Residents: Rats Running Wild In East Harlem

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Rats -- they're a big problem throughout the city, but usually just in the summer.

But along 104th Street by the Washington Houses in East Harlem, the problem is so bad that neighbors have dubbed it "Rat City," 1010 WINS' Gary Baumgarten reported.

Michelle, who lives at the housing complex, said the rats are not just outside.

"The maintenance guys, they don't clean up how they should and empty the compactors," she said. "So when they get stopped up and clogged up, we have to put the trash in a bag in the hallway, instead of the compactor. It draws the rats."

Michelle has three young children, and she's worried about their safety with the rats running around.

Robert, who works at a community center on 104th Street at Third Avenue, said people who leave food out for feral cats and birds unintentionally contribute to the problem.

"When we go to put out the garbage, they run by," he said. "They'll startle you. But ... what can you do? Get used to them."

The Health Department said it has been doing a lot of extermination in the area.

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• John Montone