By Michael V. Cusenza
An Ozone Park Dollar Tree store overrun by rats has been shut down by the State after complaints by residents and an official inspection of the facility, according to State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Woodhaven).
“My constituents deserve a clean and safe store environment when doing their shopping and business owners are obligated to abide by government health codes and standards,” Addabbo said. “My office and I contacted the appropriate agencies to investigate the situation at the Dollar Tree. The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets was alerted by my office team of the deplorable store conditions, which included bags of food torn open and eaten by rodents and droppings on the shelves. I am pleased to announce that this Dollar Tree location has closed down, pending an investigation by the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets. The agency requires a total cleaning and passing of a subsequent inspection. I will keep the public posted on this situation.”
Sam Esposito, president of the Ozone Park Residents Block Association, captured photographic evidence of the heinous health conditions at store #7523, located at 137-20 Crossbay Blvd.
“Rats have invaded most perishables. The rat infestation is so bad that the shelving is filled with rat droppings. Bags of food have rat holes where rats have been nibbling,” Esposito said. “This particular Dollar Tree has been the worst neighbor in our community, and Dollar Tree corporate has been difficult to work with on other issues, such as cleaning the sidewalk, the street, or the garbage that piles up in the parking lot.”
Esposito went on to say, “This is a blatant disregard for our health and the health of our children. Anyone that has purchased food from this Dollar Tree and has either gotten sick or their children have gotten sick as a direct result of food poisoning due to rat droppings are to immediately contact their doctor and then proceed to contact a lawyer to sue Dollar Tree for malicious intent to cause serious physical injury to others which caused you to get sick due to the neglect of the management and corporate.”
Esposito also noted that “Two family shelters within 150 feet of the front doors [of the store]; house 108 families with children. All are homeless, and most buy their food from this Dollar Tree.”
The civic association indicated that it was concerned that area health conditions could decline due to the rodent infestation of the once popular store.
“We are very worried that there could be an outbreak of hantavirus, leptospirosis, lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV), tularemia, and salmonella, amongst many others that are transmittable.”
Ever the optimist, Addabbo saw a silver lining in this week’s developments.
“This is another example of how I believe government should work—constituents complain to their elected official, who then after hearing the complaint acts to resolve the issue,” the senator said. “In this situation, the constituents were my eyes and ears. They told me about a problem, and I worked with the appropriate agency to enact a solution. I commend these vigilant constituents for caring about their neighbors, in addition to the cleanliness and safety of their community. I also am truly appreciative of the NYS Department of Agriculture and Market for taking swift action.”
