Cranston councilors press management, weigh ordinance changes after rat infestation at Poplar Drive apartments

Council members, public health officials and residents pressed for faster enforcement and possible code changes after residents and councilors described an ongoing rat problem around the Loft apartments at 43–45 Poplar Drive.

Councilman Wall opened the discussion with photographs and accounts from neighbors showing extensive burrows and damaged dumpsters at the property, saying the traps were full of mud and that “there's at least 20, and it may might be upwards of 20.” He and Councilman Bonanno said they had met with administration staff and pushed for action.

The discussion centered on what the city has done so far and what it can do next. Director of Public Works Tom Moretti told the committee that inspections had been to the site and that a certified letter was issued to the property owner on May 22. “The letter was issued on May 22,” Moretti said, adding that the 30-day period in the municipal code had not yet lapsed.

Solicitor Videcchio reviewed the city's enforcement options under the city code: “upon receiving a complaint of a rat infestation, the director of public works will send a letter certified to the registered owner of the property, explaining to them that they have 7 days to, either eradicate or rat proof the area… Now, if nothing is done after 7 days, they have at that point in time… an additional 23 days. It's a total of 30 days… if they don't take any action after 30 days, then a violation can be written and they are then summons into municipal court.” He noted the limits of the current code, including that the maximum fine in the ordinance is $50 and that it is not a daily fine, which he described as having limited deterrent effect.

Councilors and residents described persistent problems: overflowing and broken plastic dumpsters that provide food sources; holes around the building where traps sat filled with mud; and sightings of rodents by tenants and neighbors. Resident Evan Goad, who identified himself from 45 Poplar Drive, told the committee the problem dated to at least November 2023 and said he had video and photos he could share with staff.

Council members pressed administration representatives on next steps. Moretti and inspections staff said they are continuing efforts to obtain records from the management company and had tried to work cooperatively first. Council members urged a firmer enforcement posture if cooperation fails. Councilman Andohar and others said the penalties in the code are insufficient and urged exploring stronger remedies, including possible court action or a housing court mechanism to gain greater enforcement leverage.

Committee members also flagged an existing separate ordinance that can impose daily fines for failing to maintain dumpsters; Videcchio said that ordinance (section 8-12153) carries a $50 daily fine for overflowing dumpsters if the city can demonstrate the dumpster is not being maintained or picked up at least weekly.

Council members requested a workshop to review the full enforcement process, timing and possible ordinance revisions. Several councilors urged faster inspections and more visible municipal follow-up while they consider legislative fixes to increase fines or shorten timelines.

Ending: Committee members asked the administration to return with a clearer timeline of enforcement actions taken and to coordinate a workshop on possible ordinance changes and inspection capacity. Residents were told the letter was issued May 22 and that municipal court citation is the next formal step if the property remains noncompliant after the statutory timeframes.