CITY OF WORCESTER | Traffic and Parking Committee Meeting | Wednesday, August 14, 2019 | Esther Howland (South) Chamber | Convened: 6:00 P.M. | Adjourned: 7:02 P.M. |
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Mayor
Joseph M. Petty | 
www.worcesterma.gov |
Clerk of the City Council
Susan M. Ledoux | Committee Members | | Chairperson Matthew E Wally | | Vice Chairperson Candy Mero-Carlson | | Councilor Konstantina B Lukes |
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City Hall - 455 Main Street Worcester, Massachusetts | |
| Present Were: | Chairperson Councilor Matthew E Wally
Vice Chairperson Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson
Councilor Konstantina B Lukes | | | | | Also: | Assistant Director of Traffic Engineering Ali Khorasani;
Junior Engineer Michael Murphy;
Senior Transportation Planner Brian Pigeon;
Sargent Michael Cappabianca;
City Clerk Susan M. Ledoux, clerk | | | |
| 1. | Handicap Parking Petitions | |
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| | | 1a. | Jose Gonzalez request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 19 Westfield St.
# 6f CC June 11, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairman Councilor Wally read the item and asked if there was anyone present who wanted to speak; seeing no one the Chair recommended to give Leave to withdraw. Recommendation approved on a voice vote.
Recommend Leave to withdraw | |
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| | | 1b. | Christopher Minichilli request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 12 Wade St.
# 6d CC June 11, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairman Councilor Wally read the item and asked if there was anyone present who wanted to speak; seeing no one the Chair recommended to give Leave to withdraw at the petitioner’s request. Recommendation approved on a voice vote.
Recommend Leave to withdraw at Petitioner's request | |
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| | | 1c. | Gina Redmond request installation of a handicap parking space on the Winneconnett Rd. side of 8 Mohican Rd.
# 6g CC June 11, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairman Councilor Wally read the item and asked if there was anyone present who wanted to speak; seeing no one the Chair recommended to Hold the item because the Traffic Engineer was not able to contact the petitioner. Recommendation approved on a voice vote.
Recommend Hold | |
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| | | 1d. | Angel Pagan Jr. on behalf of Rebecca Pagan-Williams request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 19 Jones St.
# 6h CC June 11, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairman Councilor Wally took up collectively items #1d, 1e, 1f, 1g and 1i and asked if there was anyone present who wanted to speak; seeing no one the Chair recommended to approve. Recommendation approved on a voice vote
Recommend Approval | |
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| | | 1e. | Jackson Restrepo request removal of the existing handicap parking space located in front of 16 Bellevue St.
# 6b CC June 4, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Recommend Approval (See #1d) | |
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| | | 1f. | Edgadiel Miranda Serrano request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 11 Upsala St.
# 6f CC June 4, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Recommend Approval (See #1d) | |
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| | | 1g. | Christopher DeSantis request removal of the handicap parking space on the Hartford Rd. side of 429 Burncoat St.
# 7o CC May 28, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Recommend Approval (See #1d) | |
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| | | 1h. | Eldora Alford request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 2 Queen St.
# 7p CC May 28, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairman Councilor Wally read the item and asked if there was anyone present who wanted to speak; Robert Alford son of Eldora Alford was present and spoke in favor – Mr. Alford was informed that during winter parking ban the petitioner could not park in the HP space. The Chair recommended to approve.
Recommend Approval | |
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| | | 1i. | Robert Sadusky request handicap parking space located in front of 45 Cohasset St. be moved to the Ingleside Ave. side of 45 Cohasset St. for better access to the side door.
# 7q CC May 28, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Recommend Approval (See #1d) | |
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| | | 1j. | Xhevdet Bacova request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 181 Beacon St.
# 7r CC May 28, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairman Councilor Wally read the item and asked if there was anyone present who wanted to speak; Ismael Reyes was present and not in favor of the petition. The Chair requested Mr. Khorasani to provide the committee with his recommendation and he recommended to File the petition since the Petitioner has a driveway and there is an existing HP spot across the street. Recommendation approved on a voice vote.
Recommend File | |
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| | | 2a. | Giselle Grenier et al request either installation of "No Parking Anytime" signage on one side of Trahan Ave. from 4 p.m. - 9 p.m., or, installation of resident permit parking on both sides of Trahan Ave. from Hamilton St. to the property line four houses down from Hamilton St. from 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.
