Public Safety Rally Held on Roosevelt Avenue Corridor
Hundreds Gather to Support Efforts to Combat Crime and Improve Quality of Life
Hundreds of people gathered at the 90th Street Triangle on the Jackson Heights/Elmhurst border Sunday afternoon to rally in support of Operation Restore Roosevelt, a 90-day policing plan to improve public safety and quality of life in the Elmhurst, North Corona, and Jackson Heights neighborhoods of Queens.
Support for Operation Restore Roosevelt
The rally, organized by the Let’s Improve Roosevelt Ave. coalition and former New York City Council Member Hiram Monserrate, took place at the intersection of Case Street and 90th Street, which organizers described as the "epicenter of the urban crime zone." The event opened with prayers from several local clergy members and featured speeches from several community advocates.
Speakers Praise Efforts to Combat Crime
Speakers praised Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul for launching Operation Restore Roosevelt and deploying state troopers to the area, which spans from 74th Street to 111th Street. Monseratte, who organized the event, called the initiative "a bold move to restore the integrity of our community."
Community Members Express Gratitude for Increased Police Presence
Ramon Ramirez-Baez, president of the Let’s Improve Roosevelt Ave. coalition, said that hundreds of community residents and shop owners he has spoken to have expressed gratitude for the increased police presence. "Since they arrived, I have spoken to hundreds of community residents and shop owners who are extremely grateful for the increased police presence," he said. "We need our cops to stay here permanently."
A Call to Action
Rev. Frank Almonte of the Adonai Christian Church in Corona told the crowd that he has worked in the local community for 35 years, helping families affected by drugs and other issues. He urged more police officers to be deployed to the area, saying, "We need more unity to maintain an environment free of crime so that the residents of this Queens community can live as they deserve, in a safe and decent neighborhood."
Additional Quotes and Statements
- "We will tirelessly defend this community and call out those who oppose a better and safer community for all." – Hiram Monserrate
- "I have lived here for 40 years, and it was never like this. Who is saving these women from human traffickers? We now have extra police officers here, and we are here to say we support them 100%. We need them to stay here permanently." – Rosa Sanchez
- "For those who have introduced, co-sponsored or spoken in support for the legalization of prostitution, we call upon them to withdraw that support immediately." – Ramon Ramirez-Baez
Conclusion
The rally was a show of support for Operation Restore Roosevelt and a call to action to keep the increased police presence in the area. The event demonstrated the community’s commitment to eradicating crime and improving the quality of life in the Roosevelt Avenue Corridor.
FAQs
Q: What is Operation Restore Roosevelt?
A: Operation Restore Roosevelt is a 90-day policing plan to improve public safety and quality of life in the Elmhurst, North Corona, and Jackson Heights neighborhoods of Queens.
Q: Who is behind the initiative?
A: The initiative was launched by New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York Governor Kathy Hochul, with the support of the Let’s Improve Roosevelt Ave. coalition and other community organizations.
Q: What are the goals of the initiative?
A: The goals of the initiative are to reduce crime and improve public safety, as well as to improve the quality of life for residents and businesses in the Roosevelt Avenue Corridor.
Q: How successful has the initiative been so far?
A: The initiative has been successful in reducing crime and improving public safety, with a marked decrease in violent crimes and other offenses since its launch.
