CITY OF WORCESTER | Traffic and Parking Committee Meeting | Wednesday, October 23, 2019 | Esther Howland (South) Chamber | Convened: 6:04 P.M. | Adjourned: 7:01 PM |
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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 Commissioner of Traffic Engineering Ali Khorasani;
DPWP Junior Engineer Michael Murphy;
WPD Lieutenant Timothy Walsh;
Senior Transportation Planner Brian Pigeon;
Assistant City Clerk Stpehn A.J. Pottle, clerk | | | |
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| | | 1a. | Order - That the City Council Standing Committee of Traffic and Parking hereby approves the minutes of the Traffic and Parking Committee meeting of August 14, 2019. | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Wally read the Item and moved to approve the minutes of the August 14, 2019 Traffic and Parking Committee meeting. Motion approved on a voice vote. - Order Adopted | |
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| | | 1b. | Order - That the City Council Standing Committee of Traffic and Parking hereby approves the minutes of the Traffic and Parking Committee meeting of September 18, 2019. | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Wally read the Item and moved to approve the minutes of the September 18, 2019 Traffic and Parking Committee meeting. Motion approved on a voice vote. - Order Approved | |
| 2. | Handicap Parking Petitions | |
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| | | 2a. | Fakhriya Nashari request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 24 Lyon St.
# 8c CC June 18, 2019
In Committee September 18, 2019 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Wally read the item and asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak; seeing no one the Chair requested Mr. Khorasani to provide the committee with his recommendation. Mr. Khorasani recommended the petition be filed, as they could not contact the petitioner and needed information concerning the petitioner’s driveway. Recommendation approved on a voice vote.
Recommend File
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| | | 2b. | Teresa Castillo request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 31 Haynes St.
# 9e CC September 17, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Wally read the item and asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak; Chairperson Councilor Wally recognized the petitioner, who spoke in favor of the item. Chairperson Councilor Wally requested Mr. Khorasani to provide the committee with his recommendation. Mr. Khorasani recommended the petition be filed, as the petitioner is the owner of the property and has access to a driveway. Recommendation approved on a voice vote.
Recommend File
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| | | 2c. | Neftali Cruz request the two (2) handicap parking spaces in front of 69 Providence St. be removed.
# 9m CC September 17, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Wally read the item and asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak; Chairperson Councilor Wally recognized Marta Papaleo, Worcester resident, who spoke in favor of keeping the handicap parking spaces. Chairperson Councilor Wally requested Mr. Khorasani to provide the committee with his recommendation. Mr. Khorasani recommended the petition be approved, as the Traffic Engineering Department observed no one using the spaces. Chairperson Councilor Wally recommended one space be removed as a compromise, which all parties agreed would be fair. Chairperson Councilor Wally recognized Councilor Lukes, who clarified the location of the handicap parking space. Recommendation to remove one space approved on a voice vote.
Recommend Approval to remove one space
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| | | 2d. | Richard Powers request installation of a handicap parking in front of 1 Upsala St.
# 9s CC September 17, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Wally read the item and moved to take the item up collectively with #2e, which was approved on a voice vote. Chairperson Councilor Wally asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak; seeing no one the Chair requested Mr. Khorasani to provide the committee with his recommendation. Mr. Khorasani recommended the petition be approved. Recommendation approved on a voice vote.
Recommend Approval
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| | | 2e. | Richard Powers request the handicap parking space in front of 178 Vernon St. be removed.
# 9r CC September 17, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Wally read the item and moved to take the item up collectively with #2d, which was approved on a voice vote. Chairperson Councilor Wally asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak; seeing no one the Chair requested Mr. Khorasani to provide the committee with his recommendation. Mr. Khorasani recommended the petition be approved. Recommendation approved on a voice vote.
Recommend Approval
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| | | 2f. | Jonathan Pipes request installation of a handicap parking space on the Rugby St. side of 222 Ingleside Ave.
# 9e CC September 3, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Wally read the item and asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak; seeing no one the Chair requested Mr. Khorasani to provide the committee with his recommendation. Mr. Khorasani recommended the petition be approved. Recommendation approved on a voice vote.
Recommend Approval
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| | | 2g. | Sonia Diaz request installation of an additional handicap parking space in front of 23 Stanton St.
