Governor Kathy Hochul deployed New York state agents on Tuesday to help the NYPD take control of the sleazy section of Jackson Heights overrun by crime and prostitutes, nicknamed the “Market of Sweethearts.”
Troopers, along with local officers, were seen gathering along Roosevelt Avenue near 83rd and 84th Street, awaiting instructions for specific patrols to clear out what neighborhood activists labeled a corridor that had become an “urban crime zone” and home to ” more brothels than bodegas’.
NYPD Deputy Commissioner for Operations Kaz Daughty was on the scene to signal the importance of the mission – which came after local business owners and residents had grown tired of pleading for help.
Civic leaders applauded Hochul for sending in state troopers and the NYPD and the Adams administration for stepping up patrols and enforcement after a series of raids that had little long-term effect as brothels and illegal vendors would reemerge immediately after the shutdown . down.
Last week, the Let’s Improve Roosevelt Avenue Coalition urged Hochul to send in state troopers, while interim NYPD Commissioner Tom Donlon personally visited the infamous strip this weekend and promised more resources to combat prostitution, sex trafficking and other crimes plaguing the area to plague, to combat.
“We appreciate Governor Kathy Hochul, Mayor Eric Adams, Commissioner Thomas Donlon and Deputy Commissioner for Operations Kaz Daughtry for allocating increased police resources to Roosevelt Avenu,” the group said in a statement. “Deputy Commissioner for Operations Kaz Daughtry was on scene this morning at Roosevelt Avenue and 84th Street.”
Democratic District Leader Hiram Monserrate, a former state senator and councilman and co-founder of the group, said he was “grateful” after observing “over 200 NYPD officers and NYS Troopers.
“Today, true leadership stood up and began the process of reclaiming Roosevelt Avenue from the street gangs, cartels, human traffickers, street walkers and other criminal operations,” Monserrate said.
“We support our police and the community looks forward to positive outcomes,” he added. “We must return public safety and quality of life to Jackson Heights, Elmhurst, Corona and East Elmhurst and we will remain vigilant.”
The coalition’s Ramon Ramirez-Baez said the group was “confident” the community was turning around.
“Our coalition will continue to defend and stand up for the community,” he said. “We are especially grateful to New York State for adding their resources to confront this crime wave.”
The Post has reported on the ongoing problems in the troubled strip, where migrant gangs are said to have a hand in the sex trade by selling stolen goods at illegal sidewalk markets — sometimes just steps away from the stores where the items are taken. Brothels were even seen across the street from public schools.
The police have continuously tried to eradicate crime there. In January, the NYPD raided and closed a dozen brothels along the Avenue, describing their “inhumane conditions.”
In September, a 24-hour brothel dubbed “the worst of the worst” was also padlocked.
A state police spokesman said in a statement that the number of troopers deployed would “fluctuate from day to day.”
“We have assigned forces to assist the NYPD and the Queens District Attorney’s Office in addressing issues on Roosevelt Avenue, which are still ongoing,” said state police spokesman Beau Duffy.
There was no immediate comment from Mayor Eric Adams’ office, the NYPD or the governor’s office
