"Roosevelt Avenue should be a source of pride for our city. Its safety is a concern"

Mayor Eric Adams has announced the launch of Operation Restore Roosevelt, a comprehensive multi-agency initiative to restore order in the Elmhurst, North Corona, and Jackson Heights neighborhoods. Partnering with over a dozen city and state agencies, the operation targets illegal brothels, sex trafficking, unlicensed vendors, and other crimes plaguing the area.

Led by the NYPD, the initiative is part of the city’s ongoing Community Link Initiative, which has already responded to over 800 community complaints across the five boroughs. Roosevelt Avenue, home to a vibrant and diverse community, has become a focal point for ongoing crime and quality-of-life concerns, which Mayor Adams is determined to address.

“Roosevelt Avenue should be a source of pride for our city, but for too long, it has been burdened by illegal activity and public safety challenges,” said Mayor Adams. “This operation brings together a coalition of agencies to ensure crime and quality-of-life issues are tackled head-on. Our mission is to make New York safer and more livable for everyone, and we won’t stop until we’ve achieved it.”

City agencies involved in the operation include the Department of Buildings (DOB), Department of Sanitation (DSNY), Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), and FDNY, among others, each focusing on specific violations from illegal occupancy to food cart regulations. NYPD’s role is to address crimes including prostitution, retail theft, and trademark counterfeiting, while the DOB will focus on unsafe structures and obstructed sidewalks.

“This multi-agency operation will ensure a safe and clean environment for all who live and work along Roosevelt Avenue,” said NYPD Interim Commissioner Thomas Donlon. “By listening to the community and collaborating across agencies, we are committed to finding permanent solutions to these longstanding issues.”

Councilmember Francisco Moya, who has long advocated for more resources in the area, welcomed the initiative. “’Operation Restore Roosevelt’ ensures no issues get lost between agencies, delivering the safety and quality of life our residents deserve. Mayor Adams has listened to our community’s concerns, and this collaboration will bring the necessary resources to fix them.”

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz also highlighted the importance of providing meaningful services to those affected by prostitution and holding illicit business operators accountable: “Families deserve to feel safe in their neighborhoods. This operation will deter illegal activity while offering support to vulnerable individuals.”

Operation Restore Roosevelt builds on the success of the Community Link Initiative, which was launched in 2023 to bring together city agencies to address complex, chronic community complaints. Since its inception, Community Link has overseen more than 600 operations in “hot spot” areas throughout the city, including 125th Street, Midtown West, and Washington Square Park.

As part of a larger strategy, the Adams administration is also making strides in crime reduction across New York City. Last month, the NYPD reported a 3.1% decrease in major crimes, marking the ninth consecutive month of declining offenses citywide.

With the launch of Operation Restore Roosevelt, the city aims to not only reduce crime but also improve the overall quality of life for residents and businesses along Roosevelt Avenue.

“We are laser-focused on ensuring every New Yorker feels safe,” added FDNY Commissioner Robert Tucker. “Through initiatives like this, we are addressing the community’s concerns and creating a safer, more vibrant environment for everyone.”