CITY OF WORCESTER | Traffic and Parking Committee Meeting | Wednesday, May 29, 2024 | Esther Howland (South) Chamber | Convened: 5:05 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 Khrystian E King | | Councilor Thu Nguyen |
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City Hall - 455 Main Street Worcester, Massachusetts | |
| Present Were: | Chairperson Councilor Donna M Colorio
Vice Chairperson Khrystian E King, who participated remotely until 5:38 P.M., at which time he attended the meeting in person | | | | | Also: | Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility Stephen Rolle
Assistant Director 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 15, 2024. | Attachments | | | | | | | 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 | |
| 3. | Handicap Parking Petitions | |
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| | | 3a. | Rosalyn Burnett request installation of handicap parking space at 27 Richards St.
# 8u CC May 7, 2024 | 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 for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Nguyen absent) | |
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| | | 3b. | Kathia Gonzalez request installation of handicap parking space in front of 9 Blaine Ave.
# 8w CC May 7, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Kathia Gonzalez, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to hold to amend for the installation of handicap parking space in front of 10 Blaine Ave., as the odd side of the street is zoned No Parking Anytime.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to amend the item to read as follows, “Kathia Gonzalez request installation of handicap parking space in front of 10 Blaine Ave. across from 9 Blaine Ave.”
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Nguyen absent) | |
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| | | 3c. | Sandra Miranda request installation of handicap parking space in front of 61 Haven Ln.
# 8x CC May 7, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Sandra Miranda, 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 for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Nguyen absent) | |
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| | | 4a. | Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson on behalf of Spectrum Health Systems, Inc. request the bus stop in front of Spectrum Health Systems on the Pasadena Parkway side of Lincoln St. be moved to a different location.
# 6k CC November 14, 2023
In Committee March 20, 2024 - Held
In Committee April 24, 2024 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to hold, as DTM is working with the District 1 Councilor to notify the owners/occupants of 580 Lincoln St. and 7 Pasadena Pkwy of the recommended alternative location.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Nguyen absent) | |
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| | | 5a. | Vui Lam request installation of No Parking Anytime for the north side of Wade St. in order to allow for trash pick up and the existing Residential Parking Zone be relocated to the south side of the street. (Amended September 20, 2023 and March 20, 2023)
# 8d CC October 19, 2021
In Committee November 17, 2021 - Held
In Committee September 20, 2023 - Held
In Committee March 20, 2024 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. Janessa Korzep, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item
2. Christopher Minichilli, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed the historical background concerning the item and ordinance concerning on-street parking.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed the parking challenges at the location with Speaker #1 and Speaker #2.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Nguyen absent) | |
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| | | 5b. | Mostafa Sharif request installation of "No Parking Anytime" signage in front of 3 Chestnut St.
# 8d CC December 12, 2023
In Committee April 24, 2024 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. Aman Baniya, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
2. No name given, 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 more research concerning the private street right of way is needed.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor King, who discussed the parking challenges at the location with Speaker #1.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Nguyen absent) | |
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| | | 5c. | Britni Riopel request installation of No Parking Anytime signage in the vicinity of the driveway of 5 Vernon Ter.
# 9h CC January 9, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. Jennithan Cortes, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
2. Britni Riopel, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the WPD Sergeant, who discussed the parking ordinance concerning parking near curb cuts and parking enforcement.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Assistant 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 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Nguyen absent) | |
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| | | 5d. | Brianna Vega request the location of the "No Parking Here to Corner" signage in the vicinity of 400 Shrewsbury St. be reviewed and relocated to its original location.
# 26a CC January 9, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Brianna Vega, 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 No Parking signage as been relocated to a position where it is visible, protects the entire 20 ft statutory No Parking zone and provides sufficient site distance.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor King, who discussed the previous location of the signage and the reasoning relative to the signage relocation with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility and Speaker #1.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be held.
Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Nguyen absent) | |
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| | | 5e. | Nathalie Gibson request installation of No Parking Anytime signage in the vicinity of the mailboxes in front of 5 and 7 Fourth St.
# 7c CC January 23, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. Theodora Dreyer-Altif, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item
2. Nathalie Gibson, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
3. Eliazar Mercado, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
4. Damaris Mercado, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
5. Maria Ramos, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor King, who discussed parking ordinances relative to box trucks on the street 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 provide City Council with a report concerning parking ordinances relative to box trucks.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed whether there are statutory regulations relative to mailboxes with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed the length concerning the proposed No Parking Anytime zone.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Speaker #1, who discussed the length of the parking area and the vehicle, concerns relative to the sightlines for vehicles exiting properties abutting the mailboxes and usage of the driveway with Councilor King.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the WPD Sergeant, who discussed ordinance concerning overnight parking for commercial vehicles.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Speaker #1, who discussed alternative parking spaces on Fourth St. and installation of handicap parking space with Councilor King and the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to recommend approval for installation of No Parking Anytime signage 15 ft. east to the right of the mailbox in front of 5 and 7 Fourth St.
Recommend Approval on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Nguyen absent) | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility provide City Council with report concerning parking ordinances relative to box trucks. | |
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| | | 5f. | Nathalie Gibson request installation of No Parking Anytime signage in the vicinity of the mailboxes in front of 35 and 37 Fourth St.
# 7d CC January 23, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Nathalie Gibson, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Principal Staff Assistant, who discussed the language of the petition with Speaker #1.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed policy concerning curb painting and whether it would be feasible to paint the curbs at the location and 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 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Nguyen absent) | |
| 6. | One and Two-Way Street Reconfiguration Petitions | |
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| | | 6a. | Cristian Chica request Davis St. be made a one-way street, flowing uphill from Piedmont St. towards Queen St.
