28 Rat Infestation The Electronics Center
28 Pleasant Street
Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 586-2270
email: ElectronicCTR @aol.com
Ernest Mathieu
Public Health Administrator
Board of Health
City Hall
Main Street
Northampton, Massachusetts
March 6, 2004
Dear Mr. Mathieu
I am writing to corraborate the fact that there is a rat infestation
problem behind my store at 28 Pleasant Street. The problem has
been ongoing for some months now and I am glad to see progress
in the installation of new trash compactors. I am hopeful that this
will eliminate the problem, however I am still concerned that the
improper disposal of trash around the compactors by unauthorized
individuals will continue without proper enforcement and the rat
problem will continue. I think improper disposal is the biigest
problem facing this issue.
C-1C E • 1\ 11.1:1
L , U
March 10, 2004
Ernest Mathieu
Public Health Administrator
Board of Health
City Hall
Main Street
Northampton, MA 01060
Dear Mr, Mathieu:
Our firm rents fifty percent of the building at 30 Pleasant Street, specifically the whole of the second and
third floor space.
I am writing to notify you of the problems we have encountered due to the serious rat infestation within
the building and surrounding areas. Rats infested our garage at the back of the building and destroyed
documents to make their bedding. They nested in the walls; tearing insulation, breeding and filling the
area with droppings. And there they died.
The source of sustenance for the rate population is the overflowing garbage and waste that is routinely
found in and around the dumpsters, both in the alley and parking lot areas abutting our building. The
inevitable increase in their population lead just as inevitably to the nauseating fumes of their rotting
carcasses.
We had to move personnel from offices in the back of the building and lost the use of conference space
that we are obligated to pay for in our lease agreement, regardless of our ability to use it. The garage
had to be emptied and the contents that were not damaged beyond use are now stored miles away,
costing this firm hundreds of dollars in rental charges and incalculable inconvenience.
I know from conversations with other tenants and the landlord that this problem is not unique to us, nor is
the City unaware that rats are a major concern in the downtown area. I also know that departments
within the governmental structure are empowered and obligated to act to alleviate the problem and
require those contributing to it to cease.
Contracting a pest control company has provided a temporary fix. Please do what you must to ensure
that violators of the city health regulations comply with dumping ordinances and sanitation standards.
Warm weather is just around the corner and the rat population will gladly grow if their food sources
remain plentiful.
Christopher B. Milne
President
Gage-Wiley& Co., Inc.
Page 1 of 1
lie Mathieu
m: Ernie Mathieu
it: Tuesday, March 09,2004 5:35 PM
'Karen Bouquillon (wastenot @city.northampton.ma.usy
'Efn hmp @eileenflsh er.com'
bject. FW. rats
wen,
i you please respond or call Jody on this matter and give her an update. We were just talking about this
ct the other day.
k you Karen.
)riginal Message
n: Store Northampton [mailto:Efnhmp @eileenfisher.com]
::Tuesday, March 09, 2004 2:55 PM
Ernie Mathieu
ject. rats
• Ernie,
ailed you a number of weeks ago to ask about the power source for a trash compactor slated to be installed
e Strong Avenue parking lot.The next day I went outside and there were several men out back working on
power source. However, since that day no progress seems to have been made in activating the compactor or
wing the trash bins that line our alley.
ie called Dave Duseau at Duseau Trucking who has the contract for the compactor. We had all hoped that
the power source would come the Tong-promised clean-up of the Strong Avenue lot and the alley leading
i there to Pleasant Street. He has been unavailable, but hopefully will answer my call tomorrow.
at Eileen Fisher share all the concems voiced in Jeff Dwyer's email to you dated March 5th, Spring is just
ind the corner,and with warm weather, rats will emerge.Thanks for keeping us up to date with what progress
nay expect from the Northampton City parking commission.
