Feb 9, 2024

A large number of rats in Brightwood live and nest here - the apartment buildings on the 1400 blocks of Sheridan and Somerset.

Hi Brightwood:

Yesterday, Feb 8, I met the Dept of Health (DOH) at the apartment buildings on the 1400 blocks of Sheridan and Somerset. I have worked with the DOH on these properties exterminating rats for at least eight years, and they have been very responsive and committed to reducing the rat infestation. I commend their work and dedication. Throughout the years, progress and improvements have been made, but due to the continuous neglect of the building owners, the rats return and multiply in vast numbers. On Feb 8, DOH arrived in force with 16 dedicated employees and over 12 trucks packed with exterminating equipment. They discovered NUMEROUS rat holes and trash EVERYWHERE (see attachments). I was there with them, disgusted and appalled because all the gains we had made throughout the years had been lost.

Today, I found myself at the point of extreme frustration, exhaustion and anger. Slumlords should not be able to thrive and operate in DC. I find the lack of legal

enforcement against these property owners unacceptable. Even though some property owners have received fines from DC, it's just a slap on the wrist and simply a cost of doing business. The maximum penalties must be much higher than $10,000/$15,000,$20,000. The DC Courts must hold slumlords accountable for their negligence and bring them back into court when they fail to remedy violations. Residents of these buildings have a right to live in clean, safe, and habitable conditions, and homeowners in Brightwood should not have to put up with their homes, yards, and streets being invaded by rats.

With that said, I am planning a community walk of the 1400 blocks of Sheridan and Somerset with the following DC agencies: The Office of the Mayor, the Office of Attorney General, the Department of Public Works, the Department of Health, the Metropolitan Police Department, Department of Buildings and the Department of Licensing. Once the date is confirmed, I will send an email informing you, and I hope to see many Brightwood residents in attendance.