"Community Leaders Close Notorious 'Bodega Brothel' in Rep. Ocasio-Cortez's District"
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"Community Leaders Close Notorious 'Bodega Brothel' in Rep. Ocasio-Cortez's District"
[!CDATA[In Queens, a notorious local brothel located near two schools in Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's district has been closed down by the NYPD following persistent efforts by community leaders who felt the progressive lawmaker did not assist in shutting it down. Referred to as the "bodega brothel" by residents, the establishment operated on the second floor of a local bodega near the Roosevelt Avenue strip, where prostitutes openly solicited sex on the sidewalks, according to local Democratic district leader Hiram Monserrate. The bodega was situated across from two public schools, forcing students to pass by the sex workers outside the brothel on their way to and from school. The NYPD took action on Monday by removing the beds from the brothel and padlocking its door. Monserrate, who spearheaded the campaign to close the location, commended the police for their actions and described the deplorable conditions inside the brothel as unsightly, unsanitary, and disgusting. Despite calls from Monserrate and local groups for Ocasio-Cortez and other elected officials to advocate for the closure of the brothels, few have actively supported the cause. Ocasio-Cortez's office declined to comment on the closure. Monserrate highlighted the prevalence of prostitutes in the area, many of whom are linked to migrant gangs like the 18th Street Gang and Tren de Aragua, and called for FBI intervention to address various criminal activities along Roosevelt Avenue. In response to the ongoing issues, New York City Mayor Eric Adams initiated a significant police crackdown known as Operation Restore Roosevelt, resulting in a notable decrease in crime rates in the Roosevelt Avenue zone. While the recent closure of the bodega brothel was a step in the right direction, Monserrate emphasized that there is still much work to be done to improve the safety and well-being of the community. The community leaders remain committed to advocating for the closure of additional brothels and addressing the challenges faced by the neighborhood.]]