Pest Control Concerns Addressed In Demolition Contracts For North South Arterial Project

Utica, NY (WIBX) - As the North South Arterial project moves forward with demolition on the horizon in West Utica, there is concern about unwanted pests relocating.

"When you have major construction and major demolition of multiple buildings like this, you tend to have these critters traveling throughout the neighborhood," Utica councilman Jim Zecca said.

But it appears the issue, brought up during a recent West Utica Concerned Citizens Meeting, will be addressed prior to the buildings being razed, according to the regional Department of Transportation office.

Deborah Windecker, assistant to the regional director, says there is a specification in the contract that instructs contractors to perform extermination, where deemed necessary, for rodents and insects prior to the demolition of the structures.

The project includes the demolition of about three dozen parcels.