Wednesday, July 16, 2014

WESTBARD AVE. RESIDENT SAYS SHOPPING CENTER IS TO BLAME FOR RAT PROBLEM

A resident of Westbard Avenue sent me a photo of a deceased rat on the sidewalk behind the Westwood Shopping Center, near the entrance for the bank drive-thru, on Monday. She said rats have been an ongoing problem for some homeowners on the street for decades, burrowing into their backyards, and using the shopping center as their major food source. Giant has placed rodent baits behind its store, but that has not solved the problem, she said.

The resident contacted the shopping center's new landlord, Equity One, a few weeks ago, but said they have not yet responded to her email. I've been patronizing the shopping center since I was a kid, and personally have never seen a rat on the property, outdoors or indoors. Similar problems have been reported in other residential neighborhoods abutting commercial areas, such as the Sacks subdivision adjacent to downtown Bethesda. But with redevelopment plans on the table, I think it would be wise for Equity One to respond to the email of the nearby homeowner in this case.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I ain't no holla back girl - ain't no holla back girl.

Anonymous said...

Has the resident contacted County Health folks about this? If not, have them email my office and we will follow up: bethesda.citizen@montgomerycountymd.gov. Ken Hartman

Robert Dyer said...

Ken,

I will pass that along to her. Thanks.