Res. No. 168
Title
Resolution calling upon the New York City Transit Authority to increase enforcement against litterers, remove rubbish from subway tracks, and step up extermination activities in order to eliminate the infestation of rats and other vermin in the subway system.
Body
By Council Members Baez, Avella, Clarke, Dilan, Felder, Fidler, Gerson, Koppell, Martinez, McMahon, Nelson, Recchia, Reed, Reyna, Rivera, Seabrook, Sears, Serrano, Stewart, Weprin, Lanza and Oddo; also Council Members Vann and Sanders
Whereas, Both statutory law and administrative regulations prohibit littering in subway stations and tracks; and
Whereas, Due to the lax enforcement of these anti-littering provisions, there is no deterrent to people violating the law; and
Whereas, Litter within the subway system provides sustenance and harborage for rats and other vermin; and
Whereas, The presence of rats and other vermin pose a threat to the health, safety and welfare of transit riders and workers; and
Whereas, The frequent sightings of rats in the subway system is evidence that the New York City Transit Authority extermination program is insufficient; and
Whereas, The New York City Transit Authority must act forcefully to reduce litter, increase extermination, and remove rubbish from subway tracks in order to safeguard transit riders and workers from a plague of rats and other vermin; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York City Transit Authority to increase enforcement against litterers, remove rubbish from subway tracks, and step up extermination activities in order to eliminate the infestations of rats and other vermin in the subway system.