By Forum Staff
Mayor Eric Adams, Interim City Police Commissioner Tom Donlon, and Councilman Francisco Moya (D-Corona) Tuesday night launched a multi-agency enforcement action — dubbed “Operation Restore Roosevelt” — aimed at addressing public safety and quality of life in Elmhurst, North Corona, and Jackson Heights.
Over the past year, members of the NYPD have been addressing community concerns about prostitution, illegal brothels, unlicensed vendors and food carts, retail theft and the sale of stolen goods, and other quality-of-life offenses along Roosevelt Avenue. To expand efforts to tackle these continuing challenges, Adams administration officials said the City is bringing together over a dozen agencies under the “Community Link” initiative, a collaborative, sustained, and intensive multi-agency response to persistent quality-of-life and public safety issues. Additional support from State law enforcement partners to enforce the law and deliver essential services to New Yorkers will be provided, Adams noted.
“This road should be the pride of our city, but for too long it has been plagued by persistent public safety and quality-of-life issues. We won’t allow this to continue any longer,” Hizzoner said. “Our administration has a clear mission: to make New York a safer, more affordable city, and we will not rest until we have accomplished that mission.”
Operation Restore Roosevelt aims to restore safety and order to the area while delivering resources for those impacted by the issues plaguing Roosevelt Avenue, the mayor added. The approach will utilize the enforcement capabilities of various city agencies. The NYPD will address crime and quality-of-life offenses, including unlicensed vendors, trademark counterfeiting, prostitution, ghost car and moped enforcement, and excessive noise. The Department of Buildings will enforce regulations regarding illegal occupancy and obstructed sidewalks. The Department of Transportation will enforce dilapidated and out-of-code dining sheds, while the Sanitation Department will address vendor violations and illegal dumping. The Fire Department will enforce propane tank and open flame regulations. As part of the operation, NYPD and partner agencies will also identify specific individuals in the area who may need connections to services, such as housing or medical care, and make referrals to the appropriate city agency or service provider.
“We are listening to the concerns of this community and finding permanent solutions to longstanding public safety and quality-of-life issues,” Donlon said. “To do that, we are using the collaborative approach that has led to improved conditions in neighborhoods across our city — and now, with Mayor Adams’ leadership, we are focusing our collective efforts here. It is what the residents and businesses on Roosevelt Avenue rightfully demand, and the NYPD is going to get the job done.”
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz added, “Addressing the pressing issues on Roosevelt Avenue is a priority for my office. Nearby families and residents have the right to feel safe in their own neighborhoods. The dedicated multi-agency effort announced today will serve as a strong deterrent for the illegal activity plaguing this area. At the same time, we remain dedicated to connecting those caught in the cycle of prostitution with meaningful services and support while prosecuting the individuals managing and patronizing these illicit establishments.”
