Sanitation Department praises record-low rat sightings, but Brooklyn residents remain skeptical
The agency says there was a 6% drop in rat sightings citywide between April and December 2023, compared to the same period last year.
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Rat sightings are at a record low across the city, according to the Department of Sanitation.
The agency says there was a 6% drop in rat sightings citywide between April and December 2023, compared to the same period last year.
They say it's the biggest year-over-year decrease since 2010 and credit the city's so-called "trash revolution" plan for the improvement, which includes initiatives such as reducing the number of hours trash can sit outside and implementing the use of garbage containers.
But in areas known for having a lot of rats, like Bushwick, residents say whatever the city is doing is not enough.
"They're popping out of the garbage can when you're passing by, so I don't know about a reduction in rats in this neighborhood," said one resident.
With the most recent rounds of budget cuts imposed by the mayor, Bushwick residents and community leaders fear things will get worse before they get better.
"Any cuts to DSNY, especially in my district, you will see that difference day to night," said Council Member Jennifer Gutierrez, who represents parts of Bushwick and Williamsburg.
