Forest City Ratner Offers Free Garbage Cans Due To Atlantic Yards Rat Problem

By: NY1 News

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After months of complaints from neighbors about an increased rat population around the Atlantic Yards construction site, the developer is now working to fix the problem.

Forest City Ratner is handing out free garbage cans that are harder for rodents to get into.

The developer claims the rat increase is not because of construction garbage but because people are not disposing of their own garbage properly.

"At night it really becomes sort of daunting, because they're running back and forth, jumping in and out. They jump in and out of the garbage cans,” said one resident.

"It's gonna be helpful. If you keep them closed, keep the lids closed, it will definitely keep the rats away. If they can't find anything to eat, then they'll have to go somewhere else,” said another.

Statement From Forest City Ratner

"As part of our commitment to our neighbors, Forest City Ratner Companies will provide free waste receptacles to tenants, superintendents and building owners near Atlantic Yards.

Lidded, heavy-duty trash cans like those being offered by Forest City Ratner can help keep rodents away from buildings as part of a comprehensive rodent control strategy. We will provide a Department of Health-approved garbage can that Forest City Ratner Companies bought at Pintchik Hardware on Bergen Street.

Cans are being offered to everyone in residential buildings with 12 or fewer units… Eligible buildings are located: south of Atlantic Avenue from 4th Avenue to Vanderbilt Avenue; Vanderbilt Avenue from Atlantic Avenue to Bergen Street; Bergen Street from Vanderbilt to 4th Avenue; 4th Avenue (East side only) from Bergen Street to Atlantic Ave.

How to get your free garbage can:
1. Make sure your building is located within the boundaries and has 12 units or fewer.
2. At pick-up, provide photo ID and proof of address by showing a utility bill with your unit number dated within the last three months.
3. Visit the Atlantic Yards Community Liaison Office, located in a trailer on Carlton Avenue (between Pacific and Dean Streets)

Cans will be available during the following hours:
» Monday, August 15th, 10am - 4pm
» Tuesday, August 16th, 10am - 3pm & 6pm - 8pm
» Wednesday, August 17th, 10am - 4pm
» Thursday, August 18th, 10am - 3pm & 6pm - 8pm
» Friday, August 19th, 10am - 1pm

For questions, please contact the Atlantic Yards Community Liaison Office at 1-866-923-5315 or communityliaison@atlanticyards.com"