:erely, Jody Riseman
Assistant Manager, Eileen Fisher 3/9/2004
10/2004
ieu
Jeff Dwyer jjpdwyer @dwyerogrady.com]
Friday, March 05, 2004 3:40 PM
Ernie Mathieu
Rat infestation in Strong Ave. parking lot
hieu
ilth Administrator
iealth
sn, Massachusetts
Mathieu:
r returning my telephone call last week. I appreciate your quick response. I am
rty manager for the Querencia Trust owner of the building located at 26 34
St. in Northampton. and
pest control personnel whobuilding
service clients within the.downtown
Ten informed by p
7 areas in the city are suffering this is apbadl situation and poor public .come
>r its shopping and restaurants,
se past several months, the tenants in the Querencia Trust
ustcproperty,at 26-34
Print
pperty St. including Eileen Fisher, The Electronics Center,
nda Garden, Arif the Tailor, and Gage Wiley Co. , Inc. have experienced repeated
with rats in and around the building. Upon investigation and through consultation
uteman Pest Control, I learned that the cause of the rat infestation at the
ceptacleps and spilled garbageu around the trash collection lot caused by open Avenue parking
collection area,
Tits within the building spent large sums of money to remove dead rat carcasses to
:er walls and ceilings.and employees of
erep unable tot forced
at work. In several cases,
ie tenant's stores, P
neopen closed until the situation could si el cleaning After
sanitation)proceduresceiling s and
i n open, for d the dead rats removed, exten
?aired before the walls and ceiling could be replaced. Insurance does not ream arse
iness owners for their losses. is the
y way
t control experts explained that eliminating the rat's
expensive and onlyowayy
inate the rats. Repeated baiting, trappi nsp in the alley which leads from
So long as rubbish and spilled garbage remai aroun t St. to the parking lot and spillage the ratsn will continnueh to havet a r food supplyr. They a
rot is allowed to accumulate,
T exert., reinfest the building and other properties in and around the Strong Avenue
I lot, and the costly cycle will continue.
sou make a sincere effort to monitor the condition of both the alley and the area
ading the trash collection area in the Strong Ave. parking lot to keep it free of
Lating rubbish and garbage? I understand onsibilityI ordthet understand that
parking lots rests with the City's parking
rking Authority, the Board of Health, the DPW and the City's Police Department have of
ity to ash collector. Wouldn youdplease notifyn the person)in authorrity at each of performance the ati- umping these City
ments as wll as the
serious problem for all oft they property mowners h and businesses around the Strong
and ollction Strong
.arking lot.
you for your attention to this situation, and I look forward to hearing from you
ruing a resolution to this problem.
rely,
Page 1 01 1
rnie Mathieu
uesday, March 09,2004 5:35 PM
Caren Bouquillon (wastenot @city.northampton.ma.us)'
=_fnhmp @e ileenfisher.com
=W: rats
lease respond or call Jody on this matter and give her an update.We were just talking about this
other day.
Karen.
al Message---
ire Northampton [mailto:Efnhmp @eileenfisher.com
isday, March 09, 2004 2:55 PM
Mathieu
rats
e,
you a number of weeks ago to ask about the power source for a trash compactor slated to be installed
ong Avenue parking lot.The next day I went seems and
have were ever In men
iv out
b the compactor on or
t outside and there were several me out back working on
sr source. However, since that day no progress
the trash bins that line our alley.
ailed Dave Duseau at Duseau Trucking who has the contract for the compactor.We had all hoped that
power source would come the long-promised clean-up of the Strong Avenue lot and the alley leading
re to Pleasant Street. He has been unavailable, but hopefully will answer my call tomorrow.
lileen Fisher share all the concerns voiced in Jeff Dwyer's email to you dated March 5th is just
and with warm weather, rats will emerge.Thanks for keeping us up to date with what progress
expect Spring 1
the corner, ton City expeoct from the Northamp Y P arking commission.
ffy, Jody Riseman
Assistant Manager, Eileen Fisher 319/2004
10/2004
nieu
fo[info @rockwellmanagement.com]
iesday. March 09, 2004 6:29 PM
rnie Mathieu
'.E'. Apartment#211
Page 1 ot
I are all set. Paul will be meeting you for this. We will let you know if there are any
-Original Message-- northampton.ma.us]
nt:ues ay , March 09, ty 2004 11:45 AM
Info@rockvvellmanagement.com
ibjed: Apartment #211
ear Debbie,
nave set up a reinsertion time with Todd Topier to inspect his apartment. It is set for March 17 at
:45pm.Could you have a maintenance person there to meet me for this. Call me if any questions.
Ernie M.
