CITY OF WORCESTER | Traffic and Parking Committee Meeting | Wednesday, January 19, 2022 | Virtual Meeting | Convened: 4:00 P.M. | Adjourned: 6:16 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 Etel Haxhiaj | | Councilor Thu Nguyen |
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City Hall - 455 Main Street Worcester, Massachusetts | |
| Present Were: | Chairperson Councilor Donna M Colorio
Councilor Etel Haxhiaj
Councilor Thu Nguyen | | | | | Also: | Director of Engineering Mark Elbag
WPD Lieutenant Timothy Walsh
Deputy City Clerk Stephen AJ 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 remote participation only at all City Council and Standing Committee meetings. To partake in the meeting, you may 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 875 0109, Event Password: EH22.
https://cow.webex.com/cow/onstage/g.php?MTID=e0f5297b01e5a2691a207a57e07c1d494 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the following speakers:
1. Helen Givens, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #5a
2. Michelle (No last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #5b
3. Rafael Morales, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #3d
4. (No name given), Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #3f
5. Kenneth Welch, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #7b
6. Gurnek Singh, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #5b
7. Annie Sennott, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #5b
8. Brian Underwood, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
9. Priscella Underwood, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item | |
| 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 December 15, 2021. | View Agenda | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and moved for a roll call vote to adopt the order. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
| 3. | Handicap Parking Petitions | |
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| | | 3a. | Danielle Orlando request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 49 Richland St.
# 7d CC December 21, 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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| | | 3b. | Iris Estrada request removal of handicap parking space in front of 53 Upsala St.
# 8a CC December 14, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to hold, as DPW needs to confirm whether the handicap parking space is in use or not.
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. | Fakhri Khayoon request the handicap parking space in front of 30 Lakeside Ave. be relocated to be in the vicinity of the tree on the other side of the property on the same street.
# 10h CC December 7, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Fakhri Khayoon, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #3c
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to hold, as the requested location has a winter parking ban ordinance.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Speaker #1, who discussed the winter parking ban, the requested handicap parking space location and the timeline for the installation of the handicap parking space with the Deputy City Clerk and 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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| | | 3d. | Jose Blanco and Jaqueline Alvarez request installation of handicap parking space in front of 1 Kingsbury St.
# 10c CC December 7, 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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| | | 3e. | Barbara Szydlik and Marek Szymborski request installation of handicap parking space in front of 92 Perry Ave.
# 10d CC December 7, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Wilma Havern, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #3e
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to hold, as the requested location has a winter parking ban ordinance.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Deputy City Clerk, who discussed the public participation for the item.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Engineering, who discussed previous correspondence with the petitioner regarding the parking situation at the location.
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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| | | 3f. | Norma Rivera request removal of handicap parking space in front of 6 Berkshire St.
# 8g CC November 16, 2021
In Committee December 15, 2021 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file, as the handicap parking space is still in-use.
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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| | | 3g. | Susan Kendrick et al. request installation of handicap parking space in front of 70 Everard St.
# 9h CC October 5, 2021
In Committee November 17, 2021 - Held
In Committee December 15, 2021 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve the item for a handicap parking space across from 70 Everard St.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to amend the item as follows, “Susan Kendrick et al. request installation of handicap parking space across from 70 Everard St.”
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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| | | 3h. | Rand L'Heureux request installation of handicap parking space in front of 3 Jefferson St.
# 8jj CC September 22, 2021
In Committee Ocotber 13, 2021 - Held
In Committee November 17, 2021 - Held
In Committee December 15, 2021 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to hold, as the petitioner is still in the process of obtaining 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 | |
| 4. | Crosswalk and Lighted Crosswalk System Petitions | |
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| | | 4a. | Brian Underwood request installation of flashing crosswalk lights in the vicinity of Nelson Place Elementary School, 35 Nelson Pl.
