Monday, June 11, 2012

Hordes Of Rats Invading Manhattan Roosevelt Island Tram Station Entrance - Will NYC Parks Department Clean Up Tram Plaza Park?

Image From Catherine Shells

A Roosevelt Island resident reported Saturday evening:
Coming home from Manhattan this evening, my daughter & I spotted this large collection of rats feeding, openly in the park near the tram station (manhattan side). It was still quite bright out & many people walking by but that did not stop them.

I spoke to the tram attendant and he told me that one lady comes every day to leave bread for the pigeons. I have seen her myself. It's obvious the pigeons are staying far away!!
The rat problem near the Manhattan Roosevelt Island Tram station was also reported on RI 311 See Click Fix
PLEASE CAN YOU DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE TRAMWAY PLAZA RATS?
YESTERDAY I SAW 15 RATS AGAIN, I THINK THERE'S A NOTE SAYING THAT SOME POISON APPLIED TO THE AREA, BUT I THINK THE RATS ARE LAUGHING ABOUT IT, WE TAKE THAT TRAM EVERYDAY ON OUR WAY TO ROOSEVELT ISLAND, THESE RATS ARE A HEALTH HAZARD FOR EVERYONE IN THE CITY,
IN ADDITION, THE NUMBER OF PIGEONS AND THE FOOD FOR PIGEONS AND PIGEONS DROPPINGS MAKE THIS PARK A VERY DISGUSTING PLACE,
WOULD IT BE POSSIBLE TO CONTROL THAT PEOPLE DO NOT FEED THE PIGEONS? MAYBE WITH A FINE?

I UNDERSTAND THERE'S PROBABLY SO MANY OTHER ISSUES IN YOUR PLATE,
BUT I THINK THAT A CLEAN CITY WITHOUT RATS IS A PRIORITY TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF DISEASE, 

PLEASE HELP,
The Tramway Plaza Park


is under the jurisdiction of New York City Parks Department and not the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC). In 2007, Tramway Plaza completed a $846,000 reconstruction. According to NYC Parks:
... “The reconstruction of Tramway Plaza has created an attractive and welcoming plaza for both daily commuters and the surrounding community to enjoy,” said Commissioner Benepe. “The plaza’s new plantings, fencing, pavement, and lighting are surely a welcome addition to the east Midtown neighborhood. Today’s ribbon cutting not only spruces up this transportation hub, but also contributes to our mission of making New York City a ‘greener’ place to live.”

The plaza was renovated with $768,000 in private sponsorship from Solow Development and $11,000 in Mayoral funds. The reconstruction includes shrubs and trees, fencing and new pavement. The project also installed water supply, reconstructed the drainage system and added new security lighting. Planting beds throughout the plaza include hydrangeas, cherry laurels, dogwoods, roses, and azaleas. The center of the plaza features a focal point of polished black granite pavement....
Mayor Bloomberg and Parks Commissioner Benepe - can you do something about the rats infesting the area please?