Dead Rats Rain From Harlem Summer Camp Ceiling: Report

EAST HARLEM, NY — A Harlem summer camp that was run out of the community center of a public housing development was shut down this month after a pest infestation got so bad that dead rat carcasses were falling from the facility's ceiling, according to reports.

Camp directer Ashia Broussard, who helps run the camp for the nonprofit SCAN New York, told NBC 4 that conditions at the Jackie Robinson Houses community center made her throw up. The space was infested with roaches, maggots and dead, decomposing rats whose bodies came crashing through the center's water-damaged ceiling, according to the report.

"None of the [air conditioners] work, the building smells bad, it's just constant issues after issues that I'm getting the run around on," Broussard told NBC 4 about the New York City Housing Authority's lack of help with the center.

The housing authority sent an exterminator to the Jackie Robinson Houses development on Monday and told camp staff they could reopen the facility, but another inspection had to be ordered after NBC 4 reporter Melissa Russo spotted a rat in the center that day while reporting from the location.

"Upon learning about the unacceptable conditions of this center, NYCHA staff immediately brought in an exterminator as well as thoroughly cleaned and sanitized the space. We will work with the center’s director to schedule follow-up services so that the center continue to serve the community," housing authority spokesman Chester Soria said in a statement.

The center was again cleared to reopen on Wednesday and NYCHA staff will monitor the space if issues persist, a NYCHA spokesman said.

The Jackie Robinson public housing development is made up of two connected buildings that occupy nearly a full city block between Lexington and Park avenues and East 128th and 129th streets.

Check out the full NBC 4 report here.