CITY OF WORCESTER | Traffic and Parking Committee Meeting | Wednesday, April 26, 2023 | Esther Howland (South) Chamber | Convened: 4:02 P.M. | Adjourned: 7:28 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: | Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility Stephen Rolle
Assistant Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility Todd Kirrane
WPD Lieutenant Timothy Walsh
Principal Staff Assistant An Pham, 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 March 22, 2023. | View Agenda | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and moved to adopt the item. Order adopted | |
| 3. | Handicap Parking Petitions | |
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| | | 3a. | Martha Dooley request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 59 Spofford Rd.
# 9g CC March 21, 2023 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to amend and hold the item for installation of a “No Parking Anytime” signage, as the location has a permanent winter parking ban on both sides of the street.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to amend the item to read as follows, “Martha Dooley request installation of a “No Parking Anytime” signage in front of 59 Spofford Rd.”
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Hold As Amended | |
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| | | 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
In Committee April 27, 2022 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. Vanessa Bennett, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item
2. Paul Bennett, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Haxhiaj, who spoke concerning the item.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Nguyen, who discussed registering for handicap placard with Speaker #1.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed the street conditions, the intent of the petitioner and feasible options concerning parking signage at the location.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Speaker 1, who discussed parking preferences and installation of No Parking zone of 30 feet from the corner with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility and Speaker #2.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Haxhiaj and Councilor Nguyen, who both spoke concerning the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to recommend the item be filed.
Recommend File | |
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| | | 4b. | Andrew Martin et al. request installation of No Parking Anytime signage along with 15 minute loading zone signage at 48 Water St.
# 8j CC June 7, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Andrew Martin, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the WPD Lieutenant, who spoke concerning the item.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to approve.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed the allowed time allotments for short-term loading zones with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility and Speaker #1.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval | |
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| | | 4c. | Stacie Brimmage request installation of No Parking from Here to Corner in front of 796 Main St. and 800 Main St. at the intersection of Main St. and Castle St.
# 8w CC September 20, 2022
In Committee October 19, 2022 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Imrana Soofi, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to approve.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval | |
| 5. | One and Two-Way Street Reconfiguration Petitions | |
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| | | 5a. | Councilor Sean M. Rose request Tyson Rd. be made a one-way street, flowing eastbound from West Boylston St. to Burncoat St. (Amended January 18, 2023 from flowing westbound from Burncoat St. to West Boylston St.)
# 8m CC August 9, 2022
In Committee January 18, 2023 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and moved to take the item up collectively with Item #14a
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the following speakers:
1. David Ford, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
2. Lynn Stevens, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
3. Festus Konneh, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
4. Adam Wilcomfre, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
5. Shawn Seymour, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
6. Anne Rysell, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
7. Douglas White, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed the traffic issues on Tyson Rd, potential outcomes of implementing one-way street conversion, alternatives to one-way street conversion and recommendations relative to direction of the one-way street conversion, street markings and signage.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the WPD Lieutenant, who discussed the needs for implementing a weight restriction on Tyson Rd.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Nguyen, who discussed the potential advantages and disadvantages of converting Tyson Rd. to a one-way eastbound street and whether there is a need for a parallel street which goes in the opposite direction with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to recommend the item be approved.
Recommend Approval | |
| 6. | Traffic Study Petitions | |
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| | | 6a. | 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
In Committee September 21, 2022 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Vice Chairperson Councilor Haxhiaj read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. Kim Vanderspeck, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
2. Dean Alexander, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
3. Patrick Hanrahan, Worcester resident, spoke in favor the item
4. Heather Kurtz, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
5. John Chinian, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
6. Jeanice Sherman, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
7. Mary Jaffe, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the WPD Lieutenant, who discussed police enforcement efforts in the Montvale Historic District neighborhood.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed the findings of the traffic studies of the Montvale Historic District and the intersection of Salisbury St. and Park St. and potential traffic calming methods for the neighborhood.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Assistant Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to install speed humps on Monadnock Rd., Whitman Rd., Montvale Rd. and Sagamore Rd.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Speaker #3, who discussed modifications to street signage for the neighborhood, timeline and funding for the traffic calming solutions with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility and Speaker #4.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the WPD Lieutenant, who discussed plans concerning traffic enforcement in the neighborhood.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Speaker #1, who discussed public notices mailing procedure with the Principal Staff Assistant.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following three (3) Chairman’s Orders: 1) Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility replace and supplement the existing “No Turn On Left 7AM-9AM” signage along Salisbury Rd.; 2) Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility implement speed humps within the Montvale Historic District neighborhood for traffic calming purposes; and 3) Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility implement lane marking and traffic signal changes at the intersection of Salisbury Rd. and Park Ave.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Speaker #1, who discussed contacting navigation system companies to modify directions given on navigation applications to decrease traffic in the neighborhood with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to recommend the item be filed.