# 6d CC June 4, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairman Councilor Wally read the item and asked if there was anyone present who wanted to speak; Petitioners Giselle Grenier, Robin Yancey and Victoria Shultz, Worcester residents, spoke in favor of the petition and stressed safety concerns and the need for this since patrons of the Hamilton St. restaurant are parking in Trahan Ave. blocking driveways and the crosswalk as well as making the street not passable. Photos were presented to the committee.
The Chair requested Mr. Khorasani to make a recommendation and he requested to amend the petition and Approve “No Parking Anytime” in Hamilton St. – south side 88’ west of Trahan Ave. and Approve “No Parking Anytime” in Trahan Ave. – east side 90’ south of Hamilton St. He also stated he could not recommend installation of Resident Permit Parking since there is not institutional effect.
The speakers were concerned this would move the problem down the street and make the area at the bend in the road unsafe. The Chair recommended giving this solution a chance and if problems keep occurring a new petition could be filed for the committee to revisit this.
The Chair moved to accept the Traffic Engineer’s recommendation. Recommendation approved on a voice vote.
The Chair offered the following Chairman’s Order - Recommend Police Chief provide increase parking enforcement for Trahan Ave. and Hamilton St.
Recommend Approval for “No Parking Anytime” in Hamilton St. – south side 88’ west of Trahan and Approve “No Parking Anytime” in Trahan Ave. – east side 90’ south of Hamilton St. and Chairman's Order below | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request Police Chief provide increased parking enforcement for Trahan Ave. and Hamilton St. | |
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| | | 2b. | Robyn Zwicker on behalf of Bay State Savings Bank request installation of a 15 Minute Parking space in front of 28 Franklin St.
# 8ff CC August 21, 2018
In Committee May 15, 2019 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairman Councilor Wally read the item and asked if there was anyone present who wanted to speak; seeing no one the Chair requested Mr. Khorasani to provide the committee with his recommendation and he recommended to File the petition. Councilor Lukes objected and requested a roll call since Bay State Bank has been a good neighbor and feels this request is fair and equitable. Petitioner was not present.
The Chair moved to File on a roll call – 1 yea (Wally) 2 nays (Lukes and Mero-Carlson) – Motion to File failed.
Councilor Lukes moved to approve the request for a 15 minute parking space in front of 28 Franklin St.
The Chair recommended to approve. Recommendation approved on a voice vote.
Recommend Approval | |
| 3. | Resident Permit Parking | |
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| | | 3a. | Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson on behalf of Vincent Pignataro request installation of resident permit parking on Nebraska St. from Envelope Terrace to Muskeego St.
# 8j CC May 7, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairman Councilor Wally read the item and asked if there was anyone present who wanted to speak; Al Jolicoeur a Worcester resident stated he was not in favor as written. The Chair requested Mr. Khorasani to provide the committee with his recommendation and he recommended to File because Resident Permit Parking cannot be installed in a manufacturing zone. Recommendation approved on a voice vote.
Recommend File | |
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| | | 4a. | Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request vehicles having greater than two axles and/or weighing more than four tons not be permitted to enter Granby Rd.
# 8o CC June 14, 2016
In Committee December 1, 2016- Held
In Committee March 15, 2017 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairman Councilor Wally took up items #4a, 4b and 4c collectively and asked if there was anyone present who wanted to speak; Gary Vecchio a Worcester resident spoke and informed the committee of recently installed restrictions for all vehicles turning into Granby Rd. which have made some improvements and spoke to difficulties occurring on the road.
Mr. Khorasani recommended to File all 3 petitions because the traffic study shows they do not meet the warrants.
Councilor Mero-Carlson spoke in favor because of safety concerns and recommended the items be approved.
Councilor Lukes wanted to know what would happen if the city chooses to ignore the regulations/warrants and are there any penalties?
Mr. Khorasani explained the warrants need to meet Mass DOT standards and yes penalties have been levied against other communities.
Councilor Lukes stated residential uses suffer because the state has no practical understanding of the area. Can the city make a request for an exception? Traffic Engineer does not believe so.
The Chair recommended Approval. Recommendation approved on a voice vote.
Recommend Approval | |
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| | | 4b. | Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request tractor trailers and buses not be allowed in Granby Rd.
# 8p CC June 14, 2016
In Committee December 1, 2016 - Held
In Committee March 15, 2017- Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Recommend File (See #4a) | |
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| | | 4c. | Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of signage prohibiting trucks from entering Granby Rd. and provide enforcement of the prohibition upon its installation.
