PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Marcelo Lugo, Resident of Jackson Heights and Elmhurst
4:02:42
·
126 sec
Marcelo Lugo, a long-time resident of Jackson Heights and Elmhurst, testifies in support of the bill to improve the quality of life in her neighborhood. She expresses concerns about the proliferation of illegal brothels posing as massage parlors and the impact on community safety, particularly for women and children.
- Lugo describes the fear and discomfort experienced by her family and community members due to the presence of these establishments.
- She highlights the need for proper business permits and regulations to address the issue.
- The testimony emphasizes the negative effects on daily life, including safety concerns for school children and public transportation users.
Massie Ologo
4:02:42
Good afternoon, everyone.
4:02:43
My name is Marcelo Lugo.
4:02:45
For the past 32 years, Jackson Heights and Elmhurst had been my home.
4:02:48
I also work in Corona as an educator, but above all, I am a mother.
4:02:53
This bill will bring us a step closer to improving the quality of life in my neighborhood.
4:02:58
Which is why I support it.
4:02:59
I have protested and voiced my opinion against the brothels posing as massage collars.
4:03:04
I shouldn't have to pass 5 brothels on my way to the closest bakery at 7 in the morning to get breakfast for my kids.
4:03:11
When these processes are acting and pulling every man they see for a massage, early in the morning, I shouldn't have to feel afraid.
4:03:20
This is also the time when families are walking their children to school.
4:03:25
They are brought those in front of elementary schools, and parents have processed it for their closure.
4:03:30
After being closed for a day, they reopened the following day and continued the operations.
4:03:35
My daughter who is fifteen years old and writes public transportation shouldn't have to tell me mom.
4:03:40
I'm scared to I'm scared that people would think I'm a prostitute if I wear a skirt.
4:03:45
I worry that a man would ground me one day.
4:03:47
She passes these brothels on her way to the train to go to school every day.
4:03:52
I shouldn't have to experience such such intense fear every morning saying goodbye to my daughter, my neighbors, my friends, my family, my mother and I all live in fear.
4:04:03
I had never witnessed women selling themselves before 2020.
4:04:06
The community was never perfect, but the extent to which things have changed is shocking.
4:04:12
Each time I leave my house, I am in this league.
4:04:15
I'm a single mom who works two jobs and goes to college.
4:04:18
This past summer, I felt such deep sadness because I was unable to enjoy the weather and take walks with my children.
4:04:26
These brothels have taken over, and with that comes crime.
4:04:30
I have even traveled to other states in attempt to move, but why should I disrupt my family and relocated?
4:04:36
My father has a business and like any other business owner, he requires the necessary permits to continue operating.
4:04:43
So why shouldn't we demand that other businesses also acquire the necessary permits?
4:04:47
Thank you.
