CITY OF WORCESTER | Traffic and Parking Committee Meeting | Wednesday, July 21, 2021 | Levi Lincoln (North) Chamber | Convened: 4:04 P.M. | Adjourned: 5:57 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 Sgt. James T. Foley
Deputy City Clerk Stephen A.J. Pottle, clerk | | | |
| 1. | Virtual Attendee Call-in Information | |
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| | | 1a. | Pursuant to Chapter 20 of the Acts of 2021 and in order to ensure active, public engagement, the City of Worcester currently allows for both in-person and remote participation at all City Council and Standing Committee meetings. To partake in the meeting, you may join us directly within the Levi Lincoln (North) Chamber, follow the below link to join via the WebEx application or dial the direct line as indicated. If you would like to raise your hand when in the meeting as a call-in user you may dial *3. – Phone Number: 415-655-0001, Access Code: 172 050 5557.
https://cow.webex.com/cow/onstage/g.php?MTID=e4f270f83b504eb12d19770a2980b3849 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. Victor Kruczynski, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8a
2. Martin Masterson, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #3c
3. Elias Tatar, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8a
4. Ellen Trainor, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #9c
5. No name given, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #3a
6. Sheila Brenner, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #5e
7. Daniel Alfaro, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #10b
8. Carolyn Baranauskas, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #10c
9. John Piccolo, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8b
10. Ashley Frustaci, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #4a
11. Priscilla Underwood, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #5c, #5d #9a and #9b
12. Lee Butkis, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor or opposed to item #7a
13. Ronald Holbrook, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #10e | |
| 2. | Approval of the Minutes | |
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| | | 2a. | Order - That the City Council Standing Committee of Traffic and Parking hereby approves the minutes of the Traffic and Parking Committee meeting of June 16, 2021. | View Agenda | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and moved to adopt the item. Order adopted. | |
| 3. | Handicap Parking Petitions | |
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| | | 3a. | Judith McManus request installation of handicap parking space in front of 31 Dartmouth St.
# 7c CC June 22, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide report to City Council concerning whether the ADA supercedes the city’s ordinances to allow for handicap parking space in place of the city’s winter parking ban.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed the winter parking ban on Dartmouth St. and Fairmont St. with the Director of Engineering and the Deputy City Clerk.
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 | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a report concerning whether ADA legislation relative to handicap parking spaces supersedes the city’s winter parking ban ordinances. | |
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| | | 3b. | Marvin Landaverde request handicap parking space in front of 27 Arlington St. be removed.
# 7o CC April 27, 2021
In Committee June 16, 2021 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file, as the space is being used by another resident.
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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| | | 3c. | Martin Masterson request installation of handicap parking space in front of 254 Belmont St.
# 8i CC April 13, 2021
In Committee June 16, 2021 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to amend the parking ordinance to allow for the installation of the handicap parking space.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to amend the item to install no parking ordinance on Belmont St. from a point 59' west of Merrifield St. to 368' west of Adams St. and no parking from a point of 348' west of Adams St. to 218' east of Adams St.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be held as amended.
Recommend Hold as amended on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 3d. | Jolanta Kleszczewska request removal of handicap parking space in front of 9 Upsala St.
# 9o CC April 6, 2021
In Committee June 16, 2021 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to hold, as the petitioner needs to be contacted.
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 | |
| 4. | Children Sign Petitions | |
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| | | 4a. | Anthony and Ashley Frustaci request installation of Slow Down Children traffic signage on Ridgewood Rd.
# 9c CC June 1, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file, as the sign has limited effectiveness and provides a false sense of security.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who spoke concerning installation of the signage.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who discussed challenges relative to cut through traffic and alternative traffic calming solutions with the Director of Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report concerning the appropriateness of "No Right Hand Turn" signage at the intersection of Ridgewood Rd. and Ararat St.
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 | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report concerning the appropriateness of "No Right Hand Turn" signage at the intersection of Ridgewood Rd. and Ararat St. | |
| 5. | Crosswalk and Lighted Crosswalk System Petitions | |
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| | | 5a. | Daniel Sullivan, on behalf of Greendale Owner, LLC., request approval to install crosswalk improvements, including accessible curb ramps and flashing indicators on Neponset St.
# 7d CC June 22, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve as amended.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to amend the item to relocate the crosswalk on Neponset St. at a point approximately 200' north of Gold Star Blvd., install exit ramp to a point of approximately 280' north of Gold Star Blvd. In a separate action, install rapid flashing beacons on Neponset St. at the proposed crosswalk approximately 280' north of Gold Star Blvd. exit ramp.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation as amended.
Recommend Approval as amended on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 5b. | Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of two (2) crosswalks in the vicinity of the David Clark Company, located at 360 Franklin St., where the employees cross the road to go to work.
# 14e CC June 22, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to hold, as the crosswalks locations need to be determined.
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 | |
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| | | 5c. | Brian Underwood request installation of flashing crosswalk lights in the vicinity of North High School, 140 Harrington Way.
# 10n CC June 8, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to hold, as DPW is considering the prospect of relocating the crosswalk.
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 | |
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| | | 5d. | Brian Underwood request installation of flashing crosswalk lights in the vicinity of Forest Grove Middle School, 495 Grove St.
# 9t CC June 8, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to hold, as DPW needs to work with the School Department to assess the existing crosswalks in the vicinity of Forest Grove Middle School.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following two Chairman’s Orders: 1) Request City Manager consider funds from the CARES Act be used for flashing crosswalk lights and; 2) Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks contact appropriate representatives for additional information as relates to installing flashing crosswalk lights in the vicinity of Forest Grove Middle School.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the costs to install flashing crosswalk lights with the Director of Engineering.
