New York, NY – NYC Mayor Eric Adams has launched a multi-agency enforcement operation to address public safety and quality of life in the Elmhurst, North Corona, and Jackson Heights neighborhoods of Queens.
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. To expand its efforts to address these continuing challenges, the Adams administration is bringing together over a dozen city agencies under the administration’s “Community Link” initiative.
To discuss the Community Link program, Mayor Adams conducted a press conference on Wednesday October 16, 2024 at 104rd Street and Jackson Avenue, Corona Plaza in Queens.
“Roosevelt Avenue is one of the most diverse avenues in our city — it is home to businesses from all over the world and New Yorkers from all over the world live and raise their families nearby. 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,” said Mayor Adams. “To tackle these issues, we are launching a multi-agency operation that brings together more than a dozen city agencies with state partners to make sure crime and quality-of-life issues are addressed. 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.”
Councilmember Moya also discussed the quality-of-life issues that have become chronic for many portions of Roosevelt Avenue, advocating for more resources to be deployed to the community to address them.
“I am proud to announce, alongside the administration, the introduction of ‘Community Link’ to Roosevelt Avenue,” said New York City Councilmember Francisco Moya. “This initiative will ensure that no issues get lost between agencies and that we are all working in tandem to provide the people of my district with the safety and quality of life they deserve. I want to thank Mayor Adams for bringing the necessary resources to our community to make this possible. I remain committed to the Roosevelt Avenue Task Force, which will now function as a reporting mechanism for the ‘Community Link’ operation, keeping my office informed and focused on effectively addressing the right issues.”
Today’s announcement adds Roosevelt Avenue to Mayor Adams’ Community Link initiative — launched in 2023 to bring together various city departments and agencies to collaborate with local communities and business leaders as they address complex and often chronic community complaints that require a multi-agency response.
“Addressing the pressing issues on Roosevelt Avenue is a priority for my office,” said Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. “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.”
