CITY OF WORCESTER | Traffic and Parking Committee Meeting | Wednesday, August 25, 2021 | Esther Howland (South) Chamber | Convened: 4:00 P.M. | Adjourned: 5:31 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, who arrived at 4:03 P.M. | | | | | 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 Esther Howland (South) 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: 180 141 7576.
https://cow.webex.com/cow/onstage/g.php?MTID=ee161d5db888849e1fee2ee76c8c2f07c | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the following speakers:
1. Martin Masterson, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #3e
2. Irene Chiarvallotti, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #3b
3. Ana Rodriguez, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #3d
4. Joann Lee, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8d
5. Joe Ronaldi, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #6b
6. Narendrakumar Barvaliya, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #6a
7. Judith McManus, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #3d
8. Michael Letendre, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8g
9. Brian Underwood, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #4b, #4c, #7b, #8b, and #8c
10. Thomas Gendry, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8a
11. Carolyn Baranauskas, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #7b
12. Heather Martin, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8a | |
| 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 July 21, 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) | |
| 3. | Handicap Parking Petitions | |
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| | | 3a. | Daisa Perez request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 64 Austin St.
# 9k CC July 20, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided the recommendation to file, as the handicap parking space would be in the middle of a no parking zone, and there is a handicap parking space nearby.
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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| | | 3b. | Roberta Adams request installation of a handicap parking space large enough for two vehicles in front of 197 Eastern Ave.
# 9l CC July 20, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided the recommendation to approve the item, with item being amended to provide for a handicap parking space large enough for one vehicle.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman and Councilor Rose, who both discussed the language and intent of the petition.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Engineering, who discussed communications with the petitioner concerning to the petition.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the standard sizing of handicap parking space and parking lot parking spaces with the Director of Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be placed on hold.
Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 3c. | Councilor Sean M. Rose on behalf of Michael Donoghue request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 54 Summerhill Ave., with a handicap accessible curb simultaneously being installed at the location.
# 9d CC June 29, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided the recommendation to approve the handicap parking space.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who spoke concerning the petitioner’s request to file the item.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote 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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| | | 3d. | Judith McManus request installation of handicap parking space in front of 31 Dartmouth St.
# 7c CC June 22, 2021
In Committee July 21, 2021 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided no recommendation.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed the neighbor’s opposition to the location of the handicap parking space on Dartmouth St., other possible location on Fairmont Ave., and the winter parking ban on Dartmouth St. with the Director of Engineering and Councilor Bergman.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Deputy City Clerk, who discussed the procedural motions to be taken if the Committee make the decision to install the handicap parking space at another location.
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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| | | 3e. | Martin Masterson request installation of handicap parking space in front of 254 Belmont St. Further, request the "No Parking Anytime" ordinance be amended to go from a point 59' west of Merrifield St. to 368' west of Adams St. and from a point of 348' west of Adams St. to 218' east of Adams 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 the recommendation to approve the item as amended.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the petitioner, who discussed the location of the handicap parking space with the Director of Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to amend the item as follows: Martin Masterson request installation of handicap parking space from a point 368’ west of Adams St. to a point 348’ west of Adams St. Further, request the "No Parking Anytime" ordinance be amended to go from a point 59' west of Merrifield St. to 368' west of Adams St. and from a point of 70' west of Adams St. to 218' east of Adams St.
Vice Chairperson Councilor Rose moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval as amended on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 3f. | 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
In Committee July 21, 2021 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Vice Chairperson Councilor Rose read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file, as the handicap parking space is relatively new and is still in use.
Vice Chairperson Councilor Rose recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the 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 File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
| 4. | Crosswalk and Lighted Crosswalk System Petitions | |
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| | | 4a. | 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
In Committee July 21, 2021 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to hold, as DPW is still determining the location of the crosswalk with the company.
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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| | | 4b. | Brian Underwood request installation of flashing crosswalk lights in the vicinity of Midland Street Elementary School, 18 Midland St.
# 10b CC June 8, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to hold, as there are four (4) crosswalks currently adjacent to Midland St. Elementary School, and DPW is working with the School Department to determine the appropriate crosswalks to be installed at the location.
