CITY OF WORCESTER | Traffic and Parking Committee Meeting | Wednesday, June 21, 2023 | Esther Howland (South) Chamber | Convened: 4:00 P.M. | Adjourned: 6:15 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 | | | | | Also: | Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility Stephen Rolle
Assistant Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility Todd Kirrane
WPD Sergeant James Foley
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 May 17, 2023. | View Agenda | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Nguyen absent) | |
| 3. | Handicap Parking Petitions | |
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| | | 3a. | Patricia Burnett request installation of handicap parking space in front of 16 Groton Pl.
# 8n CC August 9, 2022
In Committee September 21, 2022 - Held
In Committee March 22, 2023 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and moved to recognize the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to hold, as the petitioner still needs to provide a handicap placard.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Hold | |
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| | | 3b. | Maria Correa request installation of handicap parking space in front of 39 Perry Ave.
# 8g CC January 10, 2023
In Committee February 15, 2023 - Held
In Committee March 22, 2023 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Maria Correa, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to approve, pending provision of handicap placard.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval, pending provision of a handicap placard | |
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| | | 3c. | Timothy Gill request installation of handicap parking space on Claremont St. adjacent to 866 Main St. (Amended March 22, 2023).
# 7f CC February 7, 2023
In Committee March 22, 2023 - Held
| 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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| | | 3d. | Samuel Duah request removal of handicap parking space in front of 55 Plantation St. (Amended May 17, 2023)
# 8j CC April 11, 2023
In Committee May 17, 2023 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. Samuel Duah, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
2. Jyll Alvarez, 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 | |
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| | | 3e. | Holly Wilder-Raposa request installation of handicap parking space in front of 13 Greendale Ave.
# 9j CC May 9, 2023 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to approve.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the following speaker:
1. Holly Wilder-Raposa, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval | |
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| | | 3f. | Francisco Rivera request installation of handicap parking space in front of 15 Jacques Ave.
# 7k CC May 23, 2023 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Francisco Rivera, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval | |
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| | | 3g. | Mohammed El-Refaei request installation of two (2) additional handicap parking spaces in front of 57 Laurel St.
# 7l CC May 23, 2023 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Mohammed El-Refaei, 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 | |
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| | | 3h. | Justin Nugent request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 25 Arlington St.
# 7n CC May 23, 2023 | 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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| | | 4a. | Joanne Troiano request installation of "No Parking Anytime" signage on Short St.
# 7e CC February 7, 2023 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. Joanne Troiano, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
2. No name given, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
3. No name given, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
4. Mark Guertin, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed on-street and off-street parking with Speaker #1 and Speaker #4.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility and the Assistant Commissioner of Transportation, who discussed the challenges concerning parking on Short Street and provided the recommendation to approve.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval | |
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| | | 4b. | Isaac Chassman request installation of "No Parking Anytime" signage in front of New England Chiropractic Health Clinic (192 Lincoln St.).
# 8d CC April 11, 2023 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. Ted Sizemore, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item
2. Isaac Chassman, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed the traffic challenges on Lincoln St. and provided the recommendation to approve a 20 feet “No Parking Anytime” zone.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval | |
| 5. | Winter Parking Ban Petition | |
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| | | 5a. | Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request the winter parking ban on Harmon St. be reversed to No Parking on the Odd Side of the street, when declared.
# 18g CC November 29, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Donald Packard, 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 | |
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| | | 6a. | Karla Garcia, on behalf of Worcester Manufacturing, request installation of additional 5 ton truck weight limit restriction signage on Gilman St.
# 9q CC July 20, 2021
In Committee September 30, 2021 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Karla Garcia, on behalf of Worcester Manufacturing, No residence given, 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 | |
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| | | 6b. | Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Joanne Papagni request installation of a restriction for through traffic of trucks on Ernest Ave.
