Residents and business owners in Queens, New York, are expressing deep concern over the escalating crime rates, prostitution, and unlicensed vending that plague the Roosevelt Avenue corridor. Known as the "Market of Sweethearts," this area has become synonymous with public disorder, gang activity, and trafficking, issues that have intensified with the city's growing migrant population and what many perceive as a vacuum in political leadership.
Community leader Rosa Sanchez, president of the Restore Roosevelt Avenue Coalition, has been vocal about the absence of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) in the community since her election. "I have not personally seen Ocasio-Cortez since she's been elected. I have not seen her in the community," Sanchez stated. Despite parts of Roosevelt Avenue falling within Ocasio-Cortez's congressional district, residents report both areas under her and Rep. Grace Meng's jurisdiction suffer from the same problems—illegal activities, unsafe conditions, and minimal congressional engagement.
The crisis has reached a point where local businesses are threatened with closure, and young women are being trafficked without effective intervention. Mauricio Zamora, leader of the Neighbors of the American Triangle civic group, shared his frustration, claiming Ocasio-Cortez has "never" shown leadership in tackling the area's most serious issues. His recent meeting with the congresswoman to discuss illegal vending around Corona Plaza resulted in her deferring broader crime concerns to the mayor, the NYPD, and city officials.
In contrast, Bronx Rep. Ritchie Torres has been actively calling on Mayor Eric Adams to address similar issues in his district, using his office to pressure city leadership for direct interventions. Meanwhile, a New York Post reporter's recent walk through Roosevelt Avenue revealed open prostitution occurring in broad daylight, underscoring the inadequacy of city and federal responses.
Despite the NYPD's Operation Restore Roosevelt, a 90-day initiative that showed some success, the problems quickly resurfaced after the police presence diminished. David Ortega, manager of Bravo Supermarket, reported frequent thefts and a continuous state of lawlessness, noting that Ocasio-Cortez has not visited the area during these incidents.
In response to the criticism, Ocasio-Cortez's spokesperson highlighted her participation in a community meeting and efforts to improve conditions around Corona Plaza. "The congresswoman is focused on solutions not credit," said Karla Santillan. Ocasio-Cortez herself posted a statement on social media, emphasizing her team's efforts to make Roosevelt Avenue safer and cleaner.
However, residents like Jenny Leo, a local pharmacist, remain unsatisfied, stressing the need for boots on the ground, real engagement, and a sustained law enforcement strategy that prioritizes their safety. The community's outcry is a clear call for more than just meetings and social media posts—they demand visible and tangible action.
