Rats! More Rodent Complaints

by dan rivoli

west 87th street's rat problem is spreading. more upper west side residents on neighboring blocks complained to 311 in late may, according to council member gale brewer's office.

at least a dozen calls were made to 311 from buildings on west 88th and 87th streets, between west end avenue and riverside drive, which prompted inspections from the department of health and mental hygiene.

several buildings failed those inspections. the city found rat droppings, burrows and runs during may 12 and 18 inspections at two west 87th street buildings. one building had four 311 complaints. another inspection, also may 12, found rat waste at a west 88th street apartment building.

while the area is being baited, the city's health department is holding free rodent management training sessions for building owners and staff. training sessions are scheduled june 23 and 30 at peter j. sharp residence, 223 e. 117th st., between second and third avenues. the sessions run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to attend, rsvp by phone at 646-739-4016 or email, mhunter@doe.org.