# 7f CC January 25, 2022
In Committee March 16, 2022 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. James O’Brien, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor nor opposed the item
2. Richard Worley, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognize the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as the street does not meet standards for truck exclusions set by MassDOT.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File | |
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| | | 6c. | Christine Parcher request installation of No Trucks Over 2 Tons signage on Lovell St. at the intersection of Chandler St. and Lovell St.
# 8j CC April 26, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and moved to take the item up collectively with Item #6d.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the following speaker:
1. Christine Parcher, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
2. Jane Dupont, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed the traffic issues concerning Lovell St. and provided the recommendation to file, as the street does not meet standards set by MassDOT for truck exclusions.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Haxhiaj, who discussed feasibility of installing speed humps on Lovell St. with Speaker #1.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the WPD Sergeant, who discussed provision of traffic enforcement on Lovell St. and feasibility of installation of portable speed feedback sign on Lovell St. with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following two (2) Chairman’s Orders: 1) Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility consider installation of solar-powered speed feedback sign on Lovell St. and; 2) Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility work with the District Councilor to consider the installation of speed humps on Lovell St.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility consider installation of solar-powered speed feedback sign on Lovell St. | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility work with the District Councilor to consider the installation of speed humps on Lovell St. | |
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| | | 6d. | Christine Parcher request installation of No Trucks Over 2 Tons signage on Hadwen St. at the intersection of June St. and Hadwen St.
# 8k CC April 26, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Recommend File (See Item #6c) | |
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| | | 6e. | Councilor Etel Haxhiaj on behalf of Joann Coran request installation of a weight restriction for tractor trailer trucks on Bauer St., with signage being installed indicating such at the street’s entrance from Farmington St.
# 8r CC April 26, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as the street does not meet standards for truck exclusions set by MassDOT.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File | |
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| | | 7a. | Peter Magerowski request installation of three-way stop sign at the intersection of Barry Rd., Barry Rd. Ext. and Toronita Ave.
# 9d CC June 15, 2021
In Committee December 15, 2021 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed the traffic challenges relative to the configuration of the intersection and provided the recommendation to hold, as further traffic study is needed.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Hold | |
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| | | 7b. | Alexandra Welch et al. request assessment of the intersection of Beaver Brook Pkwy and Maywood St. for the installation of a four-way stop sign, or whichever traffic control intervention is deemed appropriate.
# 8z CC September 22, 2021
In Committee October 13, 2021 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to approve a stop sign on Beaver Brook Pkwy facing southbound traffic.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility enhance lane markings at the intersection of Beaver Brook Pkwy and Maywood St., including the installation of painted stop bars.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility enhance lane markings at the intersection of Beaver Brook Pkwy and Maywood St., including the installation of painted stop bars. | |
| 8. | Traffic Control Signal Petitions | |
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| | | 8a. | Michael Grandone request installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of Sunderland Rd. and Massasoit Rd.
# 9p CC July 20, 2021
In Committee April 27, 2022 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and moved to take the item up collectively with Item #8b.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as a contract for design of a traffic signal and improvements for the intersection of Sunderland Rd. and Massasoit Rd. has been executed and is underway.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File | |
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| | | 8b. | Michael Grandone request installation of electric traffic light at the intersection of Sunderland Rd. and Massasoit Rd.
# 8f CC March 1, 2022
In Committee June 22, 2022 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Recommend File (See Item #8a) | |
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| | | 8c. | Justice Real request installation of traffic lights at the intersection of West St. and Pleasant St.
# 8gg CC September 22, 2021
In Committee November 30, 2022 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Justice Real, 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 location does not meet warrants for a traffic signal.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Speaker #1, who discussed challenges concerning traffic and traffic enforcement at the intersection of West St. and Pleasant St.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File | |
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| | | 8d. | Laurie Ghiz request installation of left turn signal on Mountain St. West at the intersection of Mountain St. West, Mountain St. East and West Boylston St.