# 9r 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 crosswalk is at an intersection and flashing crosswalk lights aren’t as effective at an intersection.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Speaker #11, who discussed alternative methods to allow for the flashing crosswalk lights to be installed 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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| | | 4b. | Brian Underwood request installation of flashing crosswalk lights in the vicinity of Union Hill School, 1 Chapin St.
# 9x CC June 8, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve, pending coordination with the School Department.
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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| | | 4c. | Brian and Priscella Underwood request installation of flashing crosswalk lights and signage at Grafton Street Elementary School, 311 Grafton St.
# 8f CC March 9, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation file, as there is a signal at the crossing.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Speaker #11, who discussed the signal at the crossing 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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| | | 4d. | Brian and Priscella Underwood request installation of flashing crosswalk lights and signage at Rice Square Elementary School, 76 Massasoit Rd.
# 8h CC March 9, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve, pending coordination with the School Department.
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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| | | 4e. | Brian and Priscella Underwood request installation of flashing crosswalk lights and signage at Roosevelt Elementary School, 1006 Grafton St.
# 8i CC March 9, 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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| | | 4f. | Brian and Priscella Underwood request installation of flashing crosswalk lights and signage at Thorndyke Road Elementary School, 30 Thorndyke Rd.
# 8j CC March 9, 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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| | | 4g. | Brian and Priscella Underwood request installation of flashing crosswalk lights and signage at Wawecus Road School, 20 Wawecus Rd.
# 8k CC March 9, 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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| | | 5a. | Helen Given et al. request installation of No Parking Here to Corner signage for at least two car lengths on both sides of Fairlawn Dr. at the intersection of Fairlawn Dr. and June St.
# 8b CC November 30, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file, as there is a blanket ordinance for No Parking within 20 feet of an intersection.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed installation of No Parking ordinance for 20 feet following the designated 20 feet No Parking blanket ordinance for the location with the Director of Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Deputy City Clerk, who discussed the procedural motion for amending the length of requested No Parking ordinance.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Haxhiaj and Councilor Nguyen, who both spoke concerning the item.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Deputy City Clerk, who discussed the language for an amendment 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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| | | 5b. | Elizabeth Plonski et al. request installation of No Parking Anytime on both sides of the street from 7A Revere St. to 9D Revere St.
# 8c CC November 16, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve on odd side of the street from 7A Revere St. to 9D Revere St.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be approved for No Parking Anytime to be installed on the odd side of the street from 7A Revere St. to 9D Revere St.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Haxhiaj, who discussed the location of the No Parking Anytime ordinance with the Director of Engineering.
Recommend Approval as Amended on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 5c. | Maria Castillo request installation of No Parking Anytime signage next to the driveway entrance at 8 Chapin St.
# 9n CC October 5, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file, with enforcement provided, as there is a blanket ban for No Parking within 5 feet of a driveway.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Nguyen, who discussed the traffic enforcement with the Director of Engineering and the WPD Lieutenant.
Chairperson Councior Colorio brought forth the following Chairman's Order: Request City Manager request Police Chief provide increased driveway clearance enforcement in the vicinity of 8 Chapin 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 driveway clearance enforcement in the vicinity of 8 Chapin St. | |
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| | | 5d. | Roberta Adams request installation of "No Parking Anytime" signage adjacent to 197 Eastern Ave.
# 9m CC July 20, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided no recommendation.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed correspondences with the petitioner and previous feedback from abutters with the Director of Engineering.
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 | |
| 6. | Parking and Parking Meter Petition | |
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| | | 6a. | Robert Mura et al. request installation of a two-hour parking zone on Genessee St., with No Parking Anytime installed on Genesee St. on the north side between Ludlow St. and James St. and No Parking Anytime installed on Genesee St. on the south side between Ludlow St. and a point 280’ west of James St. (Amended December 15, 2021).
