AOC’s district turned into ‘third-world’ with prostitutes, piles of trash

In the bustling neighborhoods of Corona, Jackson Heights, and Elmhurst in northwestern Queens, which were once celebrated for their vibrancy, the situation has taken a drastic turn. The area, part of the district represented by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, now resembles a vast open-air market, but not in an inviting sense. Overflowing garbage and makeshift vendor stalls create a scene more akin to a neglected zone than a part of New York City, as highlighted in footage shared by Fox News Digital.

Roosevelt Avenue, the area’s main artery, has gained notoriety for its blatant sex trade, earning the moniker “the market of sweethearts.” Instructional videos online even guide individuals on how to engage with the sex workers that populate this strip.

Photographs from Fox News Digital depict a grim scene where sex workers solicit potential clients right outside businesses, seemingly undeterred by the presence of families and ordinary daytime activities. This activity flouts New York’s laws against prostitution, raising concerns among the local populace.

Ramses Frías, a 43-year-old resident, captured a video that offers a glimpse into the daily reality of these neighborhoods. The footage reveals sidewalks crowded with vendors hawking an array of goods, from clothes to household items, often in conditions that block pedestrian pathways and flout city regulations regarding licensed vending.

Frías expressed his frustration, comparing the scene to a “third-world market,” with goods likely sourced from illicit means. He criticized the lack of enforcement against these illegal vendors, linking their presence to a broader decline in public safety and order.

This troubling landscape extends into the realm of prostitution, with workers openly plying their trade. Frías remarked on the boldness of these activities, emphasizing the discomfort it brings to the community, especially with the approach of warmer months which might exacerbate the situation.

The NYPD has taken action against establishments linked to prostitution, with notable raids occurring in January. Despite these efforts, including the presence of Mayor Eric Adams, critiques have been leveled at the effectiveness of these interventions, pointing to a lack of arrests and sustained closure of illegal operations.

The area’s decline has spurred political action, with Frías, a disillusioned Democrat turned Republican, launching a campaign for the Assembly District 39 seat. He aims to address these issues head-on, drawing on his deep personal connections to the immigrant community and a desire for substantive change.

Local officials, including Assembly member Catalina Cruz, have advocated for solutions that balance quality of life with economic opportunities for street vendors and have pushed for legislative changes around prostitution and vending permits. However, the challenge remains in reconciling these measures with the immediate concerns of residents and restoring the neighborhoods to their former standing as welcoming and safe communities within Queens.