Establishes the commission on Roosevelt Avenue to study and make recommendations relating to crime and economic development on such avenue in the borough of Queens

Title of bill

An act to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to establishing the commission on Roosevelt Avenue, and providing for its powers and duties; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof

Purpose of bill

Establishes the commission on Roosevelt Avenue to study and make recommendations relating to crime and economic development on such avenue in the borough of Queens

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 amends Title 22 of the Administrative Code of the City of New York by adding a new Chapter 9, thereby establishing the New York City Commission on Roosevelt Avenue

Section 2 establishes the effective date.

Justification

Roosevelt Avenue - one of the longest and most traveled thoroughfares in Queens - has suffered from decades of neglect. Running through the neighborhoods of Woodside, Jackson Heights, Elmhurst and Corona, Roosevelt Avenue has become a haven for illegal activity that has greatly detracted from the quality of life experienced by area residents.

Illicit businesses engage in copious levels of prostitution, often involving victims of sex trafficking who are held captive by the whims of sinister schemes. Fake identification mills operate in abundance. Unscrupulous agencies prey upon new immigrants, offering false hope in the form of nonexistent employment opportunities and apartment rental scams. When the night falls, restaurants and bars become salacious nightclubs that discourage other commerce along the corridor. In the absence of policy reforms by the City, street vendors and brick-and-mortar business owners squabble over the particulars of doing business. Sidewalks are filled with trash, making it less than desirable for pedestrians to walk along the Avenue.

There is no question that the problems presented by Roosevelt Avenue are a large, and that they are problems that require a coordinated response by a wide range of government entities. However, this legislation provides a roadmap toward this ultimate solution. In establishing the Commission on Roosevelt Avenue, this bill would require the eleven most pertinent interests involved to 'come to the table' and once and for all, devise an Action Plan to usher Roosevelt Avenue into a brighter, and sustainable future. There is simply no other way for these outstanding issues to be resolved.

This enacting legislation would mandate the issuance of an Action Plan on Roosevelt Avenue within the first year of the Commission on Roosevelt Avenue's existence. Over the course of five years, the Commission would be responsible for making recommendations on a host of issues, including but not limited to: economic development along the Avenue; the reduction of crime along the corridor; how best to coordinate efforts by all involved government entities; and, quality of life issues affecting area residents.

Prior legislative history

None

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall have become a law, and shall expire and be deemed repealed five years after such date.