# 6g CC February 14, 2017
In Committee March 15, 2017- Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Recommend Approval (See #4a) | |
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| | | 5a. | Dennis Lipka, WRTA Administrator, request installation of an outbound bus stop on Neponset St. as described in the attachment.
# 7s CC May 28, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairman Councilor Wally read the items took items #5a – 5e collectively and asked if there was anyone present who was in opposition and wanted to speak; Petitioner was present but did not speak. The Chair recommended to approve and make an amendment to #5c. Recommendation approved on a voice vote.
Recommend Approval | |
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| | | 5b. | Dennis Lipka, WRTA Administrator, request installation of an inbound bus stop on West Boylston Dr. as described in the attachment.
# 7t CC May 28, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Recommend Approval (see #5a) | |
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| | | 5c. | Dennis Lipka, WRTA Administrator, request installation of inbound and outbound bus stops on Park Ave. as described in the attachment.
# 7u CC May 28, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Recommend Approval, as amended to move the bus stop near Parker St. (See #5a) | |
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| | | 5d. | Dennis Lipka, WRTA Administrator, request installation of inbound and outbound bus stops on Cambridge St. as described in the attachment.
# 7v CC May 28, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Recommend Approval (see #5a) | |
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| | | 5e. | Dennis Lipka, WRTA Administrator, request installation of an outbound bus stop on Blithewood Ave. as described in the attachment.
# 7w CC May 28, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Recommend Approval (see #5a) | |
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| | | 6a. | Alyson Lowell request installation of a crosswalk light on Grafton St. in the vicinity of Roosevelt Elementary School (1006 Grafton St.).
# 7m CC July 17, 2018 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairman Councilor Wally took up items #6a and 6b collectively and asked if there was anyone present who wanted to speak; Donna Garabedian, mother of the Petitioner Alyson Lowell, read a statement from her daughter since she was out of the country and could not be present. The statement requested to approve the signal to prevent anymore tragedies and to name the light after her daughter Gabby who was tragically killed at this crosswalk. Joan Collins (Gabby’s aunt) also spoke in favor. The Chair recommended to Approve #6a and File #6b. Recommendation approval on a voice vote.
Recommend Approval | |
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| | | 6b. | Councilors George J. Russell, Morris A. Bergman, Gary Rosen, Candy Mero-Carlson and Kathleen M. Toomey on behalf of Alyson Lowell request installation of flashing yellow light a the crosswalk in front of Roosevelt Elementary School
# 7aa CC May 28, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Recommend File (See #6a) | |
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| | | 6c. | Linda Anderson et al request to install a Solar Powered Flashing Crosswalk sign at the current crosswalk located between 281 Lincoln St. and 292 Lincoln St. (Currie Management Consultants Inc.)
# 6a CC November 27, 2018 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairman Councilor Wally read the item and asked if there was anyone present who wanted to speak; Jim Leary on behalf of UMass Memorial, spoke in favor. The Chair requested Mr. Khorasani to provide the committee with his recommendation and he recommended to approve pending funding. Recommendation approved on a voice vote.
Recommend Approval - Pending Funding | |
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| | | 6d. | Todd Holland request installation of crosswalks on Barber Ave. at Ericsson St. across both directions.
# 7l CC May 28, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairman Councilor Wally read the item and asked if there was anyone present who wanted to speak; seeing no one the Chair requested Mr. Khorasani to provide the committee with his recommendation and he recommended Approval for crosswalk across Barber Ave south side and Recommended to File crosswalk request across Ericsson St. – utility conflicts. Recommendation approved as amended on a voice vote.
Recommend Approval, as amended | |
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| | | 6e. | Todd Holland request installation of crosswalks on Barber Ave. at Watson Ave. across both directions.
# 7m CC May 28, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairman Councilor Wally read the item and asked if there was anyone present who wanted to speak; seeing no one the Chair requested Mr. Khorasani to provide the committee with his recommendation and he recommended Approval for crosswalk across Watson Ave south side and Recommended to File crosswalk request across Barber Ave. – utility conflicts. Recommendation approved as amended on a voice vote.
Recommend Approval, as amended | |
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| | | 6f. | Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Sheilagh Crotty request installation of a crosswalk across Grafton St. in the vicinity of its intersection with Standish St.
