“She did a very silent exit through the back,” Alvarez told the Post, referring to a previous community meeting. “You’re there because of people from my community, and you’re not doing anything for our community.”

Local voices, including City Council candidate Ramses Frias, echoed the sentiment, calling for more focus on the needs of the district.

“People are suffering. They’re scared to go outside,” Frias said. “We need leadership that prioritizes community safety and real solutions.”

Safety and Public Services
Experts have pointed to several factors behind the rise in crime, including staffing challenges within local police departments and broader issues related to public service resources.

“Nobody wants to be a police officer right now,” said Hannah Meyers, Director of Policing and Public Safety at the Manhattan Institute. She noted that reduced recruitment and strained resources can impact response times and community support.

“There’s a lot of focus on broader national issues, but what’s happening locally is just as important,” Meyers added. “We need to make sure neighborhoods feel safe and supported.”

Looking Ahead
Rep. Ocasio-Cortez has previously stated that she remains committed to fighting for economic and social justice, often highlighting national issues like income inequality and access to healthcare. However, growing concerns at home may prompt a renewed focus on local priorities.

As the congresswoman continues to build her platform, residents in her district say they are hoping for more attention to the day-to-day realities they face—particularly when it comes to safety, cleanliness, and neighborhood quality of life.

“Safety is the foundation for everything else,” said National Police Association spokesperson Betsy Brantner Smith. “If people don’t feel secure in their own community, that affects every part of their lives.”