# 8m CC July 18, 2023
In Committee November 15, 2023 - Held
In Committee March 20, 2024 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Eva Cruz, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item
2. Gregory Rosa-Mendez, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item
3. No name given, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided results from traffic study on the street and provided the recommendation to file.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following two (2) Chairman’s Orders: 1) Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility conduct an assessment of Davis St. to determine any potential means of increasing pedestrian safety, such as the installation of crosswalks and/or stop signs; and 2) Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks review the department's current processes relative to inclement weather on hills.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Nguyen absent) | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility conduct an assessment of Davis St. to determine any potential means of increasing pedestrian safety, such as the installation of crosswalks and/or stop signs | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks review the department's current processes relative to inclement weather on hills. | |
| 7. | Parking and Parking Meter Petitions | |
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| | | 7a. | Councilor Luis A. Ojeda request “30 Minute Parking” on the northwest side of Main St in front of 1000 Main St.
# 7m CC April 9, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to approve for installation of 30 minute parking from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on the north side of Main St. between Freeland St. extended and Clement St.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor King, who discussed the time duration for the 30 minute parking zone relative to the hours of operation of the business with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio move for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Nguyen absent) | |
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| | | 7b. | Diep Tran request parking be allowed only on the odd side of Ripley St. at the intersection of Ripley St. and Beacon St.
# 9g CC February 13, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to hold, as more research is needed.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio move for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Nguyen absent) | |
| 8. | Resident Permit Parking Petitions | |
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| | | 8a. | Manushaque Seferi request installation of resident permit parking on Ingleside Ave. between Hamilton St. and Cohasset St.
# 9e CC February 13, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Leon Mathis, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as DTM has not identified Institutional Impact that might be relieved through implementation of a residential parking zone.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Nguyen absent) | |
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| | | 8b. | Lorraine Adams request installation of residential permit parking on Jaques St. from Dale St. to Ethan Allen St.
# 9f CC May 7, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to hold, as more research is needed.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Nguyen absent) | |
| 9. | Traffic Control Signal Petitions | |
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| | | 9a. | Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Judy Verdolino request review of the intersection of Hamilton St. and Lake Ave. at the Lake Park entrance to determine options that are available for controlling traffic at the intersection.
# 8o CC January 16, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as DTM has initiated planning and design effort to address this, including coordinating with CMRPC to list the project on the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), which makes it eligible for future federal funding for intersection improvements.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Nguyen absent) | |
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| | | 9b. | Mayor Joseph M. Petty, on behalf of Nicholas Gage, request installation of a traffic light at the intersection of Plantation St. and Natural History Rd.
# 9d CC February 13, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to hold, as DTM will conduct a full traffic signal warrant analysis.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor King, who discussed the number of accidents that happened at the intersection of Plantation St. and Natural History Rd. with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Nguyen absent) | |
| 10. | Traffic Mirror Petitions | |
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| | | 10a. | Prateep Wiedenhoeft request installation of convex mirror across the driveway of 445 Hamilton St.
# 8uu Tuesday, August 22, 2023
In Committee December 13, 2023 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Prateep Wiedenhoeft, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor King, who discussed the property which the vegetation belongs to with Speaker #1.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as convex mirrors are intended to provide view of traffic on low speed minor streets and can be less effective on higher speed wider streets.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following two (2) Chairman’s Orders: 1) Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility install appropriate “Curve" warning signage, as well as an advisory speed plaque (25 mph), in the vicinity of 455 Hamilton St.; and 2) Request City Manager request Commissioner of Inspectional Services contact the owner of 437 Hamilton St. to clear overgrowth on Hamilton St. next to 445 Hamilton St.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed the recommendation and on-street parking in the area with Speaker #1.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Nguyen absent) | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility install appropriate “Curve" warning signage, as well as an advisory speed plaque (25 mph), in the vicinity of 455 Hamilton St. | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Inspectional Services contact the owner of 437 Hamilton St. to clear overgrowth on Hamilton St. next to 445 Hamilton St. | |
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| | | 11a. | Councilor Etel Haxhiaj request installation of a stop sign at the intersection of Mower St. and Olean St.
# 10i CC December 5, 2023 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to hold, as more research is needed.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor King, who discussed the crash history at the intersection and mini roundabouts with the Assistant Director of Transportation and Mobility.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Nguyen absent) | |
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| | | 11b. | Councilor Luis A. Ojeda request installation of All-Way stop signs at the intersection of Newbury St. and Chatham St., with stop lines being painted at the location and “Stop Sign Ahead” signage being installed at the approaches to the intersection.
# 7i CC April 9, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to approve order to replace the existing Stop sign with MUTCD compliant signage, install the supplementary All Way plaque and Stop Ahead advisory signage at the intersection and apply painted stop bars on the intersection approaches.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor King, who discussed the recommendation with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Nguyen absent) | |
| 12. | Communications of the City Manager | |
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| | | 12a. | Transmitting informational communication relative to a study of traffic safety for the intersection of Plantation Street and Orient Street.
# 10.11A CC January 9, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed the results from the traffic safety study for the Plantation St. and Orient St. intersection and provided the recommendation to file.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor King, who discussed the sidewalks on Plantation St. and Orient St. 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 prepare and implement a lane marking plan incorporating recommendations from the traffic study of the intersection of Plantation St. and Orient St.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Nguyen absent) | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility prepare and implement a lane marking plan incorporating recommendations from the traffic study of the intersection of Plantation St. and Orient St. | |
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