CITY OF WORCESTER | Traffic and Parking Committee Meeting | Wednesday, April 27, 2022 | Esther Howland (South) Chamber | Convened: 4:01 P.M. | Adjourned: 05:33 P.M. |
|
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 |
|
City Hall - 455 Main Street Worcester, Massachusetts | |
| Present Were: | Chairperson Councilor Donna M Colorio
Vice Chairperson Councilor Etel Haxhiaj | | | | | Also: | Assistant Chief Development Officer Stephen Rolle
WPD Lieutenant Timothy Walsh
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 attend the meeting in-person within the meeting location, follow the below link to join via Zoom or dial the direct line as indicated.
Traffic and Parking Committee Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/92893960051
Traffic and Parking Committee Zoom Phone Number: (929) 205 6099
Traffic and Parking Committee Zoom Access Code: 928 9396 0051 | Attachments |
| 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 March 16, 2022. | 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 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Nguyen absent) | |
| 3. | Handicap Parking Petitions | |
| | | | | |
| | | 3a. | Thomas Balliet request installation of handicap parking space large enough for two vehicles in front of 132 Paine St.
# 7e CC February 8, 2022
In Committee March 16, 2022 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Chief Development Officer, who provided the recommendation to approve.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval | |
| | | | | |
| | | 3b. | Paul Gunnerson request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 512 Mill St.
# 9g CC March 8, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. Paul Gunnerson, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Assistant Chief Development Officer, who provided the recommendation to approve.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval | |
| | | | | |
| | | 3c. | Effie Morgenstern and Robert Wardell request installation of handicap parking space in front of 3 Hawthorne St.
# 8b CC March 15, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. Robert Wardell, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Assistant Chief Development Officer, who discussed the installation of a new crosswalks and parking spaces on Hawthorne St. with Speaker #1.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Deputy City Clerk, who discussed the procedures relative to amending the item to move the location of the handicap parking space.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Assistant Chief Development Officer, who discussed installation of the handicap parking space in front of the neighboring property.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Speaker #1, who discussed ownership of the neighboring properties and the available space in front of 3 Hawthorne St. to install a handicap parking space.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to recommend the item be held.
Recommend Hold | |
| | | | | |
| | | 3d. | Melissa Harper request installation of handicap parking space in front of 48 Great Brook Valley Ave.
# 8c CC March 15, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Melissa Harper, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Assistant Chief Development Officer, who discussed the location of the handicap parking space as requested by the petitioner.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Speaker #1, who discussed the parking situation at the location.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to amend the item to read as follows: Melissa Harper request installation of handicap parking space on Brookfield Dr. in the vicinity of 48 Great Brook Valley Ave.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to recommend the item be held.
Recommend Hold | |
| | | | | |
| | | 3e. | Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of a handicap parking space on the even side of Agate Ave. in the vicinity of the large tree abutting Lake View School.
# 8e CC March 15, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Chief Development Officer, who provided the recommendation to approve.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval | |
| | | | | |
| | | 3f. | Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of a handicap parking space on Lake View St. across from Lake View School.
# 8d CC March 15, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Chief Development Officer, who discussed the relocation of the handicap parking space due to lack of sidewalk on Lake View St.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to amend the item as follows, "Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of a handicap parking space on Agate Ave. in the vicinity of the intersection of Agate Ave. and Lakeview St."
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to recommend the item be held.
Recommend Hold | |
| | | | | |
| | | 4a. | Richard Baker request installation of No Parking signage on the opposite side of the driveway at 83 Morningside Rd at the corner of Hadwen Ln. and Morningside Rd.
# 10k CC January 11, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Paul Bennet, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Assistant Chief Development Officer, who discussed the width of Morningside Rd. and the ordinance ban on parking within 5 feet of an intersection.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Haxhiaj, who discussed whether the petitioner had discussed the parking situation with Speaker #1.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Speaker #1, who discussed the parking situation on Morningside Rd and challenges relative to parking in the property’s driveway.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Haxhiaj, who discussed the qualifications to install a No Parking ordinance with the Assistant Chief Development Officer.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to recommend the item be held.
