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Mail stopped due to flea infestation Neither rain, nor sleet nor hail prevents the mailman from making his appointed rounds, but apparently fleas are another matter. Since July, mail for more than a dozen apartments at 94 Carole Court in Massapequa have stopped having their mail delivered after postal workers were reported being bitten by fleas that have infested the area. In a letter sent out July 24 by the U.S. Post Office in Massapequa, Southpoint Apartment residents were told that they would have to pick up their mail at a truck parked in the vicinity, at the leasing office on nearby Weaver Drive or at the post office. One 90-year-old resident said that has become a major problem for her. "I can't walk that well," said Betty Butler, who added that the delay in getting her mail has caused her to incur late chargers on some of her bills. "I've lived here for 30 years and now I am afraid that I'll have to leave because I get bitten every night, and there's nothing I can do." The problem is likely the result of a large number of feral cats that live on the property. In some instances the cats are fed by the residents; in others, they are eating out of garbage pails. The result is that the resulting infestation has gotten so out of hand that the residents have said they have to spray themselves before they leave the house, or risk bringing the fleas into their homes. According to another resident, the problem began approximately 6 months ago. "There are about 14 cats that are breeding, and are so unhealthy and flea-infested that we cannot leave our doors and windows open," said a resident who asked not to be named. "We are prisoners in our own homes." Residents say that part of the problem is a new management company that has taken over the development and has not been responsive to problems. The management company, JPI, did not return several phone calls for comment, but residents said that it called in Suburban Exterminating on July 27 and again on August 20 to treat the property for fleas. A letter from JPI outlining their efforts was sent to the residents and included a request that they stop feeding the stray cats. "We understand human nature is to care for animals in need, however please know this is adding to the current situation," the letter stated. "We are working with the ASPCA and other animal organizations in an effort to rectify the concern of stray cats at Southpoint." The Nassau County Department of Health has received complaints about the problem, and has been in contact with JPI, said Cynthia Brown, a spokeswoman for the department.
"Generally we don't hear that much about flea problems," she said. "As for the problems at Southpoint, we have given the management company the names of organizations dealing with feral cats, as well as flea exterminating firms." She added that the department will follow up on the problem and that JPIcould face fines if the situation is not rectified.
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