The Westchester Republican County Committee rat activity update three months later
After three months, News 12 revisited the Westchester Republican County Committee located at 214 Mamaroneck Ave. in White Plains to speak with those in the area and officials on whether the rat issue has gotten better or gotten worse.
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White Plains city officials say there has been a 90% reduction in rat activity from earlier this year at the Westchester Republican County Committee building.
Since News 12 last reported in April, the committee had the shrubbery in the front lawn removed. There have also been two separate exterminators who come twice a month.
Westchester Republican County Committee Chairman Douglas Colety says there has been an improvement.
"We will continue to do what we can, but we're only responsible for this property. We're not responsible for all the other properties that have problems," said Colety.
Some say it's inevitable to have rodents with construction in the area and food that make the grassy knoll a perfect spot.
"They've obviously tried to improve the situation. They took down the bushes and added plants, some more grass, but it's a downtown area. There's a lot of food, people and traffic," said White Plains resident Tino Sofos.
While most everyone News 12 spoke with agreed there has been an improvement, they note that it's still not 100% rat-free.
"I'm not expecting a perfect front lawn with no rat ever, like again it's a city, I understand that, but the amount that there was before was honestly unacceptable. There were hundreds," said White Plains resident Antonio Mormile.
A City of White Plains spokesperson sent a statement to News 12 about the situation.
"The city has been in regular contact as well. The White Plains Building Department spoke with the property owner again just last week about the processes being used. Two exterminator companies are involved, using a variety of methods. Work has also been done at the site, including regrading the land.
The work is not completed yet, as the exterminators continue to be involved in ongoing maintenance. However, it’s important to note that there has already been a 90% reduction in activity from just earlier this year."
Mayor Justin Brasch also issued a statement.
“The city has been working across multiple departments on not only the property in question but also the surrounding area to make sure that the issue is eradicated,” Brasch said. “All parties are working together and communicating about next steps. The property owner is doing a tremendous job to address this by contracting two separate companies to do the work.”
