PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Residents and business owners in the Hunting Park section of Philadelphia are complaining about an infestation of rats near a commercial corridor.
They have been discovered along the 3600 block of Germantown Avenue near Erie Avenue. The block has several businesses, including a clothing store, a variety shop, and a barbershop.
Members of the community said the source of the problem appears to be an empty lot in the middle of the block.
Dozens of rats have been seen running all over the place, typically after the sun goes down.
"It’s just rats, rodents in the lot here," said Yolonda, a neighborhood block captain.
"At least at nighttime — I'm not exaggerating — about 50. A good 50. They're all in that lot right there. All I want is the rats cleaned up."
Some residents say the rats are starting to find their way into nearby homes.
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The issue has been reported to the city.
"Everybody has reached out. Store owners have called, and we have called," Yolonda said.
No action had been taken as of late Wednesday afternoon, but the Philadelphia Department of Public Health said that it is working with the owner of the lot to legally gain access to the property to investigate the community members' claims.
The Streets Department’s Community Life Improvement Program (CLIP) is involved in the effort as well. CLIP enforces the city’s regulations to make sure vacant lots are kept clean.
