I am writing to address an urgent issue that affects the quality of our lives every single day here on E 83rd Street, between Second and Third Avenues, on Manhattan's Upper East Side. Each time I step outside, I am greeted by a sight that has become all too familiar—rats scurrying across the sidewalk, rummaging through garbage, and coming in and out of street tree bed burrows. Our block is not just affected; we are overwhelmed by a rat infestation. 

Rats are not only a nuisance but a serious public health hazard. They are known to spread diseases, some of which can be life-threatening to humans, including leptospirosis, hantavirus, and salmonella. Additionally, they cause structural damage to property by gnawing through insulation and electrical wiring, potentially leading to fires. This infestation poses a significant risk to our homes, our health, and our block's overall well-being.

Moreover, the number of rats consistently seen on our block, especially after dark, far exceeds that on other nearby blocks. Several residents have witnessed and documented the severity of the infestation, contrasting sharply with the state of surrounding blocks.

We strongly urge the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, in coordination with the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Department of Sanitation, to conduct an inspection of our block and implement an intensified and sustained rodent control plan. With the right measures, we can eliminate this threat and restore our community to a healthier, safer, and more pleasant place to live.

Please stand with us in this vital cause by signing this petition. Your support is crucial in getting the attention we need from the relevant authorities to take swift and effective action against this alarming problem. Let's reclaim our block and restore it for the benefit of all residents.