Police action follows residents’ complaints; two establishments closed on 74th and 75th Streets
Fauzia J. Choudhury:
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) has shut down two establishments allegedly operating as illegal brothels in Jackson Heights, Queens, following repeated complaints from local residents. In a separate enforcement action, police also arrested 13 individuals on charges related to patronizing a prostitute.
According to a November 11 report by QNS, one of the establishments was located at 37-45 75th Street, almost directly across from the district office of City Council Member Shekar Krishnan. Police raided the location on October 28 after receiving multiple complaints.
A second establishment, located at 37-65 74th Street, was also shut down last week, according to the council member’s office.
An NYPD spokesperson confirmed that the department’s Vice Enforcement Division closed the 75th Street location through a Queens County Supreme Court nuisance abatement proceeding. Separately, on October 29, police arrested 13 individuals near 87th Street and Roosevelt Avenue on charges related to patronizing a prostitute.
Krishnan said he had raised residents’ concerns with Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, the 115th Precinct and Queens North leadership. He emphasized that residents deserve to feel safe while using public transportation, taking their children to school and visiting neighborhood businesses.
In October, the Restore Roosevelt Avenue Coalition, led by former State Senator Hiram Monserrate, organized two protests demanding stronger action against alleged illegal prostitution operations in the neighborhood.
Meanwhile, Krishnan, along with Assembly Members Catalina Cruz and Steven Raga, has advanced a seven-point plan to improve conditions along Roosevelt Avenue. The proposals include stronger licensing and oversight of hotels and massage establishments, improved street lighting and better coordination among city agencies.
Community members say that while the latest police actions are significant, sustained enforcement, protection and support for trafficking survivors, and long-term neighborhood improvements are necessary to address the underlying problems.
Residents continue to call for a safer, cleaner and more family-friendly Jackson Heights, with stronger cooperation between law enforcement and city authorities.
