Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Forest City Ratner Responds To Rat Tsunami With Trash Cans
By
Garth Johnston
Published Aug 16, 2011
Modified Aug 16, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Garth Johnston
Published Aug 16, 2011
Modified Aug 16, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Forest City Ratner, the developer behind the controversial Nets arena currently rising over the Atlantic Yards, seems to have expanded its "rodent control program" to help neighbors dealing with "a rat tsunami." Their solution? Free trash cans! Better than nothing, we guess.
Neighbors have been complaining to 311 and anyone who will listen about the rodents rising from the construction site and invading their homes, so much so that the city has been putting out more traps and poison in the area. But this week Forest City Ratner is getting in on the action, offering free "heavy-duty, high-necked cans" to any building in the area with 12 units or less. If you qualify, just rollup to the Atlantic Yards community liaison office before Friday. It islocated in a traile at Carlton Avenue and Pacific Street.
Meanwhile, residents the News spoke to think the move is too little, too late. "I'm glad they're finally giving us these cans, but my cat's been bringing home rats in his mouth since 2007," one neighbor said. "The rats have been our neighbors ever since excavation began that year. They're in our cars and homes."
Perhaps when the arena opens Coke will honor all those rodents with one of their planned special beverages?
Tagged
Atlantic Yards
barclay center
brooklyn
Forest City Ratner
rat
rats
Garth Johnston
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NYC Council to consider earlier Legionella reporting after deadly outbreaks
A bill facing a hearing Monday would require cooling tower owners to notify city health officials when bacteria levels reach a much lower threshold.
By
Catalina Gonella
Published Oct 18, 2026 at 7:36 p.m. ET
Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.
By
Giulia Heyward
News
Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.
By
Giulia Heyward
Bail reform remains major issue in NY governor's race, 7 years after it became law
By
Gino Fanelli
NYPD identifies Bronx man, 26, killed in Midtown subway shooting
By
Ryan Kost
,
Elizabeth Kim
and
Phil Corso
Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home
By
Ryan Kost
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .