Residents, business owners, and community leaders in Queens are voicing their frustration toward U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, criticizing her for not taking action against the notorious “lovers’ market.”
The area along Roosevelt Avenue is struggling with issues like rampant prostitution and illegal street vendors. “I have never personally seen Ocasio-Cortez since she was elected. I have never seen her in the community,” stated Rosa Sanchez, who leads the Restore Roosevelt Avenue Coalition. “I saw her in the parade—that’s all.”
Some parts of Roosevelt Avenue fall within a district represented by well-known Democratic leaders, including Rep. Grace Meng. Despite ongoing efforts by the NYPD to improve the situation, illegal vendors and merchants continue to operate unchecked. Sanchez remarked that while some unauthorized vendors have been driven out, vulnerable young women are left to fend for themselves in sex work.
“You have young women being held against their will. They are being trafficked for sex. This is not normal,” Sanchez expressed. “Our community is suffering.”
Mauricio Zamora, who oversees America’s Triangle Neighborhood, criticized Ocasio-Cortez for not addressing what he sees as the region’s most pressing issue, especially as residents and businesses strive to rejuvenate Roosevelt Avenue.
After meeting with Ocasio-Cortez about illegal vending at Corona Plaza, Zamora noted that lawmakers argued other crime issues should be the responsibility of the mayor’s office and the NYPD rather than her office.
In contrast, Bronx councilman Richie Torres was able to meet with Mayor Eric Adams directly about cleaning up a notorious outdoor drug market in his district.
A recent visit to Roosevelt Avenue confirmed locals’ claims—the presence of illegal activities and vendors was evident on Sunday.
Residents reported never seeing Ocasio-Cortez in their neighborhood. “No, I’ve never seen AOC here,” Jenny Leo, a pharmacist at Mi. Farmacia, noted, adding that she has seen local councilors and police instead. “It’s not getting worse, but it’s not getting better.”
David Ortega, a supermarket manager, expressed concern over rising thefts, saying, “People are stealing meat, beer, laundry detergent. The police come and they’ll take them outside.” He also mentioned feeling threatened by thieves openly saying they would target him.
Local leaders have taken their pleas to the FBI and the Trump administration, asking for intervention against immigrant gangs and rising lawlessness in the area. Just last month, the federal government accused a gang of illegal immigrants of operating brothels along Roosevelt Avenue—using violence and drugs as part of their illicit operations.
More support is needed, according to former councilor Hiram Monserrate, who emphasized the need for Ocasio-Cortez to use her influence to stabilize the area and bolster police presence. He noted that the NYPD had initially increased their operational activities but scaled back afterward.
While the mayor indicated a recent 28% drop in crime thanks to heightened enforcement, Monserrate mentioned that the area needs more officers back on the streets.
Defending her advocacy, Ocasio-Cortez’s office highlighted recent efforts to enhance the quality of life along Roosevelt Avenue, including meetings with community members about local business concerns. “She has done multiple cleanups of the Plaza and worked with the Department of Transportation to improve the streetlights and sanitation,” her office stated.
Ocasio-Cortez recently expressed her commitment to safer and cleaner conditions along Roosevelt Avenue as part of ongoing discussions with local vendors and business owners.
