CITY OF WORCESTER

Traffic and Parking Committee Meeting

Wednesday, October 13, 2021

Levi Lincoln (North) Chamber

Convened: 5:00 P.M.

Adjourned: 7:12 P.M.


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
 

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:DPW Director of Engineering Mark Elbag Deputy City Clerk Stephen AJ Pottle, clerk
 
1.

Virtual Attendee Call-In Information

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: 2308 850 1319. https://cow.webex.com/cow/onstage/g.php?MTID=e8b4327e707ffa80302202cab0746c92c

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the following speakers:
1. Alexandra Welch, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #9a
2. Heather Madrid, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #7c
3. Eric Baldelli, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #3f
4. Zeke Radik, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #11d
5. Troy Tyree, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #3g
6. Nick D’Andrea, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #10a
7. Trevor Morris, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #3f
8. Joan Wilder, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #9c
9. Jason Davis, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8a and #8b
10. Guruprasad Avva, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #3f
11. Peter Lorange, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #4b

2.

Approval of the Minutes

2a.

Order - That the City Council Standing Committee of Traffic and Parking hereby approves the minutes of the Traffic and Parking Committee meeting of September 30, 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

3a.

Roberta Adams request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 197 Eastern Ave. (Amended September 30th, 2021 from "installation of a handicap parking space large enough for two vehicles"). # 9l CC July 20, 2021

In Committee August 25, 2021 - Held In Committee Spetember 30, 2021 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommend to hold, as the petitioner needs to provide handicap parking placard.

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

3b.

Ashley Seymour et al. request removal of the second handicap parking place located at 45 Waverly St. # 8aa CC September 22, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. Ashley Seymour, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
2. Ellen Artey, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor nor opposition to the item

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the handicap parking spaces in front of the property and the exact location of the handicap parking space to be removed with the Director of Engineering and speaker #2.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve to remove the second handicap parking space located to the west at 45 Waverly St.

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

3c.

Christi Tarallo request removal of the handicap parking space in front of 265 Fairmont Ave. # 8kk CC September 22, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. Christi Tarallo, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed the time frame for the handicap parking space removal process with the Director of Engineering.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed whether the poles and signage are kept and reused by the sign shop 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

3d.

Mark Kaczmarczyk request removal of the handicap parking space in front of 13 Jones St. # 8x CC September 22, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided no recommendation, as it is not confirmed whether the handicap parking space is used by residents.

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

3e.

Rand L'Heureux request installation of handicap parking space in front of 3 Jefferson St. # 8jj CC September 22, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommend to hold, as the petitioner is in the process of applying for a handicap placard.

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

3f.

Rodney Moore request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 117 Farrar Ave. # 8hh CC September 22, 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

3g.

Troy Tyree, Executive Director of WCUW, request installation of a handicap parking space in front of WCUW, 910 Main St. # 8y CC September 22, 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

4.

Crosswalk and Lighted Crosswalk System Petitions

4a.

Tamara Lundi and Larry Abramoff request installation of pedestrian activated crosswalk flashing signal for the crosswalk at the intersection of Chandler St. and Coolidge Rd. # 8nn CC September 22, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. Larry Abramoff, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
2. Michael Rezkalla, No resident given, spoke in favor of the item
3. Deborah Goldman, No resident given, spoke in favor of the item

Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed the traffic issues and effect of the speed humps at the location with Speaker #3.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to hold, as the location needs to be evaluated.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio discussed the location of the bus stop in the area and traffic issues at Coolidge Rd. with Speaker #1.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the efficiency and effectiveness of the crosswalk flashing signal with the Speakers.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be approved, pending funding.

Recommend Approval pending funding on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays

4b.

Peter Lorange request installation of crosswalk on Plantation Pkwy, in the vicinity of Plantation Towers, 501 Plantation St. # 8w CC September 22, 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

4c.

