CITY OF WORCESTER | Traffic and Parking Committee Meeting | Wednesday, March 17, 2021 | Levi Lincoln (North) Chamber | Convened: 4:04 P.M. | Adjourned: 5:32 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
Vice Chairperson Councilor Sean M Rose
Councilor Morris A Bergman | | | | | Also: | Director of Engineering Mark Elbag
WPD Sergeant James Foley
Assistant Chief Development Officer Stephen Rolle
Senior Transportation Planner Brian Pigeon
Deputy City Clerk Stephen AJ Pottle, clerk
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| 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 10,
2021. | View Agenda | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio 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: 160 811 9604) 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://cow.webex.com/cow/onstage/g.php?MTID=e9822b0631e07ad621f5cd65427e4961b | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. Jady Davis, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #6b
2. Casey Starr, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #6b
3. Ellie Davis, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #6b
4. Tiphanie Gelinas, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #7f
5. Mardek Mardirossian, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #5b and #5c
6. Shelby Clark, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #6a
7. Jack Goolsky, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #3a
8. Mark Liasson, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #3a
9. Iris Gonzalez, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #6b
10. Steve Taylor, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #3a
11. Rachel Scanlon, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #3a
12. Nathan Sabo, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #3a
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| 3. | One and Two-Way Street Reconfiguration Petitions | |
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| | | 3a. | Chairman's Order from the Committee on Traffic and Parking - Request Standing Committee on Traffic and Parking Committee hold a hearing to consider making Harrison St. a one-way street in an eastbound direction from Green St. to Harding St.; and to make Pond St. a one-way street in a westbound direction from Harding St. to Green St.
# 10m CC February 23, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and moved to take the item up collectively with #4a.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided an overview associated with the potential changes in the Canal District.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the timing and costs associated with the changes on these streets with the Director of Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Assistant Chief Development Officer, who discussed the public outreach done by the Department of Planning and Regulatory Services concerning the issue.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the notification process with the Deputy City Clerk and Assistant Chief Development Officer.
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 | |
| 4. | Communications of the City Manager | |
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| | | 4a. | Transmitting informational communication relative to the traffic direction of Pond Street, between Harding Street and Green Street, as well as Harrison Street, between Harding Street and Green Street.
# 8.6A CM December 22, 2020
In Committee February 10, 2021 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #3a) | |
| 5. | Handicap Parking Petitions | |
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| | | 5a. | Tam Nguyen request removal of handicap parking space in front of 33 Orient St.
# 9g CC February 9, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided the recommendation to approve.
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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| | | 5b. | Mardek Mardirossian request removal of the handicap parking space in front of 57 Howland Terrace.
# 9d CC February 9, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided the recommendation to approve.
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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| | | 5c. | Mardek Mardirossian request removal of the handicap parking space on the Fern St. side of 488 Park Ave.
# 9e CC February 9, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided the recommendation to approve.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed the residents' usage of the handicap parking space with the Director of Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed whether there have been communication received concerning usage of the handicap parking space with the 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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| | | 5d. | Ronald Wallace request installation of a handicap parking place in front of 32 Lakeside Ave.
# 7b CC February 2, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided the recommendation to approve.
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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| | | 5e. | Spiro Giannopoulos request removal of the handicap parking space in front of 3 Norman Ave.
# 9j CC January 26, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided the recommendation to approve.
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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| | | 5f. | Jennifer Courtemanche request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 200 Perry Ave.
# 9k CC January 26, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided the recommendation to approve.
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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| | | 6a. | Shelby Clark request the "No Parking Anytime" signage from 21 Varnum St. to 15 Varnum St. be removed.
# 9f CC February 9, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided the recommendation to approve.
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. | Jerry Oullette request installation of "No Parking Anytime" signage on the odd side of Tainter St.
# 8e CC November 17, 2020
In Committee February 10, 2021 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Deputy City Clerk, who discussed communication provided by the petitioner and the petition relative to the Winter Parking Ban on the street.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided the recommendation to hold, as the Winter Parking Ban needs to be addressed in the event that the No Parking Anytime sign is approved.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed whether the petitioner had provided communication as relates to the item, and the reason why the item was placed on hold at the previous meeting with the City Clerk and the Director of Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed the intent of the petitioner to petition for the No Parking Anytime signage for the street.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who spoke concerning the item.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the needs for the petitioner to provide communication relative to the intent of the petition.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be filed.
Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 7a. | Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey request installation of a “Right on Red After Stop” sign onto Grafton St. where the street intersects with Winter St. and Harding St.
# 9o CC January 26, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided the recommendation to file, as the intersection is being constructed by and is under the control of MassDOT, and DPW will follow up with MassDOT to request the signage be included in the design.
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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| | | 7b. | Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey request installation of a “Right on Red After Stop” sign onto Grafton St. at its intersection at Sunderland Rd.
# 9p CC January 26, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided the recommendation to file, as the intersection does not meet warrants for the signage.
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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| | | 7c. | Sherry Monfils request "Do Not Block Driveway" sign be installed next to the driveway at 8 Blossom St.
# 8a CC January 12, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided the recommendation to file, as there is existing blanket ordinance for no parking within 5 feet of driveway.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the needs for the petitioner to provide communication concerning the parking issues at the location.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who concurred with the Direction of Engineering and Councilor Bergman.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Deputy City Clerk, who discussed the refiling process.
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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| | | 7d. | Carl Almonor request installation of "Do No Block Driveway" signage in front of 1 Patch St.
# 8f CC January 5, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided the recommendation to file, as there is existing blanket ordinance for no parking within 5 feet of driveway.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the needs for the petitioner to provide communication concerning the parking issues 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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| | | 7e. | Steven Schneider et al. request installation of a "Dead End" sign on road running parallel to Plantation St. in the vicinity of 496 Plantation St.
# 8g CC October 27, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided the recommendation to file, as the location is a private street.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the refiling process in the event that a clerical error exists.
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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| | | 7f. | Tiphanie Gelinas request the old speed limit signs in the vicinity of 492 Massasoit Rd. be replaced.
# 8e CC October 6, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided the recommendation to file, as a work order will be put in to replace the existing signage.
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 | |
| 8. | Turn Prohibition Petitions | |
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| | | 8a. | Councilor Morris A. Bergman request installation of "No Left Turn" signage for traffic coming from Rt. 9 onto Whitla Dr. between the hours of 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
# 9l CC January 26, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided the recommendation to approve.
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 on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 8b. | Councilor Morris A. Bergman request installation of "No Right Turn" signage for traffic coming from Rt. 9 onto Whitla Dr. between the hours of 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.
# 9m CC January 26, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided the recommendation to file, as the location does not meet warrants for the signage, and there is existing Right Turn On Red signage.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman and the Director of Engineering, who both spoke concerning the item.
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. | Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of a flashing light signal at the intersection of Belmont St. and Eastern Ave.
# 8b CC January 19, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided the recommendation to approve, pending 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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| | | 10a. | Order of Councilor Donna M. Colorio - Request Standing Committee on Traffic and Parking review Policy and Procedure No. 693 relative to Towed Vehicles from Private Property of the Worcester Police Department and Massachusetts General Law Chapter 266 Section 120D relative to removal of motor vehicles from private ways or property; penalties; liability for removal and storage charges; release of vehicle.
# 11d CC December 15, 2020 | Attachments | | | In Committee for informational purposes only | | |
| | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the WPD Sergeant, who provided an overview of the Massachusetts General Law and how it is applied to parking lots of businesses as relates to installation of fair notices, and the towing process and policy.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who brought forth the following Chairman’s Orders: 1) Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a report concerning whether there is a requirement for businesses to provide contact information regarding towing companies servicing their area; 2) Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a report concerning the required steps to add a requirement for businesses to provide contact information for the towing companies servicing their area.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Chief Development Officer reach out to the businesses in the vicinity of Polar Park to install proper signage relative to cars being towed in their area.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the needs for fair notice signage.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the WPD Sergeant, who discussed the frequency of cars getting towed in the area and issues concerning making available the information of the towing companies at the parking lots and the needs for businesses to notify the Police Department when a car is towed.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the phone numbers that can be used to report cars that are towed with the WPD Sergeant.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be filed.
Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a report concerning whether there is a requirement for businesses to provide contact information regarding towing companies servicing their area. | | | | Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a report concerning the required steps to add a requirement for businesses to provide contact information for the towing companies servicing their area. | | | | Request City Manager request Chief Development Officer reach out to the businesses in the vicinity of Polar Park to install proper signage relative to cars being towed in their area. | |
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