Yes the rat problem has gotten worse because of the construction. ( Silverline construction ) I suggest traps, but a cat in the house does help some. I speak from experience with out rat/mice problems. Good luck :)

Here's hoping cats and traps control them however if there is a neighborhood consensus that this is a growing problem and a health issue then contact the public health department.

I've seen rats running up and down Cherry Street which runs behind my house (near the court house).
Twice a week I see them running through my yard... Yes, construction is the reasoning for this problem.

Hey Peter, ChelseaGuy & Cherry Street:

There's no denying there's a rat problem and it exacerbated by construction. And there's always something under construction in Chelsea (which is arguably a good thing). Another factor is that we're surrounded on three sides by water! And Peter, that block of Winnisimmet is only two blocks off the shipyard. It's not just us; all up and down the Eastern seaboard there has been an uptick in the rat problem over the last three years or so. It started a few years ago with a mild winter where more of them survived than is usual.

In any event, if you haven't read in the City Manager's "Chelsea Happenings" emails, or on the City's new Facebook page, for the first time, in addition to the catch basin baiting which the City has always done, the City has contracted to bait ABOVE-GROUND on private property. They're starting with several targeted areas, but I have the feeling it will be a program that will expand. Can't promise, but that's my gut feeling.

To Cherry Street, I walk Cherry everyday to and from work. I do a happy dance when I see a flattened rat and then call DPW so they can scrape it off the road (you should too). There are some properties, especially between 2nd & Everett) where there are obvious rat holes. I'm hoping that Cherry Street will be added in a future round of above ground baiting. The property owners have to sign a waiver to do it, though. And it is still expected that property owners will do their share to combat the problem.

Since there's no immediate "to do" with this submission, I'm going to close it out now. If you're not on the City Manager's email list, send an email to tambrosino@chelseama.gov with the subject line "Add to email list". And if you're not following the City's new Facebook page, visit: https://www.facebook.com/City-of-Chelsea-MA-Government-1646818445557673

Richie, Before closing- Can the City notify building owners who don't occupy their properties where there are possible rat infestations? The suspects are the former Kayem and Parrotta's buildings, on Winnisimmet St. Thanks, Peter

Sorry Peter, already closed it earlier today. But I'll talk with ISD inspectors to keep a watch on those buildings. Parrotta's, we know who the new owner is. Just saw the owner this evening, in fact. Is there evidence that they are the source though? That's important. Suspicion isn't sufficient to go on. Laws exist for a reason. Guesses don't cut it, and may be unfair.

Just my opinion, but I don't think the City can issue "we suspect you" letters. It's enough of a task to issue tickets where provable negligence to address is involved. But the City Manager's last "Chelsea Happenings" email and post on the City's new Facebook page make it clear that the City expects property owners to do their part in fighting vermin. Failure to do so will have consequences.

But keep your eyes open, Peter, and keep us informed via SeeClickFix. That's why we have it!

Thanks for fixing this issue!