CITY OF WORCESTER | Traffic and Parking Committee Meeting | Wednesday, June 5, 2024 | Esther Howland (South) Chamber | Convened: 5:01 P.M. | Adjourned: 7:02 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 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 Councilor Khrystian E King, who arrived at 5:10 p.m.
Councilor Thu Nguyen, who participated remotely | | | | | Also: | Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility Stephen Rolle
Assistant Director of Transportation and Mobility Todd Kirrane
WPD Sergeant James Foley
Councilor George Russell
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 May 29, 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 (King absent | |
| 3. | Handicap Parking Petitions | |
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| | | 3a. | Alfred Gendron request relocation of the handicap parking space 25 ft. north in front of 25 Delawanda Dr. and establishing a combination tow zone and handicap parking load zone in front of 23 Delawanda Dr. at the current handicap parking space. (Amended May 15, 2025)
# 10r CC March 12, 2024
In Committee April 24, 2024 - Held
In Committee May 15, 2024 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Jose Santana, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item
2. Ron Dolat Sr., Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided an overview of the item.
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 (King absent) | |
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| | | 3b. | Samuel Torres et al. request installation of handicap parking space across from 130 Endicott St. at 135 Endicott St. (Amended on April 24, 2024)
# 7f CC March 19, 2024
In Committee April 24, 2024 - Held
In Committee May 15, 2024 - 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 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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| | | 3c. | Douglas Hamalainen request installation of handicap parking space in front of 15 Whitney St. across from 10 Whitney St.
# 8d CC May 14, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. Douglas Hamalainen, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
2. Amanda Nasharelli, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to approve.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Speaker #1, who discussed available parking spaces on the street with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor King, who discussed whether there are any potential issues or liabilities to grant a handicap parking space relative to the presence of a restraining order with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility and the Deputy City Clerk.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a legal opinion concerning any impact a restraining order can have when granting the installation of a handicap parking space.
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 City Solicitor provide City Council with a legal opinion concerning any impact a restraining order can have when granting the installation of a handicap parking space. | |
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| | | 3d. | Philip Mallios request removal of handicap parking space in front of 41 Somerset St.
# 8e CC May 14, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Philip Mallios, 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 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 3e. | James Fenner request installation of handicap parking space in front of 4 Courtland St.
# 8h CC Tuesday, May 14, 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 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 4a. | Councilor Khrystian E. King on behalf of Gayle Anderson request the bus stop currently in front of 18 Chestnut St. be moved back 22 Chestnut St., with “No Parking Anytime” signage being installed near the 22 Chestnut St. location.
# 7n CC March 26, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. Fred Nathan, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor nor opposed to the item
2. Meg Coffin, No residence given, spoke in opposition to the item
3. Joