In the Queens neighborhood of Flushing, the area around 40th Rd. and Prince St. has long been plagued by issues of prostitution and suspected human trafficking, earning the notorious reputation as a “red-light district”. Martha Flores-Vasquez, a community leader of the Flushing Democratic Party, organized a rally on August 1st with local residents outside the Bland House government building to address the spreading prostitution activities that have even infiltrated the government property, severely impacting residents’ lives and community safety. They called for increased law enforcement actions from the state and city authorities.
During the rally, residents and representatives from local businesses held up banners in Chinese, English, and Spanish which read “Flushing is not a den of vice” and “40th Rd. is not a prostitute street”, chanting “Crack down! Crack down!” The participants pointed out that in the Flushing area of 40th Rd., prostitutes openly solicit on the streets every day, with brothels hidden in the upper floors or basements of commercial buildings along 40th Rd. This situation of vice has persisted for a long time, but with recent changes in the decriminalization of prostitution enforcement, police have been ineffective in addressing the issue, often struggling to gather evidence and enforce laws properly. As a result, offenders are caught and released, leaving the problem unresolved and tarnishing the image of Flushing and the Chinese community.
Martha, the organizer of the rally and a community leader of the 40th District of the Democratic state council, as well as the founder of the Community Family Crisis Prevention and Psychological Counseling Center, pointed to a commercial building on 40th Rd. where the parking lot and second floor are suspected to be rented out for illicit activities. She emphasized, “Those girls don’t even need new clients, they have a list of clients, they don’t go out anymore, they are all inside, in the basement.”
“The Long Island Rail Road station is right here, with people coming to Flushing from all directions every day, and the first thing they see is these women,” Martha said, urging Governor Kathy Hochul to assess all available state-level resources, enhance inter-departmental cooperation, and if legally allowed, seek assistance from the New York State National Guard, while also urging the five district attorneys of New York City to jointly investigate criminal organizations, prosecute offenders, and provide protection and assistance to victims.
Bridget Marachlian, chair of the Bland House Residents’ Committee, stated that residents of these government buildings have endured issues of prostitution, suspected human trafficking, and homelessness for many years, and now the situation has escalated into the Bland House itself – with tenants allegedly engaging in prostitution activities within the rented apartments, causing great concern among residents. Additionally, there is a nearby children’s playground, and many parents fear that their children may witness public solicitation or suspected human trafficking activities on their way to the park.
At the rally, several Chinese individuals also expressed their dissatisfaction. George, a representative of Chinese businesses, remarked, “Many people are now unwilling to pass through 40th Rd. Whenever Flushing is mentioned, people think of prostitutes, which not only affects the image of the Chinese community but also impacts the businesses nearby. The Chinese tradition values honor and integrity the most, and these women have tarnished our reputation.”
Resident Linda suggested that some of the streetwalkers may be controlled by higher powers. Regarding why landlords would rent their properties to individuals involved in such activities, she believed landlords are usually unaware of what their tenants are involved in when renting out properties.
Representatives from the Queens District Attorney’s Office, former senior assistant prosecutor in Brooklyn, Richard Samuel Orti, along with private detective Manuel Gomez also attended the rally.
Following the rally, Martha and the attendees posted signs on the doors and hallways of certain buildings on 40th Rd. warning against using the area as a hub for prostitution and solicitation, urging for the shutdown of these illicit operations.