Queens residents, business owners and community leaders are sounding the alarm over escalating crime, prostitution and unlicensed vending in the Roosevelt Avenue corridor—criticizing Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) for what they describe as an ongoing absence from the community and its concerns.
Known locally as the “Market of Sweethearts,” the area has become a flashpoint for public disorder, gang activity and trafficking.
Many locals say the crisis has worsened due to the city’s growing migrant population and a lack of sustained political leadership.
“I have not personally seen Ocasio-Cortez since she’s been elected. I have not seen her in the community,” said Rosa Sanchez, president of the Restore Roosevelt Avenue Coalition.
“I have seen her in a parade — that’s it.”
Part of Roosevelt Avenue lies within Ocasio-Cortez’s congressional district, while the remainder falls under Rep. Grace Meng’s jurisdiction.
Despite the divide, residents say both areas suffer from the same persistent problems—illegal activity, unsafe conditions and minimal congressional engagement.
Sanchez said her coalition has repeatedly called for assistance to address a wave of unlawful street vendors and gang-linked sex trafficking operations.
She said local businesses are being driven to closure while young women are being trafficked with no effective intervention.
“You