GOP Gubernatorial Candidate Vows to Clean Up Notorious NYC 'Market of Sweethearts'

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, the Republican candidate for governor, pledged on Wednesday to address what he described as a drug and sex-infested area on Queens' Roosevelt Avenue, dubbed the 'Market of Sweethearts.' Blakeman attributed the persistent problems to what he termed "lefty Dem mess" and policies enacted by Gov. Kathy Hochul's administration.

Speaking at a press conference on the notorious stretch, Blakeman asserted that cashless bail and 'Raise the Age' statutes have emboldened immigrant gangs. He claimed these laws have allowed groups such as Tren de Aragua, MS13, and the Triads to operate freely, creating an environment of fear for local residents.

"There was a time in this community where you didn’t have to worry about walking around at 10 or 11 o’clock at night," Blakeman stated. "This was a fun, vibrant, energetic community and it still is, but it’s being destroyed by politicians who have ignored the people."

Blakeman, who is challenging Hochul in the upcoming election, contended that the governor and Mayor Eric Adams, along with socialist council members like Zohran Mamdani, have failed to protect the community. He specifically criticized the "Raise the Age" law for treating defendants up to age 19 as juvenile offenders and the bail reform statute for releasing arrestees back onto the streets.

"Governor Hochul and Zohran Mamdani will not protect you," Blakeman declared. "As governor, I will."

Residents echoed Blakeman's concerns. Toni Diaz, a retired teacher and 50-year resident of the area, expressed her fear of walking alone. "So many people in our communities feel like prisoners in our own neighborhood. There are not enough police," she said.

Charles Castro, another local, described the situation as the worst he has ever seen. He noted the availability of illicit documents and the presence of human trafficking. "We have people walking around like zombies — they’re all drugged up," he added. Castro recalled a temporary improvement when state troopers were deployed to the area for 90 days, lamenting their subsequent withdrawal.

Roosevelt Avenue has long been a focal point for issues including open prostitution, drug sales, and shoplifting, particularly following an increase in the city's undocumented immigrant population. Despite past law enforcement actions and community complaints, the problems have persisted, according to reports.