1/2004
Dwyer ppdwyer @dwyerogrady.com]
Jeff Wednesday, March 10,2004 11:33 AM
Ernie Mathieu
Re: Rat infestation in Strong Ave.parking lot
t heard from her since we spoke last week. The same day that I talked with
Bouquillon. During my telephone conversation with
in ordinance, and she told
t he
swa the copy of with oa me passed ma anti-dumping 9 an
to me via e-mail. Additionally, she explained that ained that the City provide the new
ed th a copy of it Ave. lot to the Duseau firm to p and
id the space in the lieong the lease contract between keep the area
believed that Duseau' s if they didn't P forward to
o she told me she that she'd
penalties for uillon told me
fined provisions and P trash. Ms. Bouq the Duseau firm
1ma copy clean and free of request which resulted in these au firm inth RFP bid haven't received
1 a copy of the oxigof the lease document. I
e lease and a copy
getting a considerable amount of pressure from the
action regarding this problem if we can't see
;t ay''-ng with this. I'm 9e m counseling patience, but
to take some form of problem. I'
:he building the past year.
action and co-operation g to relieve the p
getting very angry at the apparent inaction during
Trust
in Road
39
New Hampshire 03605-0239
-9347 - voice
-5373 - fax rady.com
wlwyer @dwyexog c emathieu @city.northampton.ma.us>
ed,Ernie Mathieu"
ff w Max 2004 11:00:12 -0500
com>
ff Dwyer"a" infestat@on in S y' Ave. parking lot
RE: Rat infestation in Strong
DPW about this and she was going to get
to Karen Eandu given
at
an update. Did She? Ernie
TM with you and give y
riginal Message-- erogrady.com]
Jeff Dwyer [mailto:]pdwyer @dwy
Friday, March 05, 2004 3:40 PM
:pie t att info
Strong Ave parking lot
, ; Rat nfestation in
t Mathieu
c Health Administrator
of Health
Hall
Street Massachusetts
rampton,
Mr. Mathieu: week. 1 appreciate Your
for returning my telephone call last
ks 1
manager for the Querencia Trust ton.
e. S am the property t d and a have
nd
building located at 26 3s Pleasant St. in Northampton.
nd the building has serious rat infestation,
Il,y pest control personnel who service clients within the
many areas in the city are suffering similar problems.
at has become famous for its shopping and restaurants,
3 situation and poor public relations.
months, the tenants in the Querencia Trust
St. including Eileen Fisher, The
ast several m Panda Garden,
26-34 Pleasant Cat Print Shop, repeated
Center, Panacea ly Salon, C°Inc have experienced rep and
and Gage around C t. , Upon investigation
.tor, inutd the estl Cont. p I learned that the
h rats in and a Control, food
Minuteman Pest is the presence of a
;ultation with at the building by open trash
e rat infestation Avenue parking lot caused Y
he Strong Avenue P around the trash collection area
and spilled garbage
; within the building spent large sums of money to remove
arcasses from their walls and ceilings. The smell of
customers to leave the tenant's stores,
work. In several cases, the
sts forced potential the
=_cl were unable t to remain at eliminated. After citing until the open, nn could dead rats removed, walls and
nd
ceiling were torn open, and the
ro cedures were required before the
the business
nd sanitation p
does not reimburse
,uld be replaced. Insurance
_- their losses. food
explained that eliminating the rat's
the rats . Repeated baiting,
control experts n s epensive remedy. So long as
the only ensive and temporary remedy.
leads from
and poisoning is expensive
nd spilled t parking lot ns spillages in and around the in the
lot and spillage to accumulate, the
St. to the parking lot is allowed
located in
the parking They will reproduce,
continue to have otheoroproperties sti
in and around the Strong
the building a costly cycle will continue.
arking lot, and the both the
the condition of Strong
effort to trash area in the
u make a sincere the trash collection garbage?
