A neglected building in Astoria, Queens, has become a hotspot for drug users, migrants, and homeless individuals, leaving nearby residents to contend with the resulting messes and safety hazards.
The 25,058-square-foot property at 47-07 Broadway, formerly home to a Rite Aid store, has been abandoned since the company’s bankruptcy forced it to close hundreds of locations. The building’s roof is now cluttered with flags, bicycles, furniture, and trash, with vagrants lounging on the furniture.
According to reports, the new “residents” of the building are mostly middle-aged men who appear to not speak English. Neighbors have been forced to live with the apocalyptic scene, with one resident describing the building as having a “Mad Max” vibe.
The neighborhood has been plagued by public drunkenness, drug deals, and urination, with some residents witnessing disturbing behavior. One man reportedly flashed an eight-inch knife when approached by reporters, while another man reached for what appeared to be a loose table leg.
The building is also located near William Cullen Bryant High School, where students have reported seeing men urinating in public. A lifelong neighborhood resident described the situation as “fucking preposterous,” while another resident called it “absurd and dangerous.”
A staggering 163 reports have been made to the city’s non-emergency number since the beginning of 2024, with 69 complaints about the active homeless encampment, 36 complaints about public drinking, and 11 complaints about public urination. Despite city officials claiming the site had been cleaned up on June 8 and that services had been offered to the men, nearby residents are skeptical of any real change.
“It’s always a drunk passed out here – ambulance, every other day here to pick one or two up,” a neighbor explained. “The city services that get chewed up over here, it’s ridiculous. God forbid we need an ambulance, they’re tied up with these guys.”
