For anyone who was still wondering about the 3 guys posted on the NW corner of 79th and Roosevelt, a little bit of online research will make it clear that they are escorting johns to a nearby garage for sexual services. A few clicks will give you all the details you need. And anyone who has walked down Roosevelt in recent weeks knows that the level of soliciting has risen significantly--the SE corner at 77th and SW corner at 80th are particularly active. So, this leads to several possibilities to the thoughts of our locally elected officials and cops--go ahead and choose your favorite:
1) They have no idea what's going on. Meaning they're not paying attention to their own neighborhood. Or haven't bothered with any kind of online research. Which would be alarming since it's pretty hard to miss.
2) They see it every day like most of us. But they acknowledge that there's nothing that can be done. It's a whack-a-mole game and not possible to solve under current laws. No point even trying. Sad but possibly true.
3) They see it and they're completely cool with it. A decriminalization of sorts without actual laws. Which means that it's a tax-free, unprotected, unregulated, abusive, exploitative industry that could be largely helped by legalization rather than ignoring/decriminalizing.
4) They see it, are cool with and are, in fact, taking a bit of money on the side to turn a blind eye. Most disturbing of all but hardly without precedent.
5) They see it and there's a plan underfoot. Just you watch. But it's taking time.
For the record, I'm in favor of legalization and regulation but that's neither here nor there--just pointing out that the concern has nothing to do with prudishness or morality. But the situation is growing and it would be a problem if it brings on other crimes and makes the neighborhood less safe in general.
What are your thoughts?