Residents urge swift anti‑rat campaign and stronger garbage enforcement in Washingtonville

Residents told the Village of Mamaroneck Board of Trustees on April 14 they are seeing renewed rat infestations across Washingtonville and nearby neighborhoods and asked the village to act quickly.

Tim O'Connor (speaker 16) described video evidence of rats in his backyard and reported dead rats on Center Street and other locations. He said he had reported the issue and expected a follow‑up; he asked the board what steps would be taken and suggested reinstating Dana pest control. Patty Trippoletti (speaker 18) and Robert Stark (speaker 19) echoed concerns, citing widespread garbage and construction debris that attract rodents.

Trustees and staff said code enforcement and the building department have been directed to follow up and that periodic inspections for garbage violations are ongoing. Trustees discussed possible policy approaches raised by residents and staff: stronger enforcement against property owners and landlords who allow unsecured bags of garbage, a blitz of inspections, requirements for secure receptacles from landlords, and structural changes to collection such as once‑a‑week curbside pickup with an opt‑in backyard pickup for a fee. Trustee speakers flagged equity concerns for elderly residents who may struggle with curbside requirements and recommended an opt‑in approach with a small fee for backyard pickup.

No formal program was adopted at the meeting, but the board directed staff to follow up with code enforcement and building department actions and to return an update to the board. Residents requested follow‑up at the next meeting.