Frustrations peak over rats the size of cats in the Bronx
In just the past week, 16 rodent complaints have been filed with 311 near this intersection, and according to the city’s interactive rat map, recent failed inspections in the area suggest this is a hot spot.
A rat infestation near Woodycrest Avenue and W. 163rd Street has persisted for years, according to residents who are fed up with the unwanted neighbors.
"They cats. They not rats, they cats," said Lissette Velasquez. "People are dirty, they want the Bronx clean, but unfortunately, they throw garbage all over, so yeah, you know we are going to have rats."
In just the past week, 16 rodent complaints have been filed with 311 near this intersection, and according to the city’s interactive rat map, recent failed inspections in the area suggest this is a hot spot.
Residents report seeing more rats with the warmer weather, bad news for volunteers at La Isla Garden, a community garden that offers internships to teens and provides activities for children.
Zonia Ortiz is the steward of the garden and said she's waged a war on the rats for years, deploying rat traps from Green Thumb and fortifying garden beds with fences and pavers.
She and many residents believe the infestation is rooted in a massive pile of trash next door that offers rats a daily buffet.
"No one should be throwing garbage out the window, no one should be throwing garbage over the fence into the garden," said Ortiz.
She believes bigger trash containers may be part of the solution.
News 12 reached out to the building's management for comment and is waiting to hear back.
