The LaSalle neighborhood in Niagara Falls is grappling with a growing rat problem leaving residents frustrated. City and county officials held an open forum on Wednesday night at the LaSalle Public Library to address the issue and discuss potential solutions.
During the community forum, Niagara Falls Mayor Rob Restaino, along with Niagara County Legislators Chris McKimmie and Chris Voccio, and county representatives, listened to the concerns of residents who packed the room.
One resident shared their personal experience, stating, "Seventeen rats in these traps I killed last year. I've killed five more this year."
Another resident added, "They're under your desk. They're under your driveway, sidewalks, under your house, in your house."
Officials acknowledged that they have conducted surveys among residents and involved the health department in an effort to tackle the problem. However, despite their best efforts the rat infestation continues to persist.
Many residents were quick to point a finger at the Reworld plant located just a few blocks away. The plant processes hundreds of thousands of tons of waste annually, which some residents believed may be attracting the rats. However, officials dismissed this notion during the forum. Mayor Restaino stated that he contacted the DEC and the agency confirmed that it visits the site twice a week and has found no evidence linking the plant to the rat problem.
Reworld, in a statement, expressed their commitment to being part of the solution, saying, "While we are not responsible for the problem, we are fully committed to being part of the solution. We've already reached out to city and county leaders to explore ways we can work together to address this challenge."
Mayor Restaino acknowledged that complete extermination of the rats is not feasible. Instead, the city is focusing on mitigating the problem by containing it to one area.
Residents in Niagara Falls voice frustration with rat infestation in LaSalle neighborhood