A community in Southwest Philadelphia is raising their voices and demanding action to address a persistent issue that has plagued their neighborhood for years. The residents are facing a growing concern over raccoon infestations, which they believe are attracted to unsafe and deteriorating properties in the area.
Steffond Douglas, a resident of Dicks Avenue, recently experienced a frightening incident where he heard a neighbor screaming for help due to a raccoon encounter. Douglas, who has lived in the area for over a year, is not alone in his concerns. His neighbor, Latrice Brooks, highlights that the problem has been ongoing for much longer, and they feel their voices are not being heard.
"It's always an issue. They're literally tearing up our properties," Brooks expressed her frustration.
Douglas hired a wildlife specialist who identified a large opening in a nearby house, which had gone unnoticed before. According to the city's Department of Licenses and Inspections, this property has been marked as unsafe and a potential hazard. The department has issued a warning, stating that if violations are not addressed by August 14, they will take immediate action to vacate or demolish the home.
Brooks shared her distress over the situation, saying, "I don't want anyone to lose their home, but I want peace of mind. I don't get any sleep."
Sarah Barnett, the executive director of ACCT Philly, explained that calls about raccoons are frequent, especially regarding homes that residents believe are sealed but still have small openings. Barnett emphasized that ACCT Philly responds only to cases where raccoons are sick, injured, or inside living spaces. For other concerns, residents are advised to report through 311.
"We get lots of calls, especially in homes that people think have been sealed up, but maybe they missed one spot. Those homes are, of course, the warmest," Barnett added.
The neighbors, including Brooks, are determined to see action taken and are not backing down. They want the city to address the unsafe properties that are attracting these animals.
"We're not going to let this continue. We're tired of it," Brooks stated firmly.
A spokesperson for Council President Kenyatta Johnson, who represents the area, confirmed that their office has contacted Licenses and Inspections directly about the issue. The department has assured that they are investigating and working towards an update on the property's status.
This ongoing battle between the community and the raccoon infestations highlights the importance of addressing unsafe living conditions and the need for a collaborative effort between residents and authorities to find a solution.