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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| | | 4c. | Brian Underwood request installation of flashing crosswalk lights in the vicinity of Columbus Park Preparatory Elementary School, 75 Lovell St.
# 10h CC June 8, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve, pending funding.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval pending funding on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
| 5. | Parking and Parking Meter Petition | |
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| | | 5a. | Charles Norton Jr. request removal of four (4) parking meters on Mercantile St., with the installation of signage that would provide for a "Passenger Loading Zone" and a "Commercial Loading Zone" to service the new restaurant facilities at Mercantile Center being put in its place.
# 9u CC July 20, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to hold, as DPW is working with the petitioner and future tenants to determine the appropriate action for the location.
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 | |
| 6. | Resident Permit Parking Petition | |
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| | | 6a. | Narendrakumar Barvaliya request installation of resident permit parking on Taylor St.
# 7b CC June 22, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file, as the location is not zoned as residential.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the resident units and business units in the area, the scope the business zone in the area, and the length and location of Taylor St. with the petitioner and 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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| | | 6b. | John Ferdella request installation of resident permit parking on the even side of DeMarco Terrace from Shrewsbury St. to Lyon Pl.
# 9c CC June 29, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file, as the area is zoned as manufacturing (MG-2) from 10 DeMarco Ter. to Lyon Pl.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Petitioner, who discussed the location for the resident permit parking request, zoning of the area and whether there is an ordinance which determines the feasibility of installing resident permit parking on non-residential zoned areas with the Director of Engineering, Councilor Bergman and the Deputy City Clerk.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item the held.
Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 7a. | 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 Tuesday, June 15, 2021
In Committee July 21, 2021 - Held
| 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 for multiway stop sign.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed previously requested legal opinions concerning four-way stop signs and the needs for communications from the petitioners.
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 | |
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| | | 7b. | 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
In Committee July 21, 2021 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file, as it does not meet warrants for multiway stop sign.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed other traffic measures for Sunderland Rd. with the Director of Engineering and Councilor Bergman.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks review potential safety improvements at Sunderland Rd.
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 Commissioner of Public Works and Parks review potential safety improvements at Sunderland Rd. | |
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| | | 8a. | Heather Martin request the street sign for Rustic Dr. Ext. be moved to a more visible location, with the addition of "No Outlet" signage accompanying the street sign.
# 9j CC July 20, 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 put in to relocate the signage.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the work order and the difference between “no outlet” and “dead end” signage 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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| | | 8b. | Brian Underwood request installation of school signage in the vicinity of Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School, 10 New Bond St.
# 10o CC June 8, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file, as New Bond St. is a private 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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| | | 8c. | Brian Underwood request installation of school signage in the vicinity of North High School, 140 Harrington Way.
# 10m CC June 8, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file, as the area does not meet warrants for a school zone.
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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| | | 8d. | Joann Lee request review and installation of School Traffic Safety signage in the vicinity of Nelson Place Elementary School (35 Nelson Pl.).
# 8g CC May 25, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the petitioner, who spoke concerning the traffic issues at the location.
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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| | | 8e. | Councilor Sean M. Rose request installation of a larger yield sign on Pleasant St. before entering the Newton Square rotary.
# 7p CC April 27, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file, as larger signage is too large for the location.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who discussed alternative long- and short-term solutions to increase safety at the rotary and the timeline for the rotary reconstruction 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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| | | 8f. | Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey request installation of "Not a Thru Street" signage at Main St. and Eureka Terrace.
# 8f CC February 23, 2021
In Committee July 21, 2021 - Held
| 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 put in 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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| | | 8g. | Michael Letendre request installation of speed limit signage on Orton St.
# 7j CC April 7, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file, as there is no speed zone in the location.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed policy concerning street signage for areas with no speed zone with the Director of Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the petitioner, who discussed the traffic issues at the location and advisory signage relative to on-street parking and narrow roads with Councilor Bergman and the Director of Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following two Chairman’s Order: 1) Request City Manager request Police Chief provide increased traffic enforcement on Orton St. and; 2) Request City Manager request Police Chief install electronic speed monitoring on Orton St.
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 Police Chief provide increased traffic enforcement on Orton St. | | | | Request City Manager request Police Chief install electronic speed monitoring on Orton St. | |
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