Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is facing criticism from residents and community leaders in Queens after touting her role in bringing dozens of new trash cans to Roosevelt Avenue, an area long plagued by prostitution, illegal vending, and organized crime.
Earlier this month, Ocasio-Cortez announced on social media that her office had worked with the New York City Department of Sanitation to secure more receptacles for the busy commercial corridor.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez trumpeted on social media how she successfully pushed to have dozens of new trash cans placed on Roosevelt Avenue in Queens.
But she never mentioned all the hookers, crack-heads
and crime wave in her districtbut don’t worry we are willing the war… pic.twitter.com/FmZloBHyvX
— BigJohnCogs (@BigJohnCogs) August 30, 2025
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“After meeting with local vendors and business owners, my office reached out to the New York City Department of Sanitation about the need for more trash cans along Roosevelt Ave,” she wrote on August 8.
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“Thanks to their quick response, 51 trash cans were installed! Grateful for their partnership in keeping our community clean!”
After meeting with local vendors and business owners, my office reached out to @NYCSanitation about the need for more trash cans along Roosevelt Ave.
Thanks to their quick response, 51 trash cans were installed! Grateful for their partnership in keeping our community clean! pic.twitter.com/04EEy0gUrH
— Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@RepAOC) August 8, 2025
The announcement quickly drew sharp backlash from locals, who said the congresswoman ignored more pressing issues.
“Celebrating garbage cans is like putting sprinkles on s–t and calling it a birthday cake,” said Ramses Frias, a Republican candidate for City Council in Queens’ 25th District.
“It’s all for show.”
He added, “Of course, AOC won’t speak about what’s really happening here so she can keep up the facade that her district is amazing and a paradise.”
Others echoed the sentiment online. “That’s all you’re worried about on Roosevelt Ave?” wrote John Lomonaco in response to her post on Facebook.
The criticism centers on Roosevelt Avenue’s reputation as the so-called “Market of Sweethearts,” a stretch known for prostitution, illegal street vending, and gang-related activity.
Residents and merchants have pleaded for greater intervention, warning that criminal networks have expanded in the area amid the city’s migrant crisis.
🚨AOC faces backlash as her NYC district is plagued by a seedy ‘Market of Sweethearts’ – constituents demand action! 💔 QUEENS, N.Y. – The red lights are back flashing along a notorious prostitution strip in New York City, first and second part of the video👇 pic.twitter.com/9Pz3kelJeR
— Dr. CZ (@AngelMD1103) July 28, 2025
Community advocates have even called on federal authorities to investigate possible ties between the illegal sex trade on Roosevelt Avenue and organized crime.
“I have not personally seen Ocasio-Cortez since she’s been elected. I have not seen her in the community,” said Rosa Sanchez, president of the Restore Roosevelt Avenue Coalition, earlier this summer. “I have seen her in a parade — that’s it.”
Ocasio-Cortez, a Democrat and member of the progressive “Squad,” has in the past voiced support for decriminalizing prostitution, framing it as legitimate work.
Critics argue this position has contributed to a lack of urgency in addressing the illegal activity that continues to thrive along Roosevelt Avenue.
The Department of Sanitation confirmed to the New York Post that it replaced 48 missing baskets — not 51 as Ocasio-Cortez had stated — along Roosevelt Avenue between 82nd Street and 111th Street.
The agency said the replacements were part of routine citywide maintenance. “Unfortunately, corner litter baskets go missing – or sustain damage or excessive wear-and-tear – from time to time,” a spokesperson explained.
Residents remain unconvinced that more bins are the solution.
“Real talk, we need more Sanmen, or more overtime for the ones we do have,” said John McGarry in a Jackson Heights residents’ group on Facebook, alongside photos of overflowing trash bins earlier this month.
Ocasio-Cortez’s office defended her actions, saying she responded to requests from local business owners. A spokesperson said sanitation was “a very big concern for them” during a roundtable the congresswoman hosted this summer.
Her office also noted that she requested $500,000 in federal funding for nonprofits assisting victims of sexual violence.
Despite these assurances, community leaders and residents continue to press for stronger action to address crime and public safety on Roosevelt Avenue, saying that trash cans alone do little to solve the problems plaguing the district.
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