Neighbors and council push for stronger action on persistent rodent problems at Poplar Drive property
October 17, 2025 | Cranston City, Providence County, Rhode Island
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Council members on Oct. 16 renewed calls for stronger measures after repeated complaints about rats and “rat holes” at 45 Poplar Drive, a property near Hillside and Cypress in the Garden City area.
Council President Wall and Councilwoman Vaziri said they inspected the site and saw multiple burrows. Wall said the property "still isn't rodent free" and urged stronger enforcement. Director of Inspections and constituent affairs staff told the council inspections had met with the property owner, filled several holes and replaced a damaged dumpster, but that new burrows had been found between buildings.
Council members and administration staff described a cooperative effort: inspections reported receiving no new formal complaints since recent repairs, and staff said the owner is addressing identified spots. Councilman Campiano and Councilman Bonanno, who inspected the site, reported the dumpster area was found "pristine" during their visits and praised recent progress.
Attorney Robert Murray, speaking during public comment, advised the council to review the relevant chapter of the municipal code because earlier definitions and language focus on rat proofing inside buildings. Murray recommended clarifying the ordinance to make explicit that ‘‘premises’’ can include exterior areas when imposing obligations or penalties.
At a later ordinance committee meeting the council amended the proposed rodent/abatement ordinance to add clarifying language that “premises” includes exterior areas for the purpose of determining whether a property is in rat-proof condition. The amendment passed and the ordinance was approved as amended.
Why it matters: repeated complaints about rodent infestations affect neighborhood quality of life and public health; council members say clarifying the city code will give inspectors clearer authority to require remediation and levy penalties where appropriate.
Council action: the council adopted amendments clarifying that premises include exterior areas and approved the revised rodent-enforcement ordinance.
Council President Wall and Councilwoman Vaziri said they inspected the site and saw multiple burrows. Wall said the property "still isn't rodent free" and urged stronger enforcement. Director of Inspections and constituent affairs staff told the council inspections had met with the property owner, filled several holes and replaced a damaged dumpster, but that new burrows had been found between buildings.
Council members and administration staff described a cooperative effort: inspections reported receiving no new formal complaints since recent repairs, and staff said the owner is addressing identified spots. Councilman Campiano and Councilman Bonanno, who inspected the site, reported the dumpster area was found "pristine" during their visits and praised recent progress.
Attorney Robert Murray, speaking during public comment, advised the council to review the relevant chapter of the municipal code because earlier definitions and language focus on rat proofing inside buildings. Murray recommended clarifying the ordinance to make explicit that ‘‘premises’’ can include exterior areas when imposing obligations or penalties.
At a later ordinance committee meeting the council amended the proposed rodent/abatement ordinance to add clarifying language that “premises” includes exterior areas for the purpose of determining whether a property is in rat-proof condition. The amendment passed and the ordinance was approved as amended.
Why it matters: repeated complaints about rodent infestations affect neighborhood quality of life and public health; council members say clarifying the city code will give inspectors clearer authority to require remediation and levy penalties where appropriate.
Council action: the council adopted amendments clarifying that premises include exterior areas and approved the revised rodent-enforcement ordinance.
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