Flushing 40th Road used to be a famous food street in Flushing, but now this street is crowded with prostitutes openly soliciting customers, earning the nickname “Red Light District of Flushing”. Business owners on this street have many complaints, pointing out that the presence of these “streetwalkers” is damaging the social atmosphere and significantly impacting their business.
The person in charge of “Sunflower Pharmacy” on 40th Road, Lily, told this newspaper that prostitutes stand at the intersection of 40th Road and Main Street during both day and night, aggressively approaching men passing by. Some people are scared to walk this street and avoid entering it altogether. Even if they have to pass through, they do so quickly with their heads down, avoiding eye contact and not daring to linger, greatly affecting the businesses in the area.
She shared that customers have told her, “I really don’t want my husband to come to this street.” Lily expressed regret over renting a space here for business, as if customers are too afraid to visit, how can she continue to operate? After doing business on this street for a year, she deeply regrets choosing this location, saying, “I had no idea it would be like this. If I had known, I wouldn’t have rented here. I didn’t know before.”
She remarked that these street prostitutes also impact the city’s appearance, contributing to the deterioration of social values. “They have no shame, it’s disgusting.” The feeling is that 40th Road is tainted, with drug users, homeless people openly present, engaging in public urination, littering, creating a dirty and disorderly environment, providing a breeding ground for crime.
She also pointed out that the long-standing structures at the intersection are not removed, affecting the city’s appearance by narrowing sidewalks, obstructing sunlight. Prostitutes standing under these structures make passersby feel “terrified” and “very uncomfortable.” She suggested that these construction sheds be dismantled as soon as possible.
Martha Flores-Vazquez, founder of the Community Family Crisis Prevention Center and a community leader in Flushing, stated in an interview with this newspaper that around 20 women engage in prostitution on the streets at night, which is unacceptable. Considering there is a children’s playground in the area with kids present, exposing them to such societal ugliness from a young age, what impact will it have on their growth? This cannot be allowed to continue. She emphasized the need to shut down the “Red Light District” and prevent such occurrences in the area, saying, “This is unacceptable!”
In her role as head of the Community Family Crisis Prevention Center, Martha suggested that Flushing should join the New York City Police Department in cracking down on prostitution in the area, similar to their efforts in the Corona neighborhood. She stated, “The Governor, the Mayor should come to Flushing. The NYPD should include Flushing in the ‘Restore Roosevelt Avenue Initiative’.”