CITY OF WORCESTER | Traffic and Parking Committee Meeting | Wednesday, March 11, 2020 | Esther Howland (South) Chamber | Convened: 6:01 P.M. | Adjourned: 7:46 P.M. |
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Mayor
Joseph M. Petty | 
www.worcesterma.gov |
Clerk of the City Council
Susan M. Ledoux | Committee Members | | Chairperson Donna M Colorio | | Vice Chairperson Sean M Rose | | Councilor Morris A Bergman |
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City Hall - 455 Main Street Worcester, Massachusetts | |
| Present Were: | Chairperson Councilor Donna M. Colorio
Councilor Sean M. Rose
Councilor Morris A. Bergman arrived at 6:03 P.M.
| | | | | Also: | Assistant Director of Traffic Engineering Ali Khorasani
DPWP Junior Engineer Michael Murphy
Senior Transportation Planner Brian Pigeon
WPD Lieutenant Timothy Walsh
Assistant City Clerk Stephen A.J. Pottle, clerk | | | |
| 1. | Approval of the Minutes | |
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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 February 12, 2020. | View Agenda | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and moved to adopt the item. Order adopted. | |
| 2. | Handicap Parking Petition | |
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| | | 2a. | Isabel Santiago Pollock request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 6 Newport St.
# 9e CC December 17, 2019
In Committee February 12, 2020 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Traffic Engineering, who provided a recommendation to place the item. Chairperson Councilor Colorio made a motion to accept the recommendation, which was approved on a voice vote.
Recommend File. | |
| 3. | Crosswalk and Lighted Crosswalk System Petitions | |
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| | | 3a. | Councilor Sarai Rivera on behalf of Jack Delehanty request the timing for the pedestrian crossing light at the intersection of Park Ave. and May St. be adjusted to provide more time for people to cross safely.
# 8d CC November 19, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Traffic Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve the item.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the standard interval timing for pedestrian crossing lights with the Assistant Director of Traffic Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio made a motion to accept the recommendation, which was approved on a voice vote.
Recommend Approval. | |
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| | | 3b. | Councilor Khrystian E. King and Councilor Sean M. Rose request consideration for the removal or relocation of the crosswalk at the apex of the hill between Assumption College and St. Mary’s Albanian Orthodox Church, located at 535 Salisbury St., in the interest of public safety.
# 7i CC October 29, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized Councilor Rose, who spoke to the need for approval of this item as a result of an accident that occurred in the vicinity of this crosswalk and a solar glare that blinds motorists from seeing pedestrians crossing the street.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio and the members of the Committee discussed the feasibility of removing a second crosswalk in the vicinity of the area with the Assistant Director of Traffic Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to amend the item to include the removal of both crosswalks in the vicinity of St. Mary’s Albanian Orthodox Church and hold the item until the Committee’s next meeting, which was approved on a voice vote.
Recommend Hold and Amend to include the removal of both crosswalks in the vicinity of St. Mary’s Albanian Orthodox Church | |
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| | | 3c. | Nancy Garr-Colzie request the Pedestrian Crossing Signal button on the island at 1062 Main St. be modified so as to allow a wheelchair user access and the ability to reach the crossing signal.
# 9f CC September 17, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Traffic Engineering, who provide a recommendation to place the item on file.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio made a motion to accept the recommendation, which was approved on a voice vote.
Recommend File. | |
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| | | 4a. | Dennis Lipka, WRTA Administrator, request installation of various inbound and outbound bus stops on Sunderland Rd. as described in the attachment.
# 8e CC December 10, 2019
In Committee February 12, 2020 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to take up items #4a and #4b collectively, which was approved on a voice vote. Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the items and recognized the Assistant Director of Traffic Engineering, who recommended both items be approved.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio made a motion to accept the recommendation, which was approved on a voice vote.
Recommend Approval | |
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| | | 4b. | Dennis Lipka, WRTA Administrator, request installation of an inbound bus stops on Norwich St. as described in the attachment.