Recommend File | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility replace and supplement the existing “No Turn On Left 7AM-9AM” signage along Salisbury Rd. | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility implement speed humps within the Montvale Historic District neighborhood for traffic calming purposes. | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility implement lane marking and traffic signal changes at the intersection of Salisbury Rd. and Park Ave. | |
| 7. | Crosswalk and Lighted Crosswalk System Petitions | |
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| | | 7a. | Sebastian Pawlowicz request installation of crosswalk on Rexhame Rd.
# 9m CC September 20, 2022
In Committee January 18, 2023 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to hold, as the specific location for the crosswalk needs to be determined.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Hold | |
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| | | 8a. | Tara Berry et al. request installation of four-way stop sign at the intersection of Arthur St. and Dorchester St.
# 8g CC March 29, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as the intersection does not meet warrants for four-way stop sign, and discussed bringing forth their own petitions in City Council concerning traffic improvement methods for the intersection of Arthur St. and Dorchester St.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File
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| | | 8b. | Tara Berry et al. request installation of four way stop sign at the intersection of Dorchester St. and Arthur St.
# 8p CC April 26, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and moved to recommend the item be filed.
Recommend File | |
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| | | 8c. | Matthew Carr request installation of four (4) way stop signs at the intersection of Alvarado Ave. and Wigwam Ave.
# 8l CC August 9, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Matthew Carr, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
2. Jill Goyette, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
3. John Harper, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed the traffic study findings for Alvarado Ave. and Wigwam Ave. and provided the recommendation to file, as the intersection does not meet warrants for a four-way stop signs.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Speaker #1, who discussed alternative traffic calming methods with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility explore additional traffic calming methods and signage improvements at the intersection of Alvarado Ave. and Wigwam Ave.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed traffic challenges at the intersection with Speaker #2 and Speaker #3.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility explore additional traffic calming methods and signage improvements at the intersection of Alvarado Ave. and Wigwam Ave. | |
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| | | 8d. | Mildred Bailey request installation of stop sign on May St. at the intersection of May St. and Lovell St.
# 8g CC October 25, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Mildred Bailey, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Haxhiaj, who discussed guardrail petition with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility and Speaker #1.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to approve.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval | |
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| | | 8e. | Luz Galarza request installation of two (2) stop signs on Oread St. at the intersection of Oread St. and Beacon St. in both directions
# 8e CC December 20, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to hold, as a traffic calming study is needed.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Hold | |
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| | | 9a. | Laura McCormick et al. request installation of speed limit signage at the intersection of Ararat St. and Brattle St.
# 8m CC August 10, 2021
In Committee September 30, 2021 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility and the Assistant Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as the street is governed by the statutory speed limit and state law does not allow statutory speed limit signage to be installed.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File | |
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| | | 9b. | Jason Davis request speed limit signage be installed on Lincoln St. in the vicinity of Gorham St.
# 8ss CC September 22, 2021
In Committee November 17, 2021 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to approve for the installation of a Thickly Settled District 30mph on Lincoln St. on both approaches to the intersection with Gorham St. and a Pedestrian in Crosswalk signage on Lincoln St., at Gorham St.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval | |
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| | | 9c. | Dean Gicas request installation of "Do Not Block Intersection" signage at the intersection of Crescent St. and Lincoln St., with X's painted across the width of the opening at the intersection.
# 8f CC February 15, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to approve.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval | |
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| | | 9d. | Gwendolyn Bui request installation of Slow Down signage on Seattle St.
# 8e CC March 1, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as state law does not allow for the installation of Slow Down signage.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File | |
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| | | 9e. | David Porter request installation of speed limit signage on Pitt St. from Cambridge St. to Sherman St.
# 8f CC March 29, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to approve for installation of Thickly Settled District 30mph signage entering Pitt St. from Cambridge St.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval | |
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| | | 9f. | Artur Czapla request installation of "deaf person" street signage at 119 Brookline St.
# 9d CC September 29, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as state law does not allow for the installation of “deaf person” signage.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File | |
| 10. | Traffic Control Signal Petitions | |
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| | | 10a. | Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson on behalf of Leo Hoffman request installation of a traffic light at the intersection of North St. and Grove St.
