Mayor Adams establishes new office to address rat control as his term nears completion.
In a significant move just weeks before his term concludes, New York City Mayor Eric Adams unveiled the creation of the “Mayor’s Office of Rodent Mitigation” on Tuesday. This initiative underscores Adams’ commitment to combating a long-standing issue in the city—rat infestation—which he has championed throughout his administration. With his tenure set to end on December 31, 2023, Adams has made this initiative a defining aspect of his legacy, reflecting an ongoing “war on rats” that has drawn both attention and criticism.
The establishment of the new office follows Adams’ previous efforts, which included the containerization of trash and the appointment of Kathleen Corradi as the city’s first director of rodent mitigation. This particular role, however, has remained unfilled since Corradi departed from the position in September after two years of service. According to Fabien Levy, a spokesperson for the mayor, the current budget for the office includes funding for a “rat czar,” yet no individual has been selected for this crucial position. This raises questions about the effectiveness of the office moving forward, especially as it transitions to Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s administration, which will ultimately decide its staffing and operational priorities.
Adams emphasized the importance of the newly formed office, asserting that it will serve as a permanent entity focused on addressing what he considers an “intractable problem” that has plagued New Yorkers for decades. The executive order, formalizing the establishment of the Office of Rodent Mitigation, aims to consolidate efforts across various city agencies to streamline the city’s response to rodent control.
Under Adams’ direction, the Department of Sanitation implemented a mandate requiring businesses and small residential buildings to utilize trash bins, a policy that reportedly led to a decrease in rat complaints across the city. The administration’s aggressive stance against the rodent population has garnered both support and scrutiny, with Adams candidly expressing his disdain for the pests throughout his four-year term.
As Mayor Adams prepares to leave office, the future of the Office of Rodent Mitigation remains uncertain. With the newly established office set to be inherited by Mamdani, stakeholders will be closely monitoring the incoming administration’s approach to continuing the efforts that have thus far characterized Adams’ approach to urban pest control. The city, facing a myriad of challenges, will depend heavily on the efficacy and direction of this newly formed body in the ongoing battle against one of its most notorious nuisances.
Media News Source