Recommend Hold | |
| 5. | Winter Parking Ban Petitions | |
| | | | | |
| | | 5a. | Councilor Sean M. Rose on behalf of Sandra Guries request Indian Lake Pkwy. be exempt from the winter parking ban due to lack of spaces and the structural layout of the street.
# 8d CC February 15, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Chief Development Officer, who provided the recommendation to file, as there is no existing winter parking ban ordinance on Indian Lake Pkwy.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Deputy City Clerk, who discussed the procedure relative to putting in a work order to exempt Indian Lake Pkwy. From winter parking ban.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks adjust the street signage on Indian Lake Pkwy. to appropriately reflect its winter parking ban exemption status.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks adjust the street signage on Indian Lake Pkwy. to appropriately reflect its winter parking ban exemption status. | |
| | | | | |
| | | 6a. | Councilor Matthew E. Wally and Councilor Donna M. Colorio on behalf of Sue O'Brien request the appropriate weight limit for trucks on Clover St. be identified, with a weight limit restriction being installed once said weight is identified.
# 8e CC October 26, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. Carlos Santos, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor nor opposed to the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the WPD Lieutenant, who discussed the weight limit ordinance for the street and the procedure to install a weight restriction on the street with Speaker #1 and the Deputy City Clerk.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Haxhiaj, who discussed the process to establish a weight limit for streets with the Assistant Chief Development Officer.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to recommend the item be filed.
Recommend File | |
| 7. | One and Two-Way Street Reconfiguration Petitions | |
| | | | | |
| | | 7a. | Mayor Joseph M. Petty request Sudbury St. from Harvard St. to Eden St. be made a two-way street.
# 8c CC February 15, 2022
In Committee March 16, 2022 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Chief Development Officer, who discussed the traffic issues on Sudbury St. relative to the width of the street and the feasibility of reversing the traffic direction on Sudbury St.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to amend the petition to read as follows: Mayor Joseph M. Petty request Sudbury St. between Eden St. and Harvard St. be reversed to operate in the westbound direction.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to recommend the item be held.
Recommend Hold | |
| 8. | Crosswalk and Lighted Crosswalk System Petitions | |
| | | | | |
| | | 8a. | Brian Underwood request installation of flashing crosswalk lights on Apricot St. in the vicinity of South High Community School, 170 Apricot St.
# 9k CC June 8, 2021
In Committee November 17, 2021 - Held
In Committee December 15, 2021 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Chief Development Officer, who provided the recommendation to hold, as the site needs to be evaluated for the installation of flashing crosswalk lights.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the following speaker:
1. Priscella Underwood, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation
Recommend Hold | |
| | | | | |
| | | 8b. | Brian Underwood request installation of flashing crosswalk lights on Goddard Memorial Dr. in the vicinity of South High Community School, 170 Apricot St.
# 9m CC June 8, 2021
In Committee November 17, 2021 - Held
In Committee December 15, 2021 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Chief Development Officer, who provided the recommendation to file, as the crosswalks do not generate high amount of pedestrian traffic and there is a lack of sidewalk on one side of the street.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the following speaker:
1. Priscella Underwood, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed the recommendation with the Assistant Chief Development Officer and Speaker #1.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File | |
| | | | | |
| | | 8c. | Brian Underwood request installation of flashing crosswalk lights in the vicinity of City View Elementary School, 80 Prospect St.
# 9v CC June 8, 2021
In Committee December 15, 2021 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Chief Development Officer, who provided the recommendation to hold, as the site needs to be evaluated for the installation of flashing crosswalk lights.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the following speaker:
1. Priscella Underwood, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed the traffic issues at the location with Speaker #1 and the WPD Lieutenant.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Haxhiaj, who discussed the appropriate location to install flashing crosswalk lights with the Assistant Chief Development Officer.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Hold | |
| | | | | |
| | | 8d. | Brian Underwood request installation of flashing crosswalk lights in the vicinity of Claremont Academy, 15 Claremont St.
