Boston's Rodent Action Plan Has Not Had a Substantive Update Since 2024, Council Order Says; Hearing Set for Friday
Allston-Brighton and the Downtown, Chinatown, North End and South End area were named the top priority neighborhoods. Councilor Ed Flynn is renewing his call for a 'rat czar.'
The Boston City Council's Committee on City Services will hold a hearing Friday, Oct. 23, at 10 a.m. on the status of the Boston Rodent Action Plan, which the council's order says has not had a substantive update since its 2024 release.
The order, filed Sept. 23 by Councilors Liz Breadon and Edward M. Flynn with 10 co-sponsors, says Allston-Brighton and Ward 3, which covers Downtown, Chinatown, the North End, the South End and Haymarket, were identified as the two highest-priority neighborhoods based on 311 and inspection data, inspector input and surveys.
The order calls for the administration and Inspectional Services to report on progress, challenges, interdepartmental coordination and neighborhood-level data.
Flynn, who chairs the committee, said the plan falls short of his recommendation, and that of its author, rodent expert Bobby Corrigan, to create a dedicated "rat czar" position like New York City's, according to a statement published by Caught in Southie. He also disputed the Boston Public Health Commission's assessment that rats do not currently pose a high public health threat.
The public may testify in person at City Hall or virtually, and the hearing will be streamed at boston.gov/city-council-tv.
