A recent study analyzing the standard of living for those living in the city left a significant proportion of inhabitants from Queens agreeing with the conclusion. Only a third of the people who responded from the borough described their quality of life as ‘excellent’ or ‘good’ in the Citizens Budget Commission’s 2025 NYC Resident Survey. On a larger scale, this sentiment was shared by 34 percent of respondents from across the city.
In discussions with the Chronicle, various people from Queens identified scope for improvement in their living conditions. There were even those who, despite being predominantly content with their surroundings, raised specific issues. Among them, Bob Friedrich, the President of Glen Oaks Village Co-op stated, via email, that although his local NYC community feels safe for the time being, he expressed uncertainty over its sustainability.
In accordance with Friedrich, the city is challenged by what he refers to as a ‘sense of lawlessness’ – highlighted by an increase in crimes which range from aggressive begging to auto thefts. He asserted that these crimes often go ‘virtually unpunished’.
Friedrich reflected on how NYC was once regarded as the country’s safest major city, but contended that it had been led to the brink of crumbling by poor decision-making by politicians. He believes vocally that a strong policing approach is essential to pull the city out from the downward spiral it appears to be in.
City Councilman Bob Holden (D-Maspeth) concurred that there is a direct correlation between quality of life in the city, which he says is ‘never where we want it to be’, and law enforcement. He told the Chronicle that minor offences like urinating in public, abandoned vehicles, fare evasion, and irresponsible e-bike riding have a significant impact on the people’s living conditions.
Holden insists that the quality of life is directly connected to the law enforcement present, typically managed by the police force. However, he additionally pointed out that certain laws have been established to decriminalize some behaviors which were previously considered as offences.
According to the CBC survey conducted in June, a mere 42 percent of city residents believed the safety level in their neighborhoods was good or excellent. This represents a decrease from 50 percent in 2017, albeit an increase since 2023.
In Old Astoria, Neighborhood Association President Richard Khuzami expressed that while the locality is safer now than in prior decades, enforcement against crimes that affect quality of life has declined recently. Khuzami believes that even small offenses such as traffic violations can compound over time, leading to a decrease in public safety confidence.
President of Auburndale Improvement Association, Henry Euler admitted that while the quality of life in his area is ‘pretty good’, there are always areas, that can be bettered. According to Euler, many local residents are afraid to drive due to e-bikers’ lack of attention to traffic.
Glendale’s resident Edwin Eppich describes the local traffic situation as being in ‘a mess’ due to perpetually congested streets. He has reservations about driving at certain times. Eppich also raises the issue of outsiders parking their vehicles and leaving them unmoved for days.
Also voicing out was Richmond Hill resident and Community Board 9 Chair Sherry Algredo who voiced concern over the increasing presence of illegally operated smoke shops in the area, and about the danger posed by rogue scooter riders on the sidewalks.
Despite the various problems faced by the community, Bryan from the St. Albans Civic Improvement Association stated that the largely residential neighborhood faces fewer significant crimes but acknowledges there are ‘nuisances’ to be addressed. As Bryan points out an interesting demographic detail, ‘I think over 30 percent of the population is over 60, to put that in perspective’. This older population group in the neighborhood continues to feel at ease in their surroundings.
All was not gloom as Holden complimented the NYPD’s Q-teams designated to address quality-of-life issues, which were launched in Queens on August 11. He was informed, however, that these units also have to manage 911 calls when needed. Owing to the burden of calls to the 104th Precinct, Holden said that this issue greatly gripes his district.
Henry Euler expressed worry about the redesign of the Queens Bus Network, set to roll out its second phase at the end of August, citing that the changes, including farther spaced bus stops, could pose challenges for elderly and disabled individuals. Yet, he took care to note, ‘There are things that have to be worked on, but in general, I think our neighborhood is very good.’
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