# 8u CC September 3, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Wally read the item and asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak; Chairperson Councilor Wally recognized Sonia Diaz, Worcester resident, who spoke in favor of the item. Chairperson Councilor Wally requested Mr. Khorasani to provide the committee with his recommendation. Mr. Khorasani recommended the petition be filed, and instead, the Department of Public Works would adjust the existing handicap parking spaces’ size and location so that it could be accessed by a wheelchair accessible van, which all parties agreed would be sufficient.
Chairperson Councilor Wally offered the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks adjust the existing handicap parking space in front of 23 Stanton St. so that the space can be used by a wheelchair accessible van.
Recommend File
| | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks adjust the existing handicap parking space in front of 23 Stanton St. so that the space can be used by a wheelchair accessible van. | |
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| | | 2h. | Esther Konah request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 35 Gardner St.
# 8w CC September 3, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Wally read the item and asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak; Chairperson Councilor Wally recognized Esther Konah, Worcester resident, who spoke in favor of the item. Chairperson Councilor Wally requested Mr. Khorasani to provide the committee with his recommendation. Mr. Khorasani recommended the petition be approved. Recommendation approved on a voice vote.
Recommend Approval
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| | | 2i. | Samantha LeRoy on behalf of Kya Providence request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 60 Eastern Ave.
# 8k CC August 13, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Wally read the item and asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak; seeing no one the Chair requested Mr. Khorasani to provide the committee with his recommendation. Mr. Khorasani recommended the petition be approved to install in front of 65 Eastern Ave. due to the street’s winter parking ban. Recommendation approved on a voice vote.
Recommend Approval to install a handicap parking space in front of 65 Eastern Ave.
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| | | 2j. | Brenda Nichols request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 32 Newbury St.
# 8l CC August 13, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Wally read the item and asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak; Chairperson Councilor Wally recognized Brenda Nichols, Worcester resident, who spoke in favor of the item. Chairperson Councilor Wally requested Mr. Khorasani to provide the committee with his recommendation. Mr. Khorasani stated the Traffic Engineering attempted to reach out to the petitioner to discuss existing handicap spaces already on the street and was not able to do so. Chairperson Councilor Wally recognized Councilor Lukes, who stated handicap parking spaces do not belong to anyone in particular and can be used by anyone with a handicap plate or placard. Chairperson Councilor Wally moved to approve the petition, which was approved on a voice vote.
Recommend Approval
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| | | 2k. | Robert Rourke request installation of a handicap parking space across from 20 Strathmore Rd.
# 8m CC August 13, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Wally read the item and asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak; Chairperson Councilor Wally recognized Robert Rourke, Worcester resident, who spoke in favor of the item. Chairperson Councilor Wally requested Mr. Khorasani to provide the committee with his recommendation. Mr. Khorasani recommended the petition be approved. Recommendation approved on a voice vote.
Recommend Approval
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| | | 2l. | Flor Portillo request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 21 Marion Ave.
# 8n CC August 13, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Wally read the item and asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak; Chairperson Councilor Wally recognized Flor Portillo, Worcester resident, who spoke in favor of the item. Chairperson Councilor Wally requested Mr. Khorasani to provide the committee with his recommendation. Mr. Khorasani recommended the petition be approved. Recommendation approved on a voice vote.
Recommend Approval
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| | | 2m. | Ron Adjami request the removal of a handicap parking space located at 488 Park Ave.
# 8o CC August 13, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Wally read the item and asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak; seeing no one the Chair requested Mr. Khorasani to provide the committee with his recommendation. Mr. Khorasani recommended the petition be given leave to withdraw at the petitioner’s request. Recommendation approved on a voice vote.
Recommend Leave to Withdraw
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| | | 2n. | Glenda Torres Amaro on behalf of Angel Torres-Baez request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 86 Arthur St.
# 8p CC August 13, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Wally read the item and asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak; Chairperson Councilor Wally recognized Glenda Torres Amaro, Worcester resident, and Flor Portillo, Worcester resident, who spoke in favor of the item. Chairperson Councilor Wally requested Mr. Khorasani to provide the committee with his recommendation. Mr. Khorasani recommended the petition be file due the petitioner having a driveway and being the owner of the property. Recommendation approved on a voice vote.
Recommend File | |
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| | | 2o. | Kwaku Obeng-Mensah request to relocate the handicap parking space from in front of 13 Tower St. to in front of 9 Tower St.
