CITY OF WORCESTER | Traffic and Parking Committee Meeting | Wednesday, October 14, 2020 | Levi Lincoln (North) Chamber | Convened: 4:07 P.M. | Adjourned: 6:09 P.M. |
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Mayor
Joseph M. Petty | 
www.worcesterma.gov |
Clerk of the City Council
Nikolin Vangjeli | 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 | | | | | Also: | DPWP Assistant Director of Engineering Ali Khorasani
WPD Lieutenant Timothy Walsh
Deputy 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 September 16, 2020. | View Agenda | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays
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| | | 2a. | In order to ensure the continuation of active public engagement, the City of Worcester will now use a phone conference line for members of the public to participate in all public meetings. To participate during the public participation phase of City Council, you may call the direct line indicated: Levi Lincoln Chamber - 415-655-0001 (Access Code: 173 185 1803) or enter the below URL into your web browser. If you would like to raise your hand when in the meeting as a call-in user during public participation you may dial *3.
https://cowevents.webex.com/cowevents/onstage/g.php?MTID=e538012a8d5edc00b051099ddb99b7abb | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the following speaker:
1. Anne Rysell, Worcester resident, spoke concerning an item on a previous agenda.
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| 3. | Handicap Parking Petitions | |
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| | | 3a. | Diane and William Kacavich request installation of a handicap parking space large enough for two vehicles in front of 1 Astrid Avenue.
# 9y CC September 8, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Speakers:
1. Jan White, Clinton resident, spoke in opposition to item 3a
2. Matthew Kacavich, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item 3a
3.John Mangano, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item 3a
Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve the item, and discussed the speaker’s request to amend the item for a handicap parking space for one vehicle.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the process to amend the item with the Deputy City Clerk.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation as amended.
Recommend Approval as Amended to install one (1) handicap parking space on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 3b. | Ellen and Laurence Micol request removal of the handicap parking space in front of 53 Plantation St.
# 10b CC September 8, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve the item.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 3c. | Fakhri Khayoon request installation of a handicap parking space in the vicinity of 30 Lakeside Ave.
# 10e CC September 8, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file the item, as there are two existing handicap parking spaces at the location, and discussed the conditions for eligibility to park in handicap parking spaces.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 3d. | Councilor Sean M. Rose on behalf of Rosemary Carter request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 149 Institute Rd.
# 10r CC September 8, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and moved to recommend the item be placed on file.
Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 4a. | Councilor Sarai Rivera on behalf of Reverend Raul Elizalde request installation of “No Parking Anytime” signage in front of Iglesia Casa de Oracion, located at 21 Canterbury St.
# 8d CC August 11, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Speakers:
1. John Keyo, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item 4a
2. Amy Castillo, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item 4a
3. Reverend Raul Elizalde, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item 4a
4. Brian McPherson, Boston resident, spoke in favor of item 4a
5. Melvin Collins, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item 4a
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed information relative to the business owned by the speaker #5, and information relative to the operation and parking for the Church with speaker #5. Further, discussed “No Parking” signage with time limit, and information relative to the parking space and frontage space of the Church with the Assistant Director of Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to place the item on file, as there are businesses relying on on-street parking, and parking will be enforced within 5 feet of driveway.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who spoke concerning the item.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio put forth the following Chairman's Order: request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Park work with the City Clerk to determine if a parking signage previously existed in front of 21 Canterbury Street.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Park work with the City Clerk to determine if any parking restrictions previously existed in front of 21 Canterbury St. | |
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| | | 4b. | Thao Le request removal of "No Parking Anytime" restrictions in the vicinity of 141 Cambridge St. to allow for parking on both sides of the street.
# 7p CC July 21, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to place the item on file, as there are two handicap parking spaces in this area, and parking is allowed in front of 141 Cambridge Street.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the hierarchy of priority between No Parking Anytime signage and Handicap Parking signage with the Assistant Director of Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 5a. | Councilor Sean M. Rose on behalf of Frank Pupillo request installation of a four-way stop sign at the intersection of Fairhaven Rd. and Eunice Ave.
# 10q CC September 8, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and moved to take the item collectively with Item #5b CC, #5c CC, and #5e CC.
Speakers:
1. Frank Pupillo, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item 5a
2. Phil Cournoyer, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item 5b
3. Patrick Cawley, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item 5c
4. Migena Masha, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item 5c
5. Mark Jablonski, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item 5c
6. Edith Morgan, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item 5c
7. Wendy Chase, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item 5e
8. Lisa Fitton, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item 5e
9. Denise Mundy, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item 5e
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who discussed the traffic issues on Fairhaven Rd.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to place items #5a CC, #5b CC, and #5c CC on file, as four-way stop signs are not warranted: for item #5a CC, there are existing stop signs on each street at the intersection; for item #5b CC, Abington Street is a private street; for item #5c CC, two legs of the intersection are effectively dead-end streets. Further, recommended item #5e CC be placed on file, as one leg of Royal Road has a stop sign, and the other leg is a private street.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the requirements for a four-way stop sign with the Assistant Director of Engineering, and brought forth the following Chairman's Orders: 1) Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council, prior to its next meeting, with a legal opinion concerning whether it is feasible to have temporary four-way stop signs without violating the warrants of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices; 2) Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council a legal opinion concerning whether any traffic control devices that are in violation of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices can be rectified with their removal prior to their jeopardizing the city's access to federal funds for future projects.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to recommend the items be held.
Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council, prior to its next meeting, with a legal opinion concerning whether it is feasible to have temporary four-way stop signs without violating the warrants of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. | | | | Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council a legal opinion concerning whether any traffic control devices that are in violation of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices can be rectified with their removal prior to their jeopardizing the city's access to federal funds for future projects. | |
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| | | 5b. | Phil Cournoyer et al. request installation of a four-way stop sign at the intersection of Victor Ave. and Abington St.
# 10g CC September 8, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays (see Item #5a CC) | |
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| | | 5c. | Edith Morgan et al. request installation of a four-way stop sign at the intersection of Uxbridge St. and Shattuck St.
# 7m CC August 11, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays (see Item #5a CC) | |
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| | | 5d. | Kristen Morgan request installation of a stop sign at the intersection of Onset St. and Pine Hill Rd.
# 7x CC August 11, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to place the item on file, as Pine Hill Road is a private street, and Onset Street is a short dead-end street.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be held.
Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 5e. | Wendy Chase request installation of a four-way stop sign at the intersection of Royal Rd. and Edlin St.
# 7y CC August 11, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays (see Item #5a CC) | |
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| | | 6a. | Denis Leary request installation of "Thickly Settled" sign on Melrose St.
# 10j CC September 8, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Speakers:
1. Denis Leary, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items 6a, 6b, and 7a
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Deputy City Clerk, who discussed communication concerning the outcomes of the meeting with the speaker.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the speaker, who discussed private funding for the radar detection speed sign with the Assistant Director of Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve the item.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 6b. | Denis Leary request installation of speed limit signage on Melrose St.
# 10h CC September 8, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file the item, as prima facie speed limit applies, and WPD can enforce the prima facie speed limit at any time.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio discussed the recommendation relative to the request made by the petitioner with the Assistant Director of Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the WPD Lieutenant, who discussed speed enforcement by WPD on Melrose Street.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 6c. | Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson on behalf of Michael Scaglione request installation of “Do Not Block Street” signage on Belmont St. at its intersection with Alvarado Ave.
# 8f CC August 11, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Speakers:
1. Michael Scaglione, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item 6c
Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve the item.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 6d. | Harvey Bloomfield et al. request installation of "Speed Limit" or "Drive Slow" signs on Lantern Ln.
# 9g CC June 2, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file for the speed limit sign, as the prima facie speed limit applies; and a recommendation to approve a “Thickly Settled” sign.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who spoke concerning the item.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who spoke concerning the item.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval to install a "Thickly Settled Sign" on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 6e. | Councilor Matthew E. Wally request the removal of the I-290 sign in front of 812 Pleasant St.
# 8b CC May 26, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve the item.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed whether consultation with MassDOT is required prior to relocation of highway signs with the Assistant Director of Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 6f. | Kathy Sundstrom request installation of Neighborhood Crime Watch Area sign on pole bordering the Plantation Condominiums on the Lincoln St. side.
# 7c CC January 31, 2017 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to refer the item to the Worcester Police Department.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Referral to the Worcester Police Department on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
| 7. | Miscellaneous Petitions | |
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| | | 7a. | Denis Leary request installation of electronic speed monitor on Melrose St.
# 10i CC September 8, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Speakers:
1. Andrea Mattei, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item 7a
Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve the item, pending availability of funding.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the price estimation for electronic speed monitors and private funding with the Assistant Director of Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the WPD Lieutenant, who discussed the price range for electronic speed monitors.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 7b. | Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request the solid white, fog lines on the surface of Lincoln St. from I-290 to the intersection of Burncoat St. and Lincoln St. be repainted.
# 10l CC September 8, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve the item.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 7c. | Councilor Matthew E. Wally and Councilor Gary Rosen on behalf of Harold Boucher request increased speed enforcement on Olean St.
# 8b CC August 11, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Speakers,
1. Judy (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item 7c
2. Harold Boucher, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item 7c
3. Richard (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item 7c
Vice Chairperson Councilor Rose recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed details concerning speed enforcement requests with the WPD Lieutenant.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized speaker #2, who discussed traffic enforcement on Mill St, and expectations relative to traffic enforcement request on Olean St. with the WPD Lieutenant.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed speed limit enforcement issues with speaker #2.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve the item, pending availability of funding.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 7d. | John and Kristina Brand request installation of temporary speed radar north of Mountain St. West.
# 7r CC August 11, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Speakers:
1. Kristina Brand, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item 7d
Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve the item, pending availability of funding.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who discussed previous data from electronic speed monitors for Mountain St. West with the WPD Lieutenant
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 7e. | John and Kristina Brand request installation of temporary speed radar south of I-190 exit on West Boylston St.
# 7s CC August 11, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve the item, pending availability of funding.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 7f. | Mayor Joseph M. Petty request installation of speed calming measures on Seymour St. from Vernon St. to Millbury St.
# 7b CC May 12, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve the item yo install temporary speed radar, pending availability of WPD.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the speed hump program and its potential to alleviate the need for electronic speed monitors.
Chairperson Councilor moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval to provide temporary speed radar on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
| 8. | Crosswalk and Lighted Crosswalk System Petitions | |
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| | | 8a. | John and Kristina Brand request installation of pedestrian crossing in the vicinity of Jerry's Hardware, located at 1154 West Boylston St.
# 7q CC August 11, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve the item.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who discussed discussed the traffic research done on Tyson Road relative to the Tyson Road truck ban petition with the Assistant Director of Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 8b. | Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Michael Carbonneau request installation of a crosswalk on Greenwood St. at its intersection with Ekman St. in the vicinity of the bus stop.
# 7n CC July 21, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file the item, as there are insufficient sight distances, and there is a crosswalk 200-240 feet on either side of this location.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the recommendation provided by the Assistant Director of Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
| 9. | Traffic Control Signal Petitions | |
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| | | 9a. | Justice Love Real request installation of traffic lights at the intersection of Pleasant St. and West St.
# 7d CC February 4, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file the item, as flashing pedestrian lights were recently installed at the location.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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