By Residents in the Jackson Heights neighborhood of Queens, New York, are voicing outrage over an alleged brothel operating across the street from two public elementary schools, PS 19 and PS 307. The situation has sparked a community campaign to shut down the establishment and address broader concerns about criminal activity in the area.
The alleged brothel is located near the infamous “Market of Sweethearts” strip on Roosevelt Avenue, an area that has gained notoriety for open-air prostitution and the sale of stolen goods. Law enforcement sources suspect potential connections to the Tren de Aragua gang, though this remains unconfirmed.
Maria Gonzales, a local mother, expressed her dismay to The Post on Sunday. “No good,” she said. “The school is just there. C’mon, no good. My husband go and say to them, ‘Not here. Too close, the ninos.’ They say, ‘OK, OK, OK.'” Gonzales added, “Crazy. We need police. Everyone calls, but no police coming.”
The community’s concerns come to light just days after the New York Police Department (NYPD) conducted a raid on a 24-hour prostitution operation nearby on Roosevelt Avenue.
Ileana Martinez, whose two children attend the nearby schools, shared her fears in a statement: “As a mother, we always worry about the safety and welfare of our children. But what we see near Roosevelt Avenue now is terrifying. Hopefully someone will respond to the CEC resolution.”
The resolution, set to be presented to Community Education Council 24 on Tuesday, calls for coordinated action from city schools officials, police, and Mayor Eric Adams to shut down the alleged brothel and address criminal activities in the neighborhood.
“This request aligns with the NYC [Department of Education’s] commitment to ensuring that all students are provided a safe and supportive environment, crucial for fostering their academic success and social-emotional growth,” the resolution states.
Eyewitness accounts describe modifications to the building, including a wooden panel and door at the rear, where alleged sex workers solicit customers. A local resident, identified only as Luis, 67, told reporters, “It’s been there for a while. It used to just be just a bodega and the part where they sell the girls now, they used to sell the flowers.”
The situation is unfolding against the backdrop of a broader migrant crisis in New York City. Since 2022, tens of thousands of migrants have arrived in the city, with some reportedly resorting to shoplifting and prostitution to survive or pay debts to human smugglers.
Queens Democratic district leader Hiram Monserrate has been vocal about the issues plaguing the borough. “Our community is crying out for help,” Monserrate said in a statement. “Rescue Roosevelt Avenue. Protect our children. We do not need backpack giveaways, we don’t need political rhetoric. We need more cops, counselors and a massive intervention for this community.”
Monserrate added, “The NYPD needs to shut this brothel down now. The Roosevelt Avenue Corridor remains lawless and unsafe.”
As of Sunday, the NYPD had not responded to requests for comment on the situation.
The community’s outcry highlights the complex challenges facing New York City as it grapples with the intersection of immigration, crime, and public safety. As residents await action from city officials, the situation remains a flashpoint for debates about law enforcement priorities and community well-being in one of the world’s most diverse urban areas.
Source: nypost.com
