I worked in the “War on Rats” as a manager on several Urban Rat Control projects. On paper, they were excellent courses of action and got good results i.e., Environmentally Improved Blocks. In reality, most cities did not do their job in maintaining them as rat-free. And yes this was a make jobs program.
Newly moved to NYC from DC in 1970. In my first spring walked from my apt on West 73rd just off Broadway to the Hudson River 72nd Boat Basin. Nice warm clear day. Leaned over the railing of the river walk just taking in the view when peripherally caught sight of some movement below me. Looked down to the rough rip rap rock wall and saw an army of big rats sunning themselves on the rocks below me, upriver, and downriver. Brazen bastids never bothered to even glance at me. Rat Riviera on the Hudson.