Ms. Pardon Me Breaks A Story!

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(Photo credit: I Am Chris on Flickr)

I should have known that the story had all the elements needed to make it a hit:
A Borough President, Brooklyn and rats, lots of them (click here to read).
When I posted the story about rodents invading the area surrounding Borough Hall, I had no idea that the story was going to be followed up by The Daily News. Imagine! Because of this little bloglet, Marty Markowitz admitted that the "aggressive" rats had become a huge problem.
What incredible fun! I love blogging!

Below is the New York Daily News article:

Borough Hall pols smell a rat (for real)

BY ELIZABETH HAYS
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

Friday, January 4th 2008, 4:00 AM

They're big, they're bold, they're the rats of Borough Hall.

Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz said Thursday the bushes around the stately Brooklyn landmark have become infested with large, aggressive rats that just won't leave.

"We have a significant rat problem here. We've all seen them," said Markowitz, adding that the problem is worst near the front door, in the landscaping along Joralemon St..

"They're bold, they come out during the day, too, and they're big," added Markowitz. "It's no fun."

Other Borough Hall staffers said rats have been spotted scurrying up the subway steps on Joralemon St. and running across the plaza behind Borough Hall, which on nice days attracts hundreds of hungry office workers to have their lunch outside.

The problem was first noted Thursday on the blog Pardon Me for Asking, which posted photos of large ratholes throughout the grounds around Borough Hall.

Markowitz said the rats really became a problem about a year ago and despite a crackdown by the Parks Department, which cares for the bushes and nearby Columbus Park, the rats are as bad as ever.

"They put traps, they do everything, but so far it is a real problem," said Markowitz, speculating the infestation is partly caused by the subways beneath Borough Hall. "When you walk out the front, I see it on both sides of the entrance."

Parks Department officials said they are aware of the issue and two months ago began beefing up extermination efforts around Borough Hall, which they claim has helped.

"It's a susceptible area, with the subways, the food, the crowds and the farmers market," said Parks spokesman Phil Abrams.

The Brooklyn Heights Association said rats aren't new to the parks in downtown Brooklyn, but that all the new construction in the area seems to be making the problem worse - as it has throughout Brooklyn Heights.

"It has escalated. There has been so much construction all around downtown Brooklyn that it stirs up the rat habitats."

For Home Page, click Pardon Me For Asking