Councilor Gary Rosen on behalf of Brenda Davin request installation of a flashing yellow light at the crosswalk at the intersection of Park Ave. and Enfield St. # 8t CC August 10, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Brenda Davin, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file, as there is existing signal light at Downing St.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed usage of the crosswalk at Enfield St. and Park Ave., traffic issues and feasibility of installing a crosswalk light at the location with the Speaker and the Director of Engineering.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who discussed the needs to evaluate the location, the feasibility of installing a crosswalk light there and exploring other methods to address traffic issues with the Director of Engineering, Councilor Bergman and the Speaker.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be approved, pending funding.

Recommend Approval pending funding on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays

4d.

Brian Underwood request installation of flashing crosswalk lights in the vicinity of University Park Campus School, 12 Freeland St. # 10d 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 on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays

4e.

Brian Underwood request installation of flashing crosswalk lights in the vicinity of Lake View Elementary School, 133 Coburn Ave. # 10l 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 crosswalks in the vicinity of Lake View Elementary School are located at stop-control intersections.

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

4f.

Brian and Priscella Underwood request installation of flashing crosswalk lights and signage at Clark Street Elementary School, 280 Clark St. # 8e CC March 9, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to hold, as there is a signal light intersection at the location and there needs to be an evaluation to see usage due to limited sidewalk.

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

4g.

Brian and Priscella Underwood request installation of flashing crosswalk lights and signage at Jacob Hiatt Magnet School, 722 Main St. # 8g CC March 9, 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.

No Parking Petitions

5a.

Fredwick Chassman request installation of "No Parking Anytime" signage in the vicinity of the driveway at New England Chiropractic, 192 Lincoln St. # 8v CC September 22, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Theodore Sizemore, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the parking challenges on the street with the Speaker.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Speaker, who clarified the parking situation on the street.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who spoke concerning the item.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide traffic enforcement at 192 Lincoln St.

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 Police Chief provide increased traffic enforcement at 192 Lincoln St.

5b.

William Agyemang request installation of "No Parking Anytime" signage at the location between 55 Rodney St. and 57 Rodney St. # 8ll CC September 22, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. William Agyemang, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Engineering, who discussed the specifications of the location.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the recommendation for traffic enforcement and traffic issues at the location with the Director of Engineering and the Speaker.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Engineering, who discussed the procedural motions for the item with the Deputy City Clerk.

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

6.

One and Two-Way Street Reconfiguration Petitions

6a.

Maria Castillo request Plane St. be made into a one-way street in the direction from South St. towards Dorchester St. # 9r CC April 6, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. Kenneth and Felix Moscozo, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #6a

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed whether the petitioner has provided a testimony, the residential address of the petitioner and the DPW recommendation to approve with the City Clerk 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

6b.

Maria Castillo request Chapin St. be made into a one-way street in the direction from Dorchester St. towards South St. # 9s CC April 6, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file, as Chapin St. is already a one-way 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

6c.

Maria Castillo request Shannon St. be made into a one-way street in the direction from Dorchester St. towards South St. # 9t CC April 6, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file, as it will make Marion Ave. a dead-end 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

7.

Resident Permit Parking Items

7a.

Joan Seymour request installation of resident permit parking in the vicinity of 537 Burncoat St. # 8bb CC September 22, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. Joan Seymour, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Engineering, who discussed the winter parking ban on the street.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who discussed the DPW recommendation to file as there is no institutional impact and to send inspector to evaluate the parking situation in the area in order to create solutions to address the parking issues with the Director of Engineering.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the parking challenges at the location with the Speaker.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Commissioner of Inspectional Services review the area in the vicinity of 537 Burncoat St.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who discussed feasibility of installing no parking zone in front of 537 Burncoat St. with the Speaker.

Chairperson Councilor 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 Inspectional Services review the area in the vicinity of 537 Burncoat St.

7b.

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

In Commitee August 25, 2021 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. Joe Rinaldi, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided no recommendation.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman and Councilor Rose, who both spoke in favor of the item.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to amend the item to read as follows: John Ferdella request installation of resident permit parking only on the west side of DeMarco Terrace from Shrewsbury St. to 14 DeMarco Terrace.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be approved as amended.

Recommend Approval as amended on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays

7c.

Councilor Sean M. Rose request installation of resident permit parking on Stowell Ave. # 7e CC June 22, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized Councilor Rose, who discussed the intent behind the petition.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file, as there is not institutional impact.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who discussed the feasibility of establishing a seasonal resident permit parking program 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

8.

