CITY OF WORCESTER | Traffic and Parking Committee Meeting | Wednesday, April 7, 2021 | Levi Lincoln (North) Chamber | Convened: 4:01 P.M. | Adjourned: 5:37 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: | WPD Sgt. James Foley
Director of Engineering Mark Elbag
Assistant Chief Development Officer Stephen Rolle
Deputy City Clerk Stephen A.J. 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 March 17, 2021. | 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 (Bergman 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 - 415-655-000 (Access Code: 160 606 7985) 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=efeb3f004bfc1a992c59319ecbf48df9e | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. Karen Johnson, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #6a
2. Casey Starr, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #5a
3. Glen Trombly, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #6a
4. Patricia Padilla, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #5a
5. Daniel Lafrancois, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #6a
6. Margaret McGovern, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #3a
7. Susan Chaffee, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #3b
8. Kathleen Jeero, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #6a
9. Jeff Barr, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #6a
10. Sarah Belisea, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #5a
11. Ben Woodbury, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #4c and #7a
12. Jack Goolsky, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #4c and #7a
13. Judy Renaud, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #5a
14. Mariel Petkauskos, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #5a
15. Nathan Sabo, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #4c and in opposition of item #7a
16. Sherilynne Parretti, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #5a
17. Steve Taylor, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #4c and #7a
18. Griselda Martinez, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #3e
19. Crystal N., Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #7a
20. Rita Doyle, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #4b
21. Paul Akin, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #4c | |
| 3. | Handicap Parking Petitions | |
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| | | 3a. | Margaret McGovern et al. request handicap parking space in front of 15 Enfield St. be removed.
# 8b CC March 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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| | | 3b. | Susan Chaffee request installation of handicap parking space in front of 18 Upsala St.
# 8c CC March 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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| | | 3c. | Lydia Romero request removal of handicap parking space on the Fruit St. side of 81 Elm St.
# 8p CC March 9, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who discussed communication with the petitioner and possible recommendation concerning the item.
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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| | | 3d. | Anna Confer and Michael Varney request removal of handicap parking space in front of 47 Providence St.
# 8d CC February 23, 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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| | | 3e. | Beth-Ann Alexander request handicap parking space be installed in front of 55 Plantation St.
# 9e CC December 15, 2020
In Committee January 20, 2021 - Held
| 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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| | | 4a. | Councilor Donna M. Colorio on behalf of Dorrie Maynard request installation of “No Parking Here to Driveway” signage on both sides of the driveway at 58 Fruit St.
# 10c CC December 1, 2020
In Committee January 20, 2021 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the WPD Sergeant, who discussed the process for WPD removing vehicles from in front of a person’s driveway, including instances when the vehicle would be towed.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the majority of residents not being aware of regulations relative to parking five feet away from a driveway.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who discussed the cost of resources associated with parking regulations.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided the recommendation to file.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be approved.
Recommend Approval on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 4b. | Daniel Voellings request installation of "No Parking Anytime" signage five feet from either side of the driveway at 488 Mill St. on poles #86/82.
# 7h CC November 10, 2020
In Committee December 16, 2020 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Deputy City Clerk, who discussed testimony provided by the petitioner concerning the location of the signage with the WPD Sergeant.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided the recommendation to file.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be approved.
Recommend Approval on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 4c. | Andy Martin et al. request installation of "No Parking Anytime" signage on both sides of Pond St.
# 8f CC October 20, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who discussed various meetings taking place relative to traffic changes needed in the Canal District.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Engineering, who discussed the request to install No Parking signage on Pond St.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who spoke concerning the item.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who discussed the area of Pond Street relative to the petition's request and procedural motions for the item.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Deputy City Clerk, who discussed the notification process relative to approval for a shorter length of the street to have the signage installed.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman and Councilor Rose, who both spoke concerning the item.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who discussed the information provided by the Deputy City Clerk and possible motions for the item.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Engineering, who discussed existing No Parking ordinance on Pond Street.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman's Order: Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks install missing No Parking Anytime signage on Pond St., between Water St. and Harding St.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to recommend item be held.
Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks install missing No Parking Anytime signage on Pond St., between Water St. and Harding St. | |
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| | | 5a. | Councilor Sarai Rivera on behalf of Casey Starr request installation of a four-way stop sign at the intersection of Woodland St. and Oberlin St.
# 7i CC November 10, 2020
In Committee December 16, 2020 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized Councilor Rivera, who provided information relative to traffic regulation needs in the vicinity of Woodland Academy.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed communication with the petitioner and traffic issues in the vicinity of Woodland St. and Oberlin St. intersection.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided the recommendation to file, as it does not meet warrants for a multiway stop.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the warrants for a multiway stop with the Director of Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who discussed the details and timeline relative to the Traffic Calming project for Oberlin St. with the Director of Engineering and the Assistant Chief Development Officer.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the traffic study and the Traffic Calming project for the area with the Director of Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be approved.
Recommend Approval on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 6a. | Glenn Trombly et al. request installation of a two (2) ton weight restriction on Victor Ave. and Stearns St. which connect together, that includes signage indicating such at their entrances from Main St. and Stafford St.
# 8k CC January 5, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized Councilor Wally, who discussed traffic needs relative to weight restrictions on the street.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided the recommendation to hold, as the department needs to apply for a truck restriction for the area with Mass DOT.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed the weight limit for the streets and utility wiring issues and relative to truck traffic with the Director of Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who discussed cable maintenance done by utility companies with the Director of Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the recommendation to hold with the Director of Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Deputy City Clerk, who discussed possible motions for the item with the Director of Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following two Chairman's Orders: 1) Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks contact utility companies concerning maintenance for cable wires on Victor Ave. and Stearns St. and; 2) Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks initiate a traffic study for Victor Ave. and Stearns St. in order to apply for truck restriction on said streets.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks contact utility companies concerning maintenance for cable wires on Victor Ave. and Stearns St. | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks initiate a traffic study for Victor Ave. and Stearns St. in order to apply for truck restriction on said streets. | |
| 7. | One and Two-Way Street Reconfiguration Petitions | |
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| | | 7a. | 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
In Committee March 17, 2021 - Held
| 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 | |
| 8. | Communications of the City Manager | |
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| | | 8a. | 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
In Committee March 17, 2021 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided no recommendation.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who spoke concerning the item.
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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| | | 8b. | Recommend adoption of an order to solicit bids and award parking management contract for the Pearl & Elm, Federal Plaza, Major Taylor Boulevard, Union Station, Worcester Common Parking Garages, all paid surface lots and On Street Parking Management.
# 9.5A CM March 16, 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 Rose, who spoke concerning the item.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the management contracts for the parking garages 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 | |
| 9. | Winter Parking Ban Petitions | |
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| | | 9a. | Councilor Donna M. Colorio request the winter parking ban on Tainter St. be amended to not allow parking during a declared winter parking ban on the odd side of Tainter St.
# 22c CC February 23, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided the recommendation to file.
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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