Queens Merchants Urge Solutions as Roosevelt Ave Descends into Lawlessness.
Merchants in Queens have banded together to plead for help as a once-thriving stretch of Roosevelt Avenue has become a lawless nightmare due to an influx of migrant hookers and unlicensed peddlers. Community activist Ramses Frias expressed frustration during a press conference, saying that residents are fed up with the ongoing chaos affecting their lives and businesses daily.
As they spoke, illegal vendors set up shop directly across the street from their stores, selling stolen goods to passersby, while dozens of sex workers roamed the sidewalks in plain sight of children returning to local schools.
Mireya Gutierrez, owner of Victory Pharmacy, explained that her business aims to serve the community but has faced significant challenges due to the influx of migrants covering the entire sidewalk and blocking entrances. She emphasized that she is not against immigrants but rather concerned about their unlawful encroachment on legitimate businesses.
The Post initially reported on the rampant prostitution, thievery, and illegal vendors along Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights and Elmhurst back in April. Since then, locals have noted a doubling of hookers in the area while shoplifters have become more brazen. Stolen goods are sold at discounted prices on sidewalks, often just steps away from where they were stolen.
The NYPD has responded to the crisis with raids and confiscations of merchandise but has been unable to prevent the crooks from returning. Democratic district leader Hiram Monserrate called for stronger enforcement of basic laws in New York, including measures against prostitution, sex trafficking, unlicensed drug sales, and illegal vendors.
Diana Klurfe, who represents a medical building at 91st Street and Elmhurst Avenue, explained that the lawlessness has not only deterred patients but has also repulsed ambulance drivers, making it difficult for them to reach those in need of emergency care. Monserrate proposed a five-point plan to address the crisis, including assigning more police officers to the area and tweaking precinct boundaries to improve oversight by one stationhouse.
Mayor Eric Adams’ office declined to comment on the situation.
