A significant number of families are residing illegally in rundown trailers near Citi Field, tapping into fire hydrants for water and illegally connecting to the electrical grid while running an unlicensed auto repair business.
This unsightly settlement, located under the Whitestone Expressway and largely inhabited by Spanish-speaking immigrants, has reportedly become a major headache for locals and business owners in the surrounding Queens community, especially with the Mets’ stadium nearby. Residents have expressed frustration, stating that the city has taken no action.
“I’ve stopped calling the police,” Luke Huang, manager of a local auto body shop, shared. “The police neglect them. They might tow customers’ cars, but they leave the campers and the people here.” He noted that the campers tend to drink heavily.
As Huang mentioned, during Mets games, there are often barbecues, and they have electricity sourced from nearby power lines.
Residents say that some individuals are breaking into fire hydrants for bathing and running unauthorized car washes and auto repair services, typically at night to evade police attention. They live in around 20 derelict RVs and trailers on Northern Boulevard, with only one displaying a legal license plate.
Local reports indicate that the number of campers has surged from about ten to nearly a hundred over the last year. There are stories that some who initially sought shelter near a planned $780 million soccer stadium are now under the freeway.
An occupant of Marina Park described the area as “really dangerous,” particularly at night, and questioned who would even bother to alert authorities.
“Things can get violent; machetes are sometimes involved,” he remarked, acknowledging the troubling conditions worsening over time.
While locals have observed these encampments evolving from the displaced auto shops and apartment buildings near the planned stadium, some are now utilizing buyout funds to move to the Bronx, while others find themselves under various overpasses.
The upcoming soccer field, intended to be the new home turf for New York City FC, is set to open next year.
Despite police efforts to shut down illicit businesses and impound vehicles, many have adapted, simply waiting until dark to operate without concern for law enforcement.
“In the summer, all the fire hydrants are open,” Chong noted, expressing disbelief at the situation.
Brian Jung, an auto shop owner nearby, mentioned that the settlement began to grow over a year ago, highlighting how some residents set up makeshift living arrangements by tapping into power lines.
Chong illustrated the extreme conditions, stating, “They open the door, leave everything ajar, and take showers. It’s wild how it’s expanding; I’m not sure how many more can fit in, but they might manage a few more.”
The NYPD has not issued a comment regarding this matter.