,d the area surrounding of accumulating rubbish and g
lot to keep it free for the cleanliness of the
:king t ' p Further, I
;t and that the responsibility s arking authority. the DPW
with the A th' p the Board of Health, tth
lots rests Authority,have, to enforce
and that the Parking the
s dinane Department as as to authority performance of
City' person in authority at
melon ordinances as well as to monitor the
o tleseo C. Would you please notify the P collection company
well as the trash
and it's a serious problem for all
' these City departments as AVe parking
Us rat
infestation exists, Strong
property owners and businesses around the
you for your attention
to this situation, and I look forward to
a resolution to this problem.
g from you concerning
Dwyer
ee
ncia Trust
Box 790
- Key, FL 32625
-586-4236
ragc . w
eu
e Mathieu
rsday, February 05, 2004 9:03 AM
er Skaza
'. Strong Ave parking lot garbage
me an update on the status of this project? Should I be directing my inquiries to another
4essage--- r eileenflsher.coml
Berg tmailto:Efnhm2004 m eil PM
asday, February 04,
ithieu
:rake; Randall Neely
rong Ave parking lot garbage
n Fisher are still waiting for the horrendous garbage problem in the parking lot behind our store @ 24
greet to be cleared up. Department had assured you that
;poke hook up would be ins you told d y December 15th f humanly Ipossib e.that Peter
al hook up would be installed Monday
e, David Duseau told me that the garbage compactor was all ready o He was just waiting for the
he said,the garbage cads lining our alley and the open dumpsters out behind our
to 9
to operate it.Then,
Id be removed.
tow,this parking lot and numerous businesses bordering the lot were plagued with rats throughout last
en the rats were poisoned,they ran inside our building and died in their nests, causing a horrible smell
th hazard which persisted for months.
actually been promised that the open dumpsters would be gone before Thanksgiving, but nothing was
in a dead rat ourselves,after it sat on the ground next to the open dumpster for several
aw we are fearful that if no action will be taken we ill s n be infested fe ds`with st border tin. At one e point
red d bagging
tese lot.Whatpbetter often
for hungry rats?nh food garbage
that you can give would be welcome.
you,Jody Riseman
0/2004
word Page 1 ott
e Mathieu
irsday,April 08,2004 3:12 PM
:re Northampton'
: rats
riginal Message-" ton mailto:Efnhmp @eileenfisher.com]
r: Store Northampton
Thursday, April 08, 2004 2:36 PM
Ernie Mathieu
tandall Neely
Strong Avenue Parking just true their
sect: rats garbage compactor installed and working in
d don't think it would have happened without you.
I really want to thank you for all your help in getting the g
e, kin Lot. 1 o the area
1 r d and keep
in that Duseau will be rue this Is a major
keeping o eye on the trash cean.situation, hoping
and the compactor relatively clean.Some days are better than others. But, all in all,
movement.
ain,thanks so much from all of us at Eileen Fisher,
dy Riseman
Yagc i V,
e Mathieu
rsday, February 05, 2004 11:09 AM
hmpmgr @eileenfisher.com'
er Skaza
r: Strong Ave parking lot garbage
mod, to start work on that project today.
today by Mr. Skaza that the crews are planning
4essage---
Mathieu
,
laay, February 05, 2004 9:03 AM
aza
V: Strong Ave pa rking lot garbage
live me an update on the status of this project? Should I be directing my inquiries to another
II Message-'-' r @eileenflsher.com]
Ira Berg [mailto:Efnhmp m 9
inesday, February 04, 2004 6:08 PM
Mathieu
n Croke; Randall Neely
Strong Ave parking lot g arbage
teen Fisher are still waiting for the horrendous garbage problem in the parking at behind our store @ 24
:Street to be cleared up.
if human)
e spoke in mid-December you told me that Peter Skaza of the Parking Department had assured you that
rical hook up would be installed Monday December 15th
time David Duseau told me that the garbage compactor was all ready to go. He was just waiting for the
he said,the garbage carts lining our alley and the open dumpsfers out behind our
ity to operate it.Then,
could be removed. the lot were plagued with rats throughout last
I know,this parking lot and numerous businesses bordering
Nhen the rats were poisoned,they ran inside our building and died in their nests,causing a horrible throughout
smell
3alth hazard which persisted for months.
promised that the open dumpsfers would be gone before Thanksgiving,but nothing was
s actually to been p
sten.A several
a dead rat ourselves, after it sat on the ground next to the open dump
Now we are fearful that if no action will be taken we a bage from eall the terestaurants l that border Athe nStrong
;sorted to mps bagging with food garbage
What better habiittat for hungrylrats?!I
help that you can give would be welcome.
/2004
Page 2 of2
)dy Riseman (413)-585-1118
/2004