PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia’s growing rat problem finally got City Council's attention.
Legislation has been introduced to strengthen laws and hold property owners more accountable.
Residents throughout Philly have been complaining of rat problems in their neighborhoods, especially around properties that are under construction, being demolished, or empty lots like in Hunting Park.
“It’s just rats. Rodents all in the lot right here. At least at nighttime, I’m not exaggerating, at least 50 [rats]," said Yolonda, a neighborhood block captain.
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"All I want is the rats cleaned up."
The spread of disease is a major concern.
"You unearth these rat nests for a lack of a better term, and these rats basically run all over the community," said Philadelphia City Council President Darrell Clarke.
“This is not only an unsightly situation because people see a rat and they are obviously concerned, but it is really unhealthy.”
Clarke said that when Council looked at current law, it appeared ambiguous, so he wants to strengthen those city policies.
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“This law will put into place clear-cut regulations on what should happen prior to demolition, to ensure that we don’t have rats running all over the place," he said.
If the bill becomes law, it would require property owners to establish a rodent abatement management plan prior to any demolishing, digging, or construction.
Vacant lot owners would also need to get yearly inspections.
Side yards or lots that are continually maintained as gardens would be exempt.
A public hearing on the bill will be held in Council, but as of Friday afternoon had not been scheduled.
