NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – Jackson Heights residents say they’re fed up with all the crime on Roosevelt Avenue—and they’re planning a rally next week to “demand change,” including more police.
The avenue has long been known as a bustling and cosmopolitan corridor under the 7 line, but in recent years the number of illicit operations have grown, according to Hiram Monserrate, a former City Council member who is part of a coalition working to turn the tide.
Monserrate said prostitution takes place out in the open at all hours of the day as vendors hawk stolen goods. Not to mention the ongoing drug sales and unlicensed pot shops.
“The brothels are so widespread, there’s more brothels than bodegas,” Monserrate said during a walk-through Tuesday. “I would never have thought it was possible. But that’s what we have here. And we have to change that. We’re really making an urgent call.”
According to Monserrate, organized shoplifting gangs steal from area businesses and then sell the items on the street a short time later.
“Right here on 90th Street, we have the people shoplifting and then coming right back to Roosevelt Avenue and selling the objects they just stole from the Rite Aid, from the pharmacy and from the supermarket,” he said.
A coalition of residents has planned a rally, “Roosevelt Avenue in Crisis: Demand Change Now!” It's scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 29, at 2 p.m. at the 90th Street Triangle.
Among their demands are more police in the area by the dozens.
“Where are you?” Monserrate said. “We need everyone to stand up, help us—SOS.”
1010 WINS has reached out to the NYPD for comment.