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Brooklyn Residents Cry Foul Over Rats At Atlantic Yards

NEW YORK (WCBS 880) - Residents in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn blame Bruce Ratner and his massive Atlantic Yards dig for a problem they say they never had before -- rats.

WCBS 880's Alex Silverman On The Scene

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"What an unfortunate coincidence, since that's his name," said one woman.

Giant rats are apparently getting into peoples' homes and cars.

"Engines deteriorated as a result of rodent infestation," said councilwoman Letitia James, who says they are munching on the garbage.

Now, the Forest City Ratner company has decided to give out hundreds of rat-proof trash cans to a small part of the neighborhood.

"I'm sort of disappointed...that, in fact, the boundaries are so limited," James told WCBS 880 reporter Alex Silverman.

One neighbor called it far too little, much too late.

"It's a deal that stinks," she said.

"It looks like now they're at least making some attempt to reach out," replied Silverman. "It seems like you don't buy it."

"No I don't," she answered.

Forest City Ratner did not respond to WCBS 880's requests for comment.

The garbage cans will be given out starting August 15th at the Atlantic Yards Liaison Office on Carlton Avenue.

Atlantic Yards is the home of the Barclays Center arena, which is still under construction and will become the home of the current New Jersey Nets.

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