# 8f CC December 10, 2019
In Committee February 12, 2020 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Recommend Approval (See Item #4a) | |
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| | | 5a. | Laurey Cousins request installation of "No Parking Here to Corner" signage at the intersection of Hartshorn Ave. and Rupert St.
# 7c CC January 22, 2019
In Committee February 12, 2020 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Traffic Engineering, who recommended the item be placed on file and that enforcement of existing traffic regulations be made in lieu of signage.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the following speakers:
1. Laurey Cousins, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of installing signage due to issues with individuals parking too close to the corner and her driveway
2. Miranda (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item, citing issues with parking on the street
3. (No name given), Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item
4. Aldrich Cousins, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of installing the signage
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who stated the belief enforcement may be able to resolve the issue.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the WPD Lieutenant, who discussed the ability to enforce the area and that he could discuss the issue with officers who currently patrol along the route in the area.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the notion that signage would likely be helpful when providing traffic enforcement.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio provided the following Chairman’s Order, which was approved on a voice vote: Request City Manager request Police Chief provide traffic enforcement in the vicinity of the intersection of Hartshorn Ave. and Rupert St.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recommend the item be held until the Traffic and Parking Committee meeting in April, which was approved on a voice vote.
Recommend Hold | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request Police Chief provide traffic enforcement in the vicinity of the intersection of Hartshorn Ave. and Rupert St. | |
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| | | 5b. | Councilor Sarai Rivera on behalf Roni Orozco and Pastor Raul Elizalde request installation of “No Parking Anytime” signage in front of Casa de Oracion, located at 21 Canterbury St.
# 6j CC February 11, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Traffic Engineering, who recommended the item be placed on file and that enforcement of existing traffic regulations be made in lieu of signage.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio provided the following Chairman’s Order, which was approved on a voice vote: Request City Manager request Police Chief provide traffic enforcement in the vicinity of Casa de Oracion, located at 21 Canterbury St.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio made a motion to accept the recommendation, which was approved on a voice vote.
Recommend File. | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request Police Chief provide traffic enforcement in the vicinity of Casa de Oracion, located at 21 Canterbury St. | |
| 6. | Resident Permit Parking Petitions | |
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| | | 6a. | Patricia Horgan et al request installation of resident permit parking on Reynolds St.
# 8b CC April 30, 2019
In Committee September 18, 2019 - Held
In Committee February 12, 2020 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Traffic Engineering, who recommended the item be placed on file.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Principal of Norrback Elementary School, who spoke to issues related to parking in the neighborhood and assisting with student pickup and drop-offs.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the difficulty for the Police Department to enforce resident permit parking during the short windows of time for student pickups and drop-offs with the WPD Lieutenant.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the following Chairman’s Order brought forth by Councilor Bergman, which was approved on a voice vote: Request City Manager request the City Solicitor provide City Council with a legal opinion as to what types of institutions are included in the definition of institutional effect as it relates to resident permit parking.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who spoke to the difficulties of balancing needing to allow kids space for pickup and drop-off and the needs of parking in the neighborhood.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the following Chairman’s Order brought forth by Councilor Bergman, which was approved on a voice vote: Request City Manager request Superintendent of Public Schools provide City Council with a report concerning the feasibility of staggering the release times within various public schools and whether that would help traffic situations during student pickups and drop-offs.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio provided the following Chairman’s Order, which was approved on a voice vote: Request City Manager request Police Chief provide traffic enforcement during pickups and drop-offs at Norrback Elementary School to ensure motorists are not blocking driveways in the neighborhood.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio made a motion to accept the recommendation, which was approved on a voice vote.
Recommend File. | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request the City Solicitor provide City Council with a legal opinion as to what types of institutions are included in the definition of institutional effect as it relates to resident permit parking. | | | | Request City Manager request Superintendent of Public Schools provide City Council with a report concerning the feasibility of staggering the release times within various public schools and whether that would help traffic situations during student pickups and drop-offs. | | | | Request City Manager request Police Chief provide traffic enforcement during pickups and drop-offs at Norrback Elementary School to ensure motorists are not blocking driveways in the neighborhood. | |
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| | | 6b. | George Auden request installation of resident permit parking on Ingleside Ave., from Dartmouth St. to Hamilton St.