# 7y CC March 17, 2020
In Committee June 17, 2020 - Held
In Committee June 16, 2021 - Held
In Committee December 15, 2021 - Held
In Committee February 9, 2022 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed the findings of the traffic study at the intersection of North St. and Grove St. and provided the recommendation to hold, as further monitoring is needed due to development occurring in the area.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Hold | |
| 11. | Turn Prohibition Petitions | |
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| | | 11a. | Andrew Martin et al. request removal of No Turn on Red sign at the intersection of Water St. and Grafton St.
# 8h CC August 9, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Andrew Martin, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as the intersection meets the criteria for No Turn on Red signage.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the WPD Lieutenant, who discussed the feasibility of modifying the timing of the traffic lights and the traffic challenges at the intersection which warrant the No Turn on Red signage with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility evaluate the intersection of Water St. and Grafton St. for the appropriate traffic light timing, street markings and signage.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility evaluate the intersection of Water St. and Grafton St. for the appropriate traffic light timing, street markings and signage. | |
| 12. | Communications of the City Manager | |
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| | | 12a. | Transmitting informational communication relative to the Speed Hump Program.
# 8.6A CM May 24, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed updates concerning the Speed Hump Program, collaborative process between DTM and district councilors to determine streets suitable for the Speed Hump Program and plans concerning a permanent speed hump program with Councilor Haxhiaj.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility provide City Council with an update concerning the status of the city’s Speed Hump Program.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to recommend the item be filed.
Recommend File | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility provide City Council with an update concerning the status of the city’s Speed Hump Program. | |
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| | | 13a. | Franceso and Vittoria Visci request removal of speed humps and signage indicating said speed humps in front of 12 Whitla Dr.
# 10l CC January 11, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and moved to take the item up collectively with item #13b through #13m.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the following speakers:
1. Peter Cromwick, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #13f
2. Doreen Beauchene, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #13l and #13m
Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed the process relative to the Speed Hump Program with Councilor Haxhiaj.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed feasibility of installing speed humps on a hill with Speaker #1 and the Assistant Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Clerk notify District Councilors with all public recommendations for speed hump locations in their districts.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to recommend the item be filed.
Recommend File | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Clerk notify District Councilors with all public recommendations for speed hump locations in their districts. | |
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| | | 13b. | Hassan Ijaz request installation of speed humps at entries and exits of Chilmark St.
# 8h CC March 1, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Recommend File (See Item #13a) | |
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| | | 13c. | Tony Farnsworth et al. request installation of speed hump on Third St. at the bottom of the hill.
# 9q CC April 12, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Recommend File (See Item #13a) | |
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| | | 13d. | Eileen Tougas request installation of three (3) speed humps on Mann St.
# 7j CC May 24, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Recommend File (See Item #13a) | |
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| | | 13e. | Jeff Gaucher request the speed humps to not be re-installed on Squantum St.
# 8k CC June 7, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Recommend File (See Item #13a) | |
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| | | 13f. | Peter Cromwick et al. request installation of speed humps on Cowden St.
# 8p CC July 19, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Recommend File (See Item #13a) | |
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| | | 13g. | Pat Callum et al. request installation of speed humps on Eunice Ave. between Fairhaven Rd. and Clark St.
# 9a CC September 20, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Recommend File (See Item #13a) | |
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| | | 13h. | Jacqueline Coppedge et al., on behalf of Grace Christian Centre, request installation of speed humps in the vicinity of 126 Elm St.
# 8j CC October 12, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Recommend File (See Item #13a) | |
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| | | 13i. | Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of temporary speed bumps along Coburn Ave. by Lakeview Elementary School.
# 8o CC October 25, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Recommend File (See Item #13a) | |
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| | | 13j. | Terry Habib request installation of speed humps on Brooks St. from Rockdale St. to Mt. Vernon St.
# 10d CC November 29, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Recommend File (See Item #13a) | |
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| | | 13k. | Doreen Beauchene request installation of speed humps on Newbury St. at its intersection with Chatham St.
# 8j CC July 19, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Recommend File (See Item #13a) | |
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| | | 13l. | Doreen Beauchene request installation of speed humps in the vicinity of Chatham St. and Newbury St.
# 8f CC November 15, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Recommend File (See Item #13a) | |
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| | | 13m. | Doreen Beauchene request installation of speed humps on Newbury St.
# 8c CC January 31, 2023 | Attachments | | | | | | | Recommend File (See Item #13a) | |
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| | | 14a. | Councilor Donna M. Colorio request a traffic study be completed on Tyson Rd. to determine the appropriateness of installing a truck ban/weight restriction for traffic travelling on the road.
# 8f CC January 24, 2023 | Attachments | | | | | | | Recommend Hold (See Item #5a) | |
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