewalks. “I won’t leave this community; instead, I will fight for it. But we need more help from the governor,” she expressed.
Ramon Ramirez Baez, chair of the Let’s Improve Roosevelt Ave coalition, pointed out that New York City is at a critical juncture. He criticized some politicians for attempting to legalize prostitution and cut police funding, arguing that these actions would only lead to more crime. “The state has a responsibility to ensure community safety and confront these issues head-on,” Baez asserted.
The challenges are not limited to the areas mentioned above; Flushing, home to a significant Chinese population, is grappling with similar problems. Martha Flores-Vazquez, a participant in the assembly, pointed out that she has lived in Flushing for 45 years and has seen an alarming rise in prostitution along 41st Avenue. “Our community needs more public involvement. Without the support and voices of residents, these issues will continue to go unnoticed,” she stated.