# 8q CC August 13, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Wally read the item and moved to take the item up collectively with #2p, which was approved on a voice vote. Chairperson Councilor Wally asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak; Chairperson Councilor Wally recognized Kwaku Obeng-Mensah, Worcester resident, as well as a resident of 13 Tower St., who did not provide their name, who both spoke in favor of the item. Chairperson Councilor Wally requested Mr. Khorasani to provide the committee with his recommendation. Mr. Khorasani recommended the petition be filed, as there would not be enough space between the handicap parking space and the abutting driveways to be in compliance with the 5’ driveway clearance regulation. Chairperson Councilor Wally made a motion to approve the petition, which was approved on a voice vote.
Recommend Approval
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| | | 2p. | Van Nguyen request the handicap parking space in front of 13 Tower St. be removed or relocated.
# 8m CC September 24, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Wally read the item and moved to take the item up collectively with #2o, which was approved on a voice vote.
Recommend File (See Item #2o) | |
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| | | 2q. | Salah Alzuhairy on behalf of Aday Alzuhairy request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 125 Chino Ave.
# 8g CC September 24, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Wally read the item and asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak; Chairperson Councilor Wally recognized Salah Alzuhairy, Worcester resident, who spoke in favor of the item. Chairperson Councilor Wally requested Mr. Khorasani to provide the committee with his recommendation. Mr. Khorasani recommended the petition be approved. Recommendation approved on a voice vote.
Recommend Approval
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| | | 2r. | Larry Flowers request handicap parking space in front of 110 Farrar Ave. be removed.
# 8i CC September 24, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Wally read the item and asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak; seeing no one the Chair requested Mr. Khorasani to provide the committee with his recommendation. Mr. Khorasani recommended the petition be approved. Recommendation approved on a voice vote.
Recommend Approval
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| 3. | Winter Parking Ban Petitions | |
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| | | 3a. | Mercedes Familia request the winter parking ban on Stoneland Rd. be amended from "No Parking" when declared on the even side to "No Parking" when declared on the odd side for the entire length of the street.
# 9j CC September 17, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Wally read the item and asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak; Chairperson Councilor Wally recognized Benjamin Shamaligian, Worcester resident, and Quan Do, Worcester resident, who both spoke in opposition to the item. Chairperson Councilor Wally requested Mr. Khorasani to provide the committee with his recommendation. Mr. Khorasani recommended the petition be filed. Recommendation approved on a voice vote.
Recommend File | |
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| | | 3b. | George Auden request the winter parking ban for Ingleside Ave., from Hamilton St. to Dartmouth St., be reversed to allow parking on the even side of the street when a declared parking ban is in effect.
# 9n CC September 17, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Wally read the item and asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak; Chairperson Councilor Wally recognized George Auden, Worcester resident, who spoke in favor of the item. Chairperson Councilor Wally requested Mr. Khorasani to provide the committee with his recommendation. Mr. Khorasani recommended the petition be filed, as the amendment to the winter parking ban would provide confusion for snowplow operators. Recommendation approved on a voice vote.
Recommend File
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| | | 4a. | Councilor Matthew E. Wally on behalf of Mary Bejune request parking regulations be implemented to ensure emergency vehicles can access the road between houses number 2 and 12 Courtland St.
# 8s CC September 3, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Wally read the item and asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak; Chairperson Councilor Wally recognized Mary Bejune, Worcester resident, and James Mulhern, Worcester resident, who both spoke in favor of the item. Chairperson Councilor Wally also stated the Worcester Fire Department was in favor of the item. Chairperson Councilor Wally requested Mr. Khorasani to provide the committee with his recommendation. Mr. Khorasani recommended the petition be approved. Recommendation approved on a voice vote.
Recommend Approval
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| | | 5a. | Crystal Jackson request installation of a four-way stop sign at the intersection of Gardner St. and Southgate St.
# 6c CC June 4, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Wally read the item and asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak; Chairperson Councilor Wally recognized Crystal Jackson, Worcester resident, who spoke in favor of the item. Chairperson Councilor Wally requested Mr. Khorasani to provide the committee with his recommendation. Mr. Khorasani recommended the petition be filed, as the location does not meet the warrants for a multi-way stop area.