# 10j CC June 8, 2021
In Committee November 17, 2021 - Held
In Committee December 15, 2021 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Chief Development Officer, who provided the recommendation to hold, as DPW will work with Claremont Academy to determine the best course of action in relations to the school’s current accessibility project.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the WPD Lieutenant, who discussed a previous study at the school to address traffic issues relative parking for student pickup/drop-off.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Hold | |
| | | | | |
| | | 8e. | David Pederson request the fluorescent yellow crossing signs at the intersection of Fruit St. and Elm St. be replaced with a traditional yellow sign.
# 7b CC January 18, 2022
In Committee March 16, 2022 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Chief Development Officer, who provided the recommendation to file, as a work order can be put in to replace the fluorescent signage with orange signage.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks replace the fluorescent yellow crossing signage at the intersection of Fruit St. and Elm St. with orange crossing signage.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the following speakers:
1. David Pederson, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks replace the fluorescent yellow crossing signage at the intersection of Fruit St. and Elm St. with orange crossing signage. | |
| 9. | Traffic Control Signal Petitions | |
| | | | | |
| | | 9a. | Michael Grandone request installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of Sunderland Rd. and Massasoit Rd.
# 9p CC July 20, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Chief Development Officer, who provided the recommendation to hold, as the construction projects in the vicinity of the intersection increases traffic challenges and hinders DPW’s ability to conduct a traffic study.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation
Recommend Hold | |
| | | | | |
| | | 9b. | Damaris Acevedo request installation of a green left arrow on the traffic light at the intersection of Mill St. and Chandler St.
# 7c CC January 18, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Chief Development Officer, who provided the recommendation to hold, as more clarification on the request is needed.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Hold | |
| | | | | |
| | | 9c. | Councilor George J. Russell and Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson on behalf of John Fresolo request the timing for cars exiting Wall St. onto Grafton St. at the intersection's traffic signal be shortened to allow for Grafton St. traffic to move quicker.
# 7g CC January 25, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. John Fresolo, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Assistant Chief Development Officer, who discussed the jurisdiction of the traffic lights at the location, the traffic issues relative to the CSX project on Grafton St. in the vicinity of the intersection of Wall St. and Grafton St. and the timeline for the project.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Speaker #1, who discussed the possibility of installing a censor for the traffic lights at the intersection of Grafton St. and Wall St.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to recommend the item be held.
Recommend Hold | |
| 10. | Traffic Sign Petitions | |
| | | | | |
| | | 10a. | Chris O'Donnell and Darwin Hale request installation of Dead End signage for Inman Ave. at Barrett St.
# 9d CC October 12, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Darwin Hale, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Assistant Chief Development Officer, who provided the recommendation to file, as the streets are private streets.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File | |
| | | | | |
| | | 10b. | Mary Ricciardi Sivo, on behalf of Venerini Academy, request installation of signage with the school's name and direction to the school on the green pedestrian pole at the corner of Belmont St. and Edward St.
# 8g CC February 15, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Chief Development Officer, who provided the recommendation to file, as the signage will increase cluttering of signage on the street and may be distractive to drivers.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File | |
| | | | | |
| | | 10c. | Hassan Ijaz request installation of speed signage at entries and exits of Chilmark St.
# 8g CC March 1, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Hassan Ijaz, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the WPD Lieutenant, who discussed increasing traffic enforcement on Chilmark Rd.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Police Chief provide traffic enforcement on Chilmark Rd.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to recommend the item be filed.
Recommend File | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request Police Chief provide traffic enforcement on Chilmark Rd. | |
| 11. | Traffic Study Petition | |
| | | | | |
| | | 11a. | Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey on behalf of Sheilagh Crotty request a traffic study be completed in the vicinity of Grafton St., Hamilton St. and Barclay St. to determine the impact the changes on the road have had on traffic.
# 8f CC October 26, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Chief Development Officer, who discussed efforts relative to optimizing the timing of traffic lights and using traffic detection equipment.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the WPD Lieutenant, who discussed the impact of the changes done to the location and current traffic issues.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to recommend the item be filed.
Recommend File | |
| 12. | Communications of the City Manager | |
| | | | | |
| | | 12a. | Transmitting informational communication relative to a financial breakdown of the municipal lots in the city.
# 10.5A CM September 17, 2019
In Committee December 16, 2020 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and moved to recommend the item be filed.
Recommend File | |
|