City officials have launched an initiative to address prostitution, illegal brothels and other quality-of-life concerns in Queens, issues that have plagued neighborhoods in the borough for years.

Together with NYPD Interim Commissioner Thomas Donlon and elected leaders, Mayor Eric Adams said at a news conference that the city will attack the problem through a multiagency task force.

Known as "Operation Restore Roosevelt,” the plan enlists more than a dozen city agencies.

What You Need To Know

  • City officials have launched an initiative to address prostitution, illegal brothels and other quality-of-life concerns in Queens

  • The city will attack the problem through a multiagency task force, including more than a dozen city agencies

  • The initiative will cover multiple neighborhoods along Roosevelt Avenue, including Elmhurst, North Corona and Jackson Heights

Among the agencies taking part are the MTA, the New York State Police and the fire, sanitation, buildings and transportation departments.

The initiative will cover multiple neighborhoods along Roosevelt Avenue, including Elmhurst, North Corona and Jackson Heights.

"This is a hard-working community with many immigrants a part of this community that make it a vibrant and thriving community,” Adams said Tuesday. “They want to walk Roosevelt Avenue free from feeling as though they cannot enjoy the community that they are attempting to raise their children and families."

Each agency involved in the operation will monitor their area of expertise while communicating with their counterparts, according to the city.

For example, the NYPD will address crime and quality-of-life offenses, including unlicensed vendors, trademark counterfeiting, prostitution, ghost car and moped enforcement and excessive noise. 

Meanwhile, the department of buildings will enforce regulations over illegal occupancy and obstructed sidewalks.

“Every person who lives and works along the Roosevelt Avenue corridor deserves a clean, safe neighborhood, and that is what this multiagency enforcement operation is going to deliver,” Donlon said in a statement. “We are listening to the concerns of this community and finding permanent solutions to longstanding public safety and quality-of-life issues. 

Over the past year, the NYPD has attempted to address community concerns on Roosevelt Avenue regarding prostitution and illegal brothels.

In January, at least six alleged brothels operating under the guise of massage parlors in Corona were shut down by the NYPD.