Quantcast

The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.
Read the press release here.

City Vows To Fix Rat Problem At Marshall Field Garden Complex

By Mina Bloom | August 15, 2016 8:38am | Updated on August 16, 2016 8:21am
 Construction in Old Town is driving huge rats into the neighborhood, residents say.
Construction in Old Town is driving huge rats into the neighborhood, residents say.
View Full Caption
DNAinfo/Shutterstock

OLD TOWN — After DNAinfo Chicago reported on rats "the size of dogs" taking over the Marshall Field Garden Apartments complex, the city has vowed to work more closely with the property owner to tackle the issue.

Crews from the city's Department of Streets & Sanitation did abatement at the complex, 1448 N. Sedgwick St., twice last week following the report, according to city spokeswoman Jennifer Martinez.

"[The Department of Streets & Sanitation] will continue working with the management company on re-baiting and to help identify and eliminate food sources and conditions that can contribute to rodent problems," Martinez said in a prepared statement.

She also urged residents to call 311 to report rat sightings.

Marshall Field Garden is undergoing $64 million in renovations.

While most residents hailed the renovations as much-needed, all of them expressed concern over what was commonly referred to as the "rat issue," which they say has only grown worse since construction started.

Residents described the rodents as everything from "super-rats" to "New York-style rats."

"For a while, people were scared to come through the front. It was ridiculous," said Krystale Hall, who has lived in the complex for three years. "I used to leave at 4 a.m. [The rats] were ridiculous."

For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here: