CITY OF WORCESTER | Traffic and Parking Committee Meeting | Wednesday, November 18, 2020 | Levi Lincoln (North) Chamber | Convened: 4:19 P.M. | Adjourned: 6:40 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 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 October 14, 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 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rose absent) | |
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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: 173 784 4869) 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=edee93b0a95cacc2ace94bf7d20e5f554 | Attachments |
| 3. | Handicap Parking Petitions | |
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| | | 3a. | Steven Gallati request the handicap parking space located at 25 Shelby St. be removed.
# 8d CC October 13, 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 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rose absent) | |
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| | | 3b. | Cristino Rivera and Alma Arias request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 5 Ashmont Ave.
# 8f CC October 6, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Speakers:
1. Pat (no last name given), Barre resident, spoke in favor of the item
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 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rose absent) | |
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| | | 3c. | Andrea Matthews et al. request the handicap parking space in front of 53 Raymond St. be removed.
# 8i CC October 6, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Speakers:
1. Joseph Cummings, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item
2. Ismene Michaud, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file the item, as the handicap parking space is still in use by another resident.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed public participation by the petitioner with the Deputy City Clerk, and then discussed the original applicant for the handicap parking space 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 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rose absent) | |
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| | | 3d. | Antigoni Kole request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 33 Dale St.
# 8k CC October 6, 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 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rose absent) | |
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| | | 3e. | Jennifer McGinty request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 24 William St.
# 7f CC September 29, 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 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rose absent) | |
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| | | 3f. | James Wadlington et al. request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 1 Beaver St.
# 7h CC September 29, 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 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rose absent) | |
| 4. | Crosswalk and Lighted Crosswalk System Petition | |
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| | | 4a. | Jack Duffy-Protentis request installation of an audio crosswalk signal at the corner of Highland St. and Dean St.
# 9h CC December 17, 2019
In Committee May 13, 2020 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to hold the item, as a traffic study needs to be conducted in the area.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the timetable and challenges concerning the traffic study with the Assistant Director of Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Deputy City Clerk, who provided a suggestion to potentially create a Chairman's Order concerning the traffic study for the area.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman's Order: Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide report concerning the traffic study for the intersection of Highland St. and Dean St. relative to the need of an audio crosswalk signal.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rose absent) | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report concerning the traffic study for the intersection of Highland St. and Dean St. relative to the need of an audio crosswalk signal. | |
| 5. | Resident Permit Parking Petitions | |
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| | | 5a. | Councilor Morris A. Bergman request resident permit parking sign at 22 Wilson St. be replaced/reinstalled.
# 8c CC October 13, 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 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rose absent) | |
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| | | 5b. | Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Sarah Stillman request the installation of resident permit parking on the even side of Euclid Ave. from Vernon St. to its intersection with Sterling St.
# 9c CC September 15, 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 no institutional effects.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who spoke concerning previous Chairman's Orders requesting information relative to institutional effects and future issues concerning institutional effects.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rose absent) | |
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| | | 5c. | Christopher Crowley, Manager of Goodman Property Holdings, LLC., request the existing residential permit parking on East Central St. be extended to include 99 East Central St.
# 10a CC September 8, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Speakers:
1. Christopher Crowley, no residence given, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and moved to take the Item up with Item #8b collectively.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve Item #5c, and spoke concerning Item #8b, which is in conflict with Item #5c.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed the impact of extending the residential permit parking on the commercial space in front of 99 East Central St.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Speaker #1, who discussed resident permit parking regulations for night time in commercial area with the Assistant Director of Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio discussed the potential procedural steps to allow the petitions to accurately reflect the petitioner's requests with the Assistant Director of Engineering and the Deputy City Clerk.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the proposed alternatives for the petitions with Speaker #1 and the Assistant Director of Engineering and the Deputy City Clerk.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to amend the item to read as follows: Christopher Crowley, Manager of Goodman Property Holdings, LLC., request the existing residential permit parking on East Central St. be amended to occur between 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. and be extended to include 99 East Central St. and; to recommend the item be held.
Recommend Hold and Amend on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rose absent) | |
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| | | 6a. | Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Joanne Troiano request installation of a stop sign at the beginning of the entrance to Sunderland Rd. from Short St.
# 9d CC September 15, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Speakers:
1. Joanne Troiano, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
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 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rose absent) | |
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| | | 6b. | Councilor Donna M. Colorio and Mayor Joseph M. Petty on behalf of Michael Doherty and the the Grove St./Parkton St. neighborhood request installation of a stop sign on the corner of Parkton St. going into Grove St.
# 10n CC September 8, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Speakers:
1. Michael Doherty, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file the item, as the eastbound (public) section has a stop sign, and the westbound is a private street.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio discussed a previous Chairman's Order concerning traffic signage on private street with the Deputy City Clerk.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who brought forth the following Chairman's Order: Request City Manager provide an update concerning a previous Chairman's Order relative to traffic signage on private streets. Councilor Bergman then discussed the possibility and legality of properties owners on private streets installing traffic signage on private streets using their own resources with the Assistant Director of Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be held.
Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rose absent) | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning a previously requested Chairman's Order relative to any authority the city has to install signage on a private street. | |
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| | | 6c. | Lisa and Robert Stake request installation of a stop sign on Quaker Rd. at its intersection with Foxmeadow Dr.
# 10k CC September 8, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Speakers:
1. Lisa Stake, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve the item for two stop signs, one facing northbound traffic and one facing westbound traffic on Quaker Road.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval to install two stop signs, one facing northbound traffic and one facing westbound traffic on Quaker Road on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rose absent) | |
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| | | 6d. | Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson on behalf of Ann Marie Gilchrist request installation of stops signs in both directions of Plantation St. at Tampa St.
# 8e CC August 11, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and moved to the item up collectively with Item #6e and #6f.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to recommend item be held.
Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rose absent) | |
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| | | 6e. | Mary Neil Diggins et al. request installation of a four way blinking stop sign at the intersection of Tyson Rd. and Burncoat St.
# 7t CC August 11, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Speakers:
1. Robert Leon, West Boylston resident, spoke in favor of the item
2. Anne Rysell, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
3. Mary Diggins, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
4. Paul Bleau, West Boylston resident, spoke in favor of the item
5. Joanne Rivelli, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
6. Shawn Seymour, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rose absent) (See Item #6d CC) | |
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| | | 6f. | Wendy Chase request installation of a four-way stop sign at the intersection of Royal Rd. and Edlin St.
# 7y CC August 11, 2020
In Committee October 14, 2020 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rose absent) (See Item #6d CC) | |
| 7. | Traffic Control Signal Petitions | |
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| | | 7a. | Brian Dutremble request re-evaluation of traffic lights at the intersection of West Boylston St. and Mountain St. East/West to determine the appropriateness of restoring green arrows for protected turns.
# 7u 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 moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rose absent) | |
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| | | 8a. | Suzanne Burke et al. request installation of blind curve advisory signage on both sides of Richmond Ave., between 121 Richmond Ave. (at Audubon Rd.) and 130 Richmond Ave.
# 8g CC September 22, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Speakers:
1. William O’Connell, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
2. Sandra Meltzer, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
3. Scott Parkman, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
4. Suzanne Burke, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve the item for the installation of a curve warning sign in each direction.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who spoke concerning the item.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval to install a curve warning sign in each direction. | |
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| | | 8b. | Christopher Crowley, Manager of Goodman Property Holdings, LLC., request the commercial loading zone in front of 99 East Central St. be changed to two hour parking zone.
# 9z CC September 8, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Speakers:
1. Christopher Crowley, no residence given, spoke in favor of the item
Recommend File on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rose absent) (See Item #5c CC) | |
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| | | 8c. | Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of James DiGiorno request installation of a "No Left Turn" restriction into Whitla Dr. from Lake Ave. between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
# 8c CC August 11, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file the item, as the restriction will not be effective and will be difficult to enforce.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who provided a request to hold the item for further communication with the petitioners.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to recommend Item be held.
Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rose absent) | |
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| | | 8d. | John and Kristina Brand request installation of two (2) speed limit signs on West Boylston St. between the I-190 ramp and Mountain St. East.
# 7o CC August 11, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Speakers:
1. Kristina Brand, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
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 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rose absent) | |
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| | | 8e. | Kristen Morgan request installation of a "Dead End" sign at the intersection of Pine Hill Rd. and Onset St.
# 7w 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 moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rose absent) | |
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| | | 8f. | Annette Novia request installation of two children advisory signs on Scandinavia Ave. before 47 Scandinavia Ave. and after 34 Scandinavia Ave.
# 7o 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 Scandinavia Ave. is a private street.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the legality and possibility of traffic advisory signage be installed by properties owners on the street with the Assistant Director of Engineering. Councilor Bergman then discussed public participation by the petitioner with the Deputy City Clerk.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rose absent) | |
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| | | 8g. | Councilor Donna M. Colorio request installation of a “No Left Turn” sign at the bottom of Beechmont St. driving onto Salisbury St.
# 9e CC June 30, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Speakers:
1. Michael Sokal, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition of the item
2. Thomas Murray, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition of the item
3. Jay Egan, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
4. Gordon Duncan, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition of the item
5. John Harrity, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition of the item
6. Patricia King, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and discussed whether there are existing statistical data on traffic accidents in the vicinity of intersection of Beechmont St. and Salisbury St. going left, and/or Salisbury St. and Burgess Rd. going left with the WPD Lieutenant.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman's Order: Request City Manager request Police Chief provide City Council with a report relative to traffic accidents in the vicinity of intersection of Beechmont St. and Salisbury St. going left, and/or Salisbury St. and Burgess Rd. going left. Further, request City Manager make said report available to the Traffic and Parking Committee for its December 16, 2020 meeting.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided the recommendation to file the item, as there are sufficient sight distances in both directions.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rose absent) | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request Police Chief provide City Council with a report relative to traffic accidents in the vicinity of intersection of Beechmont St. and Salisbury St. going left, and/or Salisbury St. and Burgess Rd. going left. Further, request City Manager make said report available to the Traffic and Parking Committee for its December 16, 2020 meeting. | |
| 9. | Miscellaneous Petitions | |
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| | | 9a. | Councilor Sean M. Rose on behalf of Maureen Preston request the intersection of Tyson Rd. and Burncoat St. be assessed for increased safety precautions.
# 7m CC July 21, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Speakers:
1. Anne Rysell, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
2. Shawn Seymour, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve for installation of "Intersection Ahead" signs facing all approaches of the intersection.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed the agenda for Traffic and Parking meeting on December 2nd, 2020 with the Deputy City Clerk.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval to install "Intersection Ahead" signs facing all approaches of the intersection on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rose absent) | |
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| | | 9b. | Linda Sweet et al. request reinstallation of a traffic mirror on pole 85 on Blithewood Ave. to assist motorists when entering and exiting Rolling Oaks on Oakwood Lane.
# 7c CC May 19, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Speakers:
1. Linda Sweet, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file the item, as the traffic mirror did not exist previously on pole 85, and pole 85 is located too far to the left to assist motorists when entering and existing Rolling Oaks.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed whether the petitioner was still on the line with the Deputy City Clerk. Councilor Bergman then provided the suggestion to hold the item for further conversation with the petitioner.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to recommend item be held.
Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rose absent) | |
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| | | 10a. | Tammy Kahale request installation of a "No Parking Anytime" at the end of the driveway of 2-4 Clement St.
# 7d CC May 19, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Speakers:
1. Tammy Kahale, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file the item, as Parking Control Officers will enforce parking within 5' of driveways.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed whether there are any "No Parking Anytime" signage installed at the end of driveways in the City, challenges with enforcing parking regulations, and concerns relative to setting precedent to install "No Parking Anytime" signage at the end of driveways with the Assistant Director of Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the WPD Lieutenant, who discussed the helpfulness of a "No Parking" signage relative to problems of driveway obstructions by other vehicles, and its impact on WPD resources usage with Councilor Bergman.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio discussed personal handmade signs and their effectiveness with the WPD Lieutenant.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call to recommend the item be held.
Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rose absent) | |
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| | | 10b. | Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of “No Parking Anytime” signage on the south side Nonquit St., from Lake Ave. easterly to the end of the street, directly abutting the parkland at 283 Lake Ave. and opposite of 2A Nonquit St.
# 8g CC October 20, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Speakers:
1. Barbara Esip, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Deputy City Clerk, who discussed the amendment made to the item.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file, as the street is 30 feet wide and the off street parking is used by the park visitors.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio discussed challenges relative to the petitioner exiting the driveway due to off street parking with the Assistant Director of Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed inviting residents in the area to the next item hearing to provide testimonies concerning the problems in the area.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Speaker #1, who discussed the challenges relative to the off street parking in the area.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be held.
Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rose absent) | |
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