Speed and Traffic Enforcement Petitions

8a.

Jason Davis request electronic speed display be installed on Lincoln St. in the vicinity of Gorham St. # 8rr CC September 22, 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

8b.

Jason Davis request traffic enforcement at Lincoln St. in the vicinity of Gorham St. # 8uu CC September 22, 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

9.

Stop Sign Petitions

9a.

Alexandra Welch et al. request assessment of the intersection of Beaver Brook Pkwy and Maywood St. for the installation of a four-way stop sign, or whichever traffic control intervention is deemed appropriate. # 8z CC September 22, 2021

Attachments

Councilor Bergman read the item and recognized the City Clerk, who discussed public participation for the item.

Councilor Bergman recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to hold, as traffic data needs to be reviewed in order to determine whether the location meets warrants.

Councilor Bergman moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Colorio absent)

9b.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of stop signs at the intersection of Coburn Ave. and Ayrshire Rd. # 8xx CC September 22, 2021

Attachments


Councilor Bergman read the item and recognized the City Clerk, who discussed public participation for the item.

Councilor Bergman recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve as amended.

Councilor Bergman moved to amend the item to read as following: Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of stop sign at the approach of Ayrshire Rd.

Councilor Bergman 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 (Colorio absent)

9c.

Joan Wilder et al. request installation of stop sign at the intersection of Warner Ave. and Roath St. # 8mm CC September 22, 2021

Attachments

Councilor Bergman read the item and recognized the City Clerk, who discussed public participation for the item.

Councilor Bergman recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file, as there is existing stop sign on Roath St. and it does not meet warrants for multiway stop sign.

Councilor Bergman then discussed the traffic data for the intersection with the Director of Engineering.

Councilor Bergman moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.

Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 nays

9d.

Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Michelle Diliddo request installation of a three-way stop sign at the intersection of Loxwood St. and Tauton St. # 8l CC August 10, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. Michelle Diliddo, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
2. No Name Given, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
3. Cindy Wnukowski, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file, as it does not meet warrants for multiway stop signage.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed the efficiency and effectiveness of speed humps in addressing the speeding problem on the street with the Director of Engineering.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the traffic data and conducting a traffic study at the intersection 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

9e.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of stop signs at the intersection of Agate Ave. and Coburn Ave. # 8vv CC September 22, 2021

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 and there is existing stop sign on Agate Ave.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the traffic data at the location 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

10.

Turn Prohibition Petitions

10a.

Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Nick D’Andrea request removal of the “No Turn on Red” sign at the end of Blithewood Ave. at Grafton St. # 8oo CC September 22, 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

11.

Speed Hump Petitions

11a.

Anne Nyland et. al. request installation of speed bumps on Shaffner St. # 10p CC September 8, 2020

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and moved to take the item up collectively with item #11b, #11c and #11d.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following two Chairman’s Order: 1) Request City Clerk notify District Councilors with recommendations for speed hump locations and; 2) Request City Manager request Police Chief provide sporadic traffic enforcement on Toronita Ave. from Barry Rd. to Barrett Ave.

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 Clerk notify District Councilors with recommendations for speed hump locations.

Request City Manager request Police Chief provide sporadic traffic enforcement on Toronita Ave. from Barry Rd. to Barrett Ave.

11b.

Maria Castillo request installation of speed bumps in South St. # 8l CC October 15, 2019

Attachments

Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11a)

11c.

Tina Masiello request installation of speed humps on Toronita Ave. from Barry Rd. to Barrett Ave. # 10f CC September 8, 2020

Attachments

Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11a)

11d.

Zeke Radik request installation of two speed bumps on Pilgrim Ave. between Hamilton St. and Grafton St. # 8r CC October 15, 2019

Attachments

Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11a)

12.

Communications of the City Manager

12a.

Transmitting informational communication relative to increasing pedestrian safety on Pleasant St./Route 122 from Tatnuck Square to the Paxton Line. # 10.6A CM September 22, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized Councilor Bergman and Councilor Rose, who spoke concerning the item.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to recommend item be filed.

Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays