CITY OF WORCESTER | Traffic and Parking Committee Meeting | Wednesday, September 21, 2022 | Esther Howland (South) Chamber | Convened: 4:03 P.M. | Adjourned: 6:02 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, who participated remotely
Councilor Thu Nguyen, who participated remotely | | | | | Also: | Councilor Sean M. Rose
Director of Transportation and Mobility Stephen Rolle
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 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 | |
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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 August 10, 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 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
| 3. | Handicap Parking Petitions | |
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| | | 3a. | Joseph Corazzini request installation of two (2) or three (3) handicap parking spaces on Beaver St., starting at streetlight pole #9 until the entrance of 93 Beaver St.
# 8j CC August 9, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Joseph Corazzini, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the 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. | Patricia Burnett request installation of handicap parking space in front of 16 Groton Pl.
# 8n CC August 9, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to hold, as the requested space is on the side of the street with winter parking ban.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the following speaker:
1. Stephanie Rivas, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item
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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| | | 3c. | Tim Kneeland request removal of a handicap parking sign in front of 15 Dix St.
# 8u CC July 19, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Timothy Kneeland, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the 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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| | | 3d. | Jerimy Warren request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 90 Florence St.
# 8v CC July 19, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Jerimy Warren, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the 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. | Santa Mercado and Jailyne Maldenado request the handicap parking space in front of 1 Spaulding St. be removed.
# 8z CC July 19, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the 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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| | | 3f. | Andrew Lizotte request installation of handicap parking space in front of 5 New York St.
# 8q CC July 19, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the 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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| | | 3g. | Raymond Jette request removal of the handicap parking space located in front of 24 William St.
# 8r CC July 19, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Raymond Jette, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the 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. | Montvale Historic District Items | |
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| | | 4a. | Councilor Sean M. Rose on behalf of the citizens of the Montvale Historic District request a comprehensive traffic review be completed of the immediate neighborhood, including traffic patterns on Upper Monadnock Rd., Sagamore Rd., Whitman Rd. and Pratt St. Further, request traffic calming methods be explored in the interim, while the traffic review be completed.
# 8d CC June 21, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and moved to take the item up collectively with item #4b and #4c.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who discussed the traffic challenges in the Montvale Historic District.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the following speakers:
1. Heather Kurtz, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
2. Janice Sherman, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
3. Patricia Hanrahan, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
4. David Jaffee, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
5. Jarrett Allebach, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
6. Dwight Johnson, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
7. Teresa Zash, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
8. Melina Garland, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
9. Devon Kurtz, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
10. Patrick Hanrahan, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Nguyen, who spoke concerning the item.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the WPD Lieutenant, who discussed the needs for engineering effort, education effort, and enforcement effort to address the traffic issues at the location, challenges relative to manpower and enforcement and the best locations to install traffic monitors with Speaker #10 and Speaker #1.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed the feasibility of making Sagamore Rd. a one-way street and whether there are stipulations for traffic calming devices within the ordinance for historic districts with Speaker #1 and Speaker #4.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Speaker #3, who discussed the feasibility of installing speed humps on Sagamore Rd.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who discussed plans concerning installation of speed humps on Sagamore Rd. and Whitman Rd., the needs to focus on creating long-term traffic solutions through traffic study and looking at traffic chokepoints such as the intersection of Salisbury St. and Monadnock Rd. with the WPD Lieutenant.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed the impact of GPS mobile applications on traffic, plans concerning immediate actions as well as thorough traffic study at the Montvale Historic District and installation of permanent speed humps and the requirements for weight restriction.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Director of Transportation and Mobility work with residents within the Montvale Historic District to initiate a traffic study for both short-term and long-term traffic calming options in the area.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed intended and unintended consequences of traffic calming methods with Director of Transportation and Mobility.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Speaker #2, who discussed the feasibility of widening the sidewalk and additional tree planting as well as available grants for tree planting.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Speaker #1, who discussed available grants for historic preservation and beautification of neighborhoods.
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 Director of Transportation and Mobility work with residents within the Montvale Historic District to initiate a traffic study for both short-term and long-term traffic calming options in the area. | |
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| | | 4b. | Councilor Sean M. Rose on behalf of the citizens of the Montvale Historic District request installation of a weight restriction for vehicles on Sagamore Rd., Whitman Rd. and Pratt St., in an effort to redirect large commercial trucks, tour buses and container vehicles.
# 8e CC June 21, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #4a) | |
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| | | 4c. | Councilor Sean M. Rose on behalf of the citizens of the Montvale Historic District request speed humps be placed at the intersection of Whitman Rd. and Sagamore Rd.
# 8c CC June 21, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #4a) | |
| 5. | Learning First Charter Public School Items | |
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| | | 5a. | Gregory Russell, on behalf of Leo Flanagan and Learning First, LLC. request installation of crosswalk on Richland St. at a point 390' east of Ward St., to be funded by petitioner.
# 8l CC April 26, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and moved to take the item up collectively with item #5b, #5c and #5d.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who clarified the petition requests and provided the recommendation to approve.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the following speakers:
1. No name given, Learning First LLC representative, spoke in favor of the item
2. Gregory Russell, Learning First LLC representative, spoke in favor of the item
3. No name given, Worcester resident, spoke concerning the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized WPD Lieutenant, who spoke concerning the item.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to amend item #5c to read as follows, “Gregory Russell, on behalf of Leo Flanagan and Learning First, LLC. request installation of no parking on school days between 7am and 6pm on the north side of Richland St. from Ward St. to a point 208' east of Ward St. and from a point 270' east of Ward St. to a point 400' east of Ward St.”
Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Police Chief provide increased traffic enforcement during school drop-off and pickup at the Learning First School, once it opens its new location at 50 Richland St.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to amend item #5d to read as follows, “Gregory Russell, on behalf of Leo Flanagan and Learning First, LLC. request the resident permit parking on the north side of Richland St. from Vernon St. to a point 135' east of Ward St. be reduced by 73' to start at a point 220' east of Ward St. and be eliminated from a point 270' east of Ward St. to a point 410' east of Ward 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 | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request Police Chief provide increased traffic enforcement during school drop-off and pickup at the Learning First School, once it opens its new location at 50 Richland St. | |
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| | | 5b. | Gregory Russell, on behalf of Leo Flanagan and Learning First, LLC. request no parking on school days between 7am and 2:30pm on Richland St. from Ward St. to a point of 400' east of Ward St. on the south side be extended 50' to a point 450' east of Ward St. and be amended to remain in effect until 6pm on school days.
# 8n CC April 26, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Recommend Approval on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #5a) | |
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| | | 5c. | Gregory Russell, on behalf of Leo Flanagan and Learning First, LLC. request installation of no parking on school days between 7am and 6pm on the north side of Richland St. from Ward St. to a point 220' east of Ward St. and from a point 270' east of Ward St. to a point 400' east of Ward St.
# 8o CC April 26, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Recommend Approval as Amended on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #5a) | |
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| | | 5d. | Gregory Russell, on behalf of Leo Flanagan and Learning First, LLC. request the resident permit parking on the north side of Richland St. from Vernon St. to a point 135' east of Ward St. be reduced by 85' to start at a point 220' east of Ward St. and be eliminated from a point 270' east of Ward St. to a point 410' east of Ward St.
# 8m CC April 26, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Recommend Approval as Amended on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #5a) | |
| 6. | Crosswalk and Lighted Crosswalk System Petitions | |
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| | | 6a. | Judy Finkel request installation of a crosswalk at the intersection of Salisbury St., Barry Rd. and Salisbury Hill Blvd.
# 8y CC July 19, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. Judy Finkel, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed the traffic issues concerning Salisbury St. and provided the recommendation to hold, as more research is needed.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the DPW Lieutenant, who discussed challenges concerning solar flare for drivers.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Director of Transportation and Mobility conduct a traffic study concerning the installation of a crosswalk at the intersection of Salisbury St., Barry Rd. and Salisbury Hill Blvd.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request Director of Transportation and Mobility conduct a traffic study concerning the installation of a crosswalk at the intersection of Salisbury St., Barry Rd. and Salisbury Hill Blvd. | |
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| | | 6b. | Councilor Sean M. Rose request installation of a crosswalk on Salisbury St. in the vicinity of Barry Rd.
# 9d CC July 19, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and 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 | |
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| | | 6c. | Councilor Etel Haxhiaj request installation of a flashing pedestrian lighted crosswalk on Pleasant St. in the vicinity of the Charlotte Klein Dance Centers, located at 1122 Pleasant St.
# 8c CC March 29, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed the traffic issues at the location and provided the recommendation to hold, as more research is needed.
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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| | | 7a. | Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of “No Parking Anytime” signage in front of 6 Boylston St.
# 9c CC July 19, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. Kelly Abreu, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item
2. Andre Abreu, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to hold, as more research is needed.
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. | One and Two-Way Street Reconfiguration Petition | |
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| | | 8a. | Representative Mary S. Keefe and Representative Dan Donahue request South St. from the corner of Chapin St. to Shannon St. be made one-way street to allow for more efficient traffic during arrival and dismissal at Union Hill School.
# 7k CC May 24, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the 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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| | | 9a. | Paula Bushey request installation of stop sign at the corner of Mann St. and Chandler St.
# 8t CC July 19, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the 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 | |
| 10. | Traffic Study Petition | |
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| | | 10a. | Councilor Etel Haxhiaj on behalf of Sue O’Brien request an in-depth traffic study be completed relative to truck traffic violations on Heard St., including but not limited to increased truck ban/weight restriction enforcement and the installation of additional signage warning trucks of said restriction in more visible locations turning onto the street from Clover St. and South Ludlow St.
# 8c CC May 10, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Haxhiaj, who discussed ongoing traffic issues on Heard St.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as the Department of Transportation and Mobility will work with DPW to install addition traffic signage on Clover St.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized WPD Lieutenant, who discussed efforts concerning enforcement on Heard 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 | |
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