# 7o CC May 24, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as DTM is completing a complete inventory and operational review of traffic signals in the city and the project will identity and recommended remedies to any issues identified.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File | |
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| | | 9a. | Stephen Najemy request installation of "right turn on red" signage on Water St. at the intersection of Water St. and Grafton St.
# 8f CC June 21, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, the intersection meets the warrants for “No Turn on Red” restriction.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File | |
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| | | 9b. | Councilor Etel Haxhiaj on behalf of Lila Pope request May St. be studied to determine the feasibility of putting a solar panel speed limit sign at a suitable location on the street.
# 7g CC December 13, 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 | |
| 10. | Traffic Study Petitions | |
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| | | 10a. | Joseph Zwirblia request traffic study for Fourth St. be conducted.
# 9t CC July 20, 2021
In Committee September 20, 2021 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Joseph Zwirblia, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
2. Nathalie Gibson, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Haxhiaj, who discussed the installation of a temporary speed feedback sign on Fourth St., the needs for traffic calming measures on the street and actions taken in City Council with Speaker #1.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility and the Assistant Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed findings from a preliminary traffic investigation on Fourth St.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Haxhiaj, who discussed holding neighborhood meetings to further discussed findings and recommendations from the traffic study by DTM once it concludes.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File | |
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| | | 10b. | Anthony Kachadoorian request traffic review be completed and recommendations be made to address parking issues on Ivernia Rd.
# 8i CC January 10, 2023 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided approval for installation of No Parking Anytime on the street.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval | |
| 11. | Turn Prohibition Petitions | |
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| | | 11a. | Mark Borenstein request installation of signage indicating no right turns from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. (Monday through Friday) at: 1) the northwesterly corner of Parkton Ave. and Grove St., 2) the northwesterly corner of Lansing Ave. and Grove St., 3) the northwesterly corner of Chester St. and Grove St., and 4) the northwesterly corner of Chester St. and Holden St.
# 9f CC September 29, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and moved to take the item up collectively with Item #11b.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to recognize the following speakers:
1. Mark Borenstein, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
2. Ursula Kavanagh, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the WPD Sergeant, who discussed increasing traffic enforcement to the location.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed the traffic issues and preliminary results from the ongoing detailed study of the Barry Rd., Chester St., and connecting routes between Salisbury St. and Grove St. corridors with Speaker #2.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to recommend the item be held.
Recommend Hold | |
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| | | 11b. | Mark Borenstein request installation of signage indicating no left turns from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM (Monday through Friday) at: 1) the northeaster corner of Barry Rd. and Salisbury St., 2) the northeasterly corner of Spring Valley Rd. and Salisbury St., and 3) the northeasterly corner of Lynnwood Ln. and Salisbury St.
# 9g CC September 29, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Recommend Hold (See Item #11b) | |
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| | | 12a. | Petition of Mark Andrews request traffic safety improvements be made at the intersection of Moreland St., Carter Rd. and Brigham Rd., including the installation of traffic signals, signage indicating right of way or cautioning drivers that traffic may be crossing in front of them, a stop sign for vehicles approaching the intersection from the upper part of Moreland St. or flashing warning lights indicating traffic may be crossing.
# 8i CC May 25, 2021
In Committee September 30, 2021 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Mark Andrews, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to hold, as an ASWC warrant analysis is being conducted for the intersection.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Hold | |
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| | | 12b. | Petition of Michael Letendre request street markings be painted from northwest side of Austin St. into the intersection with Irving St., through the intersection and onto the two lanes of Irving St. for traffic guidance purposes.
# 10f CC December 7, 2021
In Committee October 19, 2022 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as dashed line could confuse southbound drivers turning left and evaluation of the needs for dual left turn at the intersection is recommended.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File | |
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| | | 12c. | Petition of Judith Shocik request installation of street markings on Stafford St. to separate the cars going straight and the cars turning down James St., including an "only arrow" on Stafford St. turning onto James St.
# 9g CC November 22, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided recommendation to file, as improvements to Stafford St. are programmed for construction this summer.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File | |
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