# 7k CC June 25, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairman Councilor Wally read the item. Mr. Khorasani requested the item be held at the request of the Petitioner. The Chair recommended to Hold. Recommendation approved on a voice vote
Recommend Hold | |
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| | | 6g. | Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson on behalf of Eric Wolpert request installation of a flashing pedestrian signal at the crosswalk in Burncoat St. at Wawecus Rd. adjacent to Wawecus Road School.
# 7m CC November 20, 2018 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairman Councilor Wally read the item and asked if there was anyone present who wanted to speak; Petitioner was present and spoke in favor. The Chair requested Mr. Khorasani to provide the committee with his recommendation and he recommended to File and to wait for a School Safety Report evaluating all crosswalks at schools. The Chair recommended to Approve and Councilor Mero-Carlson spoke in support. Recommend approval on a voice vote
Recommend Approval – Subject to funding | |
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| | | 7a. | Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson on behalf of Gary Vecchio request installation of "Yield to Pedestrian" signage for turning vehicles at 1). Lincoln Sq.; 2). the intersection of MLK Blvd. and Major Taylor Blvd.; and 3). the intersection of Summer St. and MLK Blvd.
# 7k CC October 3, 2017 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairman Councilor Wally read the item and asked if there was anyone present who wanted to speak; Petitioner was present and spoke in favor and stated that he was appalled and dismayed that it took 2 years to hear the petition and that it required a petition to have this signage installed. Mr. Vecchio request this signage be installed at every place this type of pedestrian signals are installed.
The Chair requested Mr. Khorasani to provide the committee with his recommendation and he stated the type of Pedestrian Signal described is a Concurrent signal and recommended to approve installation of “Yield to Pedestrian in Crosswalk” signage. Recommendation approved on a voice vote.
Recommend Approval and see Chairman’s Order below
| | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request Commissioner of Public Works & Parks place “Yield to Pedestrian in Crosswalk” signage at every location Concurrent Pedestrian Signals are installed. | |
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| | | 7b. | Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of a "Do Not Block Entrance" sign at the emergency entrance for ambulances at UMass Memorial.
# 8x CC September 12, 2018 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairman Councilor Wally read the item and recommended approval Recommendation approved on a voice vote.
Recommend Approval | |
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| | | 7c. | Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request the traffic lines on Burncoat St. from Randolph Rd. to Millbrook St. be permanently repainted.
# 7j CC May 29, 2018 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairman Councilor Wally read the item and recommended approval Recommendation approved on a voice vote.
Recommend Approval | |
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| | | 7d. | Petition of Councilor Khrystian E. King on behalf Ronald Caldwell, Jr. request installation of 30 Minute Parking from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. on both the Norfolk St. and Suffolk St. sides of City View Barbershop, located at 1 Suffolk St., which would accommodate six (6) parking spaces.
# 8e CC June 18, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairman Councilor Wally read the item and recognized the Petitioner who was present and spoke in favor. The Chair requested a recommendation from Mr. Khorasani and he recommended Approval for 4 spaces on Suffolk St. and 2 spaces on Norfolk St. Recommendation approved on a voice vote.
Recommend Approval
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| 8. | Traffic Study Petitions | |
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| | | 8a. | Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes on behalf of Pastor Walter Lucas request a traffic study and possible relocation, redesign or reconfiguration of the traffic patterns in the Chandler St. and Wellington St. area.
# 9f CC August 15, 2017 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairman Councilor Wally read the item and invited Councilor Lukes to comment. Mr. Khorisani stated Chandler St. has been approved for a MassDOT redesign. The Chair recommended to File. Recommendation approved on a voice vote.
Recommend File | |
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| | | 8b. | Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey request a traffic study for Whitman Rd. and Sagamore Rd. to find solutions to the increased traffic and speeding in this neighborhood.
# 8v CC September 12, 2018 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairman Councilor Wally read the item recommended to File. Recommendation approved on a voice vote. The Chair offered the following Chairman’s Order - Request Police Chief provide speed enforcement for Whitman Rd. and Sagamore Rd.
Recommend File - See Chairman's Order below | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request Police Chief provide speed enforcement for Whitman Rd. and Sagamore Rd. | |
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| | | 8c. | Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a traffic analysis at Coolidge Road and Copley Road.
# 9.10A CM September 5, 2017 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairman Councilor Wally read the item and recommended to File since all actions suggested in report have been implemented. Recommendation approved on a voice vote.
Recommend File | |
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