# 9o CC September 17, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Traffic Engineering, who recommend the item be placed on file, as there were no institutional effects in the area.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the WPD Liuetenant, who concurred with the Department of Public Works recommendation.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio made a motion to accept the recommendation, which was approved on a voice vote.
Recommend File. | |
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| | | 6c. | Magdalene Ngala request existing resident permit parking on Congress St., from Crown St. to a point 214' west of Crown St. 7 a.m. 4 p.m. be expanded to be in effect at all times.
# 8h CC October 15, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Traffic Engineering, who recommended the item be approved.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio made a motion to accept the recommendation, which was approved on a voice vote.
Recommend Approval. | |
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| | | 6d. | Cara Girard request installation of resident permit parking in Dominion Rd. from Ansonia Rd. to Lake Ave. North.
# 8f CC October 15, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Traffic Engineering, who recommended the item be approved.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio made a motion to accept the recommendation, which was approved on a voice vote.
Recommend Approval. | |
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| | | 7a. | Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of a "Blind Driveway" sign at the intersection of Ansonia Rd. and Dominion Rd.
# 7q CC July 17, 2018 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Traffic Engineering, who recommend the item be placed on file.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who moved to hold the item in order to obtain more information on the request from the petitioner, which was approved on a voice vote.
Recommend Hold. | |
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| | | 7b. | Councilor Matthew E. Wally request installation of traffic advisory signage in Bailey St., in the approach to the crosswalk, warning motorists of the crosswalk including "Thickly Settled" signage and "Yield to Pedestrian" signage.
# 8p CC December 18, 2018
In Committee February 20, 2019 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Traffic Engineering, who recommend the item be placed on file and that a work order would be issued to replace the missing “Thickly Settled” signage.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who moved to hold the item in order to obtain more information on the request from the petitioner, which was approved on a voice vote.
Recommend Hold. | |
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| | | 7c. | Councilor Sean M. Rose request installation of "Dead End" or "Not a Thru Way" signage in St. Paul Dr.
# 8q CC September 3, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Traffic Engineering, who recommended the item be approved.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who agreed with the recommendation brought forth by the Assistant Director of Traffic Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio made a motion to accept the recommendation, which was approved on a voice vote.
Recommend Approval. | |
| 8. | Miscellaneous Petitions | |
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| | | 8a. | Kelly Fitzpatrick request Agate Ave., from Lake View St. to Anna St. be made a one-way street from 8 a.m. - 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. on school days.
# 8i CC October 15, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Traffic Engineering, who recommended the item be placed on file.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the members of the Committee, who both agreed with the recommendation.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio made a motion to accept the recommendation, which was approved on a voice vote.
Recommend File. | |
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| | | 8b. | Walter Shea request installation of a stop sign on both sides of Institute Rd. at the corner of Wachusett St.
# 8h CC September 24, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Traffic Engineering, who recommended the item be placed on file, as the location would not meet the warrants for a multiway stop.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who moved to hold the item at the request of the petitioner, which was approved on a voice vote.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to make the item part of the agenda at the Committee’s next meeting, which was approved on a voice vote.
Recommend Hold. | |
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| | | 8c. | Councilor Sean M. Rose, Councilor Gary Rosen and Councilor Matthew E. Wally request installation of a blinking light on the island of Flagg St. and Salisbury St.
# 7g CC October 29, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Traffic Engineering, who recommended the item be approved, subject to funding.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio held a discussion with the members of the Committee, who all spoke to the need of the approval of the item.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio made a motion to accept the recommendation, which was approved on a voice vote.
Recommend Approval | |
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| | | 8d. | Councilor Sean M. Rose request the double lines on Leslie Rd. be repainted.
# 8h CC November 19, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Traffic Engineering, who recommended the item be placed on file due to a low volume of traffic and no painted lines ever existing on the street.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio made a motion to accept the recommendation, which was approved on a voice vote.
Recommend File. | |
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