Chairperson Councilor Wally offered the following two Chairman’s Orders: 1) Request City Manager provide City Council with an accident report in the vicinity of the intersection of Gardner St. and Southgate St.; and 2) Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks repaint the crosswalk in the vicinity of the intersection of Gardner St. and Southgate St. Approved on a voice vote.
Chairperson Councilor Wally moved to hold the item, which was approved on a voice vote.
Recommend Hold
| | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager provide City Council with an accident report in the vicinity of the intersection of Gardner St. and Southgate St. | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks repaint the crosswalk in the vicinity of the intersection of Gardner St. and Southgate St. | |
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| | | 5b. | Karen Bird et al request installation of a stop sign in Hamilton St. at Orient St.
# 9k CC September 17, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Action: Chairperson Councilor Wally read the item and asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak; Chairperson Councilor Wally recognized Karen Bird, Worcester resident, who spoke in favor of the item. Chairperson Councilor Wally requested Mr. Khorasani to provide the committee with his recommendation. Mr. Khorasani recommended the petition be filed, as the intersection would be undergoing major construction to alleviate traffic concerns.
Chairperson Councilor Wally offered the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager trim the tree blocking the stop sign at the intersection of Hamilton St. and Orient St. Approved on a voice vote.
Mr. Khorasani’s recommendation approved on a voice vote.
Recommend File
| | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks to trim the tree blocking the stop sign at the intersection of Hamilton St. and Orient St. | |
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| | | 6a. | Karen Bird et al request installation of "No Left Turn" signage on Orient St. at Hamilton St.
# 9l CC September 17, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Wally read the item and asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak; Chairperson Councilor Wally recognized Karen Bird, Worcester resident, who spoke in favor of the item. Chairperson Councilor Wally requested Mr. Khorasani to provide the committee with his recommendation. Mr. Khorasani recommended the petition be filed, as the intersection would be undergoing major construction to alleviate traffic concerns.
Chairperson Councilor Wally offered the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager reconfigure the “No Left Turn” signage at the intersection of Orient St. and Hamilton St. so that it is more visible for drivers. Approved on a voice vote.
Mr. Khorasani’s recommendation approved on a voice vote.
Recommend File | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks to reconfigure the “No Left Turn” signage at the intersection of Orient St. and Hamilton St. so that it is more visible for drivers. | |
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| | | 6b. | Karen Bird et al request installation of speed limit and children signage on Thorne St., Orient St. and Chrome St. Further, request for speed and traffic surveillance on Thorne St., Orient St. and Chrome St.
# 9u CC July 23, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Wally read the item and asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak; Chairperson Councilor Wally recognized Karen Bird, Worcester resident, who spoke in favor of the item. Chairperson Councilor Wally requested Mr. Khorasani to provide the committee with his recommendation. Mr. Khorasani recommended the petition be filed, as the street’s speed limit is prima facie, and children advisory signage are non-standard signs with limited effectiveness. Mr. Khorasani also recommended there be an approval for enforcement of speeding in the vicinity of Thorne St., Orient St. and Chrome St. Recommendation approved on a voice vote.
Recommend Approval to provide speed enforcement in the vicinity of Thorne St., Orient St. and Chrome St.
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| | | 6c. | Mayor Joseph M. Petty and Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of a crosswalk in Green St. in the vicinity of the Crompton Collective Building.
# 7i CC June 25, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Wally read the item and asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak; seeing no one the Chair requested Mr. Khorasani to provide the committee with his recommendation. Mr. Khorasani recommended the petition be filed, as the area will be evaluated for pedestrian access during the Polar Park design. Chairperson Councilor Wally recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who spoke in favor of the item, stating temporary safety measures for pedestrians should occur while the Polar Park design takes place. Chairperson Councilor Wally moved to install a temporary crosswalk in Green St. in the vicinity of the Crompton Collective Building, which was approved on a voice vote.
Recommend Approval to install a temporary crosswalk in Green St. in the vicinity of the Crompton Collective Building during the Polar Park design process.
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| | | 6d. | Chairman's Order from Youth, Parks and Recreation Committee - Request Standing Committee on Traffic and Parking consider the need for striping Coes St. down the middle as a deterrent for motorists that are driving too fast and on the wrong side of the road.
# 7t CC June 11, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Wally read the item and asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak; seeing no one the Chair requested Mr. Khorasani to provide the committee with his recommendation. Mr. Khorasani recommended the petition be approved. Recommendation approved on a voice vote.
Recommend Approval
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