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 consider funds from the CARES Act be used for flashing crosswalk lights. | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks contact appropriate representatives for additional information as relates to installing flashing crosswalk lights in the vicinity of Forest Grove Middle School. | |
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| | | 5e. | Sheila Brenner request installation of a crosswalk at the intersection of Pleasant St. and Howland St., with signage indicating said crosswalk being installed in its vicinity.
# 8l CC April 13, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a 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. | Kelvin Quaye request "No Parking Anytime" signage in front of 69 East Central Street be removed.
# 8h CC May 12, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file, as there are safety concerns relative to the removal of “No Parking Anytime” 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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| | | 6b. | Councilor Matthew E. Wally request installation of “No Parking Anytime” signage at each corner of the intersection between Maywood St. and Lovell St. to ensure cars do not park within the illegal limits of crosswalks and the intersection and to ensure the safety of students waking to and from Columbus Park School.
# 9g CC April 6, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file, as a work order will be placed to install the signage.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File – work order to be placed to install “No Parking Anytime” signage on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
| 7. | One and Two-Way Street Reconfiguration Petitions | |
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| | | 7a. | Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of the Grafton Hill Neighborhood Association request consideration of reversing the one way direction of traffic on Ingelside Ave. off of Hamilton St. leading to Grafton St.
# 9b CC March 23, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided no recommendation.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio discussed the leave to withdraw request with the Deputy City Clerk.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be given Leave to Withdraw.
Recommend Leave to Withdraw on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
| 8. | Resident Permit Parking Items | |
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| | | 8a. | Victor Kruczynski et al. request removal of resident permit parking on Spurr St.
# 9a CC June 15, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided no recommendation.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the history of the resident permit parking, the potential parking spaces and reducing the length of the residential permit parking space with the Director of Engineering, the Deputy City Clerk and the Petitioner.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who spoke concerning amending the length of the residential permit parking space.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to amend the item to reduce residential permit parking on the North side of Spurr St. from 180' to 66' with the remaining 66' starting at Vernon St.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to approve the item as amended.
Recommend Approval as amended on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 8b. | Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson on behalf of John Piccolo request the resident permit parking zone on Plum St. be amended to remove 3-5 Plum St.
# 8j CC May 25, 2021
In Committee June 16, 2021 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided no recommendation.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed no parking ordinances on Plum St. with the Director of Engineering, the Deputy City Clerk and Councilor Bergman.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with report concerning potential non-city signage on Plum St.
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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| | | 9a. | Brian Underwood request installation of school signage in the vicinity of Gates Lane Elementary School, 1238 Main St.
# 9h CC June 8, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file, as a work order will be placed to install 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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| | | 9b. | Brian Underwood request installation of school signage in the vicinity of Forest Grove Middle School, 495 Grove St.
# 9s CC June 8, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file, as a work order will be placed to install 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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| | | 9c. | Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey request installation of "Not a Thru Street" signage at Main St. and Eureka Terrace.
# 8f CC February 23, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file, as a work order can be issued to install the signage.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the work order process and the backlog for the signs shop with the Director of Engineering and the Deputy City Clerk.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Toomey, who discussed traffic signage made by prison inmates with the Director of Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be held.
Recommend Hold – work order will be placed to install “Not a Thru Street” signage at Main St. and Eureka Terrace on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 9d. | Maria Castillo request installation of a "School Zone" sign on South St. in the vicinity of Union Hill School.
# 9q CC April 6, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to hold, as DPW needs to work with the School Department to assess the existing crosswalks in the vicinity of Union Hill School in order to create a school zone.
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 | |
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| | | 10a. | Maria Castillo request re-installation of stop sign at the intersection of Chapin St. and South St.
# 9u CC April 6, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a 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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| | | 10b. | Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Daniel Alfaro Carmona request installation of four-way stop signs at the intersection of Harrison St. and Penn Ave.
# 9b CC June 15, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to hold, as further assessments need to be done in order to determine whether the intersection meets the warrants for four-way stop signs.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Hold as amended on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 10c. | Councilor George J. Russell on behalf Carolyn Baranauskas request installation of a traffic signal or stop signs on Sunderland Rd. at Dalton St.
# 9c CC June 15, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file, as the intersection does not meet warrants.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed existing stop signs at the intersection and previous chairman’s orders relative to four-way stop signs with the 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 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 10d. | John Nadolink request installation of four-way stop sign at the intersection of Arthur St. and Palm St.
# 8h CC May 25, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to hold, as further assessments need to be done in order to determine whether the intersection meets the warrants for four-way stop signs.
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 | |
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| | | 10e. | Ronald Holbrook et. al request installation of a stop sign on the corner of Seymour St. and Millbury St.
# 8e CC May 4, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Petitioner, who discussed the traffic issues in the area.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to hold, as further assessments need to be done in order to determine whether the intersection meets the warrants for three-way stop signs.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed previously installed stop signs with the Director of Engineering and the Petitioner.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who discussed traffic enforcement at the area.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide additional traffic enforcement at the intersection of Seymour St. and Millbury St.
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 provide additional traffic enforcement at the intersection of Seymour St. and Millbury St. | |
| 11. | Speed and Traffic Enforcement Petitions | |
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| | | 11a. | Councilor Sean M. Rose request increased speed enforcement on Country Club Blvd. and Pleasant Valley Dr.
# 7q CC April 27, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a 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 | |
| 12. | Traffic Control Signal Petitions | |
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| | | 12a. | Damaris Acevedo request installation of a green left arrow on the traffic light at the intersection of May St. and June St.
# 6f CC February 11, 2020
In Committee July 22, 2020 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file, as the intersection is constraint by width.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed alternative solutions to the traffic issues in the area with the 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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