# 8g CC October 19, 2021
In Committee November 17, 2021 - Held
In Committee December 15, 2021 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. Robert Mura, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
2. Guirnalda Tineo, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item
3. Jimmy S., No resident given, spoke in opposition to the item
4. Leonard (No last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item
5. Christine Scott, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Engineering, who discussed the language and intention of the petition amendment with the Deputy City Clerk.
Vice Chairperson Councilor Haxhiaj then discussed the feasibility of installing a 20 feet No Parking zone in the vicinity of the property’s driveway with the Director of Engineering.
Vice Chairperson Councilor Haxhiaj recognized Councilor Nguyen, who discussed the residential and commercial makeup of the location with the Director of Engineering.
Vice Chairperson Councilor Haxhiaj recognized Speaker #1, who discussed the challenges concerning parking situation at the location.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the WPD Lieutenant, who discussed police enforcement at the location and challenges concerning enforcement for 2 hours parking with Councilor Haxhiaj and Speaker #1.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Deputy City Clerk, who discussed the procedural motion for the item with Speaker #1 and Speaker #2.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Nguyen, who discussed the two-hour parking zone and meter installation with the Director of Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Haxhiaj, who spoke concerning the item.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to amend the item to read as follows, “Robert Mura et al. request installation of No Parking Anytime on Genesee St. on the north side between Ludlow St. and James St., with two hour parking installed on Genesee St. on the south side between Ludlow St. and a point 280’ west of James St.
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 | |
| 7. | Resident Permit Parking Petitions | |
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| | | 7a. | Sabaa Zaki request installation of a resident permit parking space on Berwick St. servicing 14 Flagg St.
# 10e CC December 7, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file, as there is no institutional impact.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas | |
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| | | 7b. | Kenneth Welch request installation of resident permit parking in the vicinity of 2 Claridge Dr.
# 10g CC December 7, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to hold, as there is an existing resident permit parking zone 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 | |
| 8. | Speed and Traffic Enforcement Petition | |
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| | | 8a. | Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey on behalf of Roberta Adams request additional traffic enforcement at the corner of Eastern Ave. and Route 9, as well as the entrance to Green Hill Park at Green Hill Parkway.
# 7c CC December 21, 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 WPD Lieutenant, 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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| | | 9a. | Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Charles Delannoy request installation of a stop sign, stop line, and “STOP” lettering at the intersection of Pineland Ave. and Hara St., in the vicinity of pole 13.
# 8b CC December 14, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to hold, as more study needs to be done 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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| | | 9b. | Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of a stop sign on Agate Ave. where the road makes a sharp right turn, in the vicinity of 2 Agate Ave.
# 8ww CC September 22, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to hold, as more study needs to be done at the location.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed the traffic challenges at the location 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 | |
| 10. | Traffic Study Petition | |
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| | | 10a. | Councilor Morris A. Bergman request a safety review of existing traffic calming measures on Richmond Ave./Flagg St., including recommendations to improve same.
# 7b CC December 21, 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 recognized the WPD Sergeant, who discussed traffic enforcement effort at the location.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Deputy City Clerk, who discussed the procedural motion for the item with the Director of Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Haxhiaj and Councilor Nguyen, who both discussed conducting a larger study with funding attached for the location.
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 | |
| 11. | Communication of the City Manager | |
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| | | 11a. | Transmitting informational communication relative to safety improvements at the intersection of Heard Street and Clover Street.
# 9.6A CM November 9, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and discussed the traffic challenges at the intersection of Heard St. and Clover St., the recommendation to install an all-way stop sign at the intersection and the challenges relative to enforcing an all-way stop sign with the WPD Lieutenant and the Director of Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Haxhiaj, who discussed drawbacks relative to installing an all-way stop sign at the intersection.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the WPD Lieutenant, who discussed feasibility of installing speed humps at the location with the Director of Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Nguyen, who discussed the installation of four-way stop sign at the intersection.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Deputy City Clerk, who discussed the procedural motion for the item with the Director of Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be approved to install a four-way stop sign at the intersection of Heard St. and Clover St.
Recommend Approval on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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