- New York City has appointed a rat czar to tackle the city’s rat problem.
- Also known as the citywide director of rodent mitigation, the position is brand new.
- The rat czar, Kathleen Corradi, will work with government agencies and community organizations to crack down on rat populations in the city.
New York City has appointed its first-ever “rat czar” to reduce the number of rodents roaming throughout the city.
Kathleen Corradi will step into the newly-created role, which is also known as the citywide director of rodent mitigation, Mayor Eric Adams announced at an event Wednesday.
Her primary focus will be working with government agencies, community organizations and other groups to crack down on rat populations in the city.
Previously an elementary teacher in Central Brooklyn, Corradi was instrumental in developing the city’s Zero Waste Schools program and recently served as the Department of Education’s Queens Director of Space Planning. She managed $500 million in capital development funds to make sure resources were evenly distributed among New York City public schools.
Calling the rats “public enemy number one,” the mayor said the rat czar has the chops to get rid of them and make New York City a better place for those who live there.
“The rats are going to hate Kathy, but we’re excited to have her leading this important effort,” Adams said.
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During the event, Mayor Adams said the city has received a $3.5 million investment to tackle the rat problem in Harlem.
Corradi will use the funds to try new methods to control rat populations, expand outreach and education efforts and increase maintenance and remediation work.
The funds will also be used to launch the “Harlem Rat Mitigation Zone,” a rat reduction plan that includes 28 New York City Housing Authority properties, 73 New York City Parks locations, nearly 70 Department of Education schools and over 10,000 private properties.
The money will ensure that the city can make hires in Harlem to control rat populations, including 19 full-time staff and 14 seasonal staff to inspect, exterminate and maintain or clean public spaces. Also covered will be new equipment and extermination supplies.
Private properties in Harlem will also be inspected twice annually for rat-related violations and city locations will be inspected monthly, the city announced.
“On behalf of all New Yorkers, we welcome Kathy to the war on rats,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “She will lead a team of experts with focus and energy, every day diligently depriving rats of food, water, and shelter. And the rest will be history!”
What threats do rats pose?
In 2021, at least 13 people were hospitalized and one died due to leptospirosis, a condition that attacks the kidneys and liver, the Associated Press reported.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bacteria that cause leptospirosis are spread through animal urine. In addition to rats carrying the bacteria, cattle, pigs, horses, dogs and other wild animals also carry it.
Most human infections are associated with rats though, reported the Associated Press.
Chief of Staff Camille Joseph Varlack spoke to the risks associated with such high rat populations, as well as the symbolism behind their overtaking of the city.
“Rats are more than just a quality-of-life issue – they are a symbol of systemic issues that for too long have plagued New Yorkers, particularly low-income and communities of color,” said Varlack. “I’m thrilled to have Kathy Corradi as our first rat czar, who will coordinate across agencies, bring a scientific, data-driven approach to the role, and deliver on Mayor Adams’ vision to finally control our rat population.”
To cut back on rat numbers, the city recommends the following:
- Store trash in containers and follow trash set-out times to reduce the time that trash sits out
- Do not feed wildlife
- Pick up after dogs
- Seal cracks or holes around buildings, sidewalks, and under doors
- Keep green spaces around a property clean and maintained
- Cover or destroy earthen rat burrows (also known as rat holes)
The rat czar herself spoke at the event as well.
“As the first director of rodent mitigation, I’m excited to bring a science and systems-based approach to fight rats,” said Corradi at the event. “New York may be famous for the Pizza Rat, but rats, and the conditions that help them thrive will no longer be tolerated – no more dirty curbs, unmanaged spaces, or brazen burrowing. I’m honored to lead this work, grateful to Mayor Adams for this opportunity, and look forward to sending the rats packing.”
Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY’s NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757 – and loves all things horror, witches, Christmas, and food. Follow her on Twitter at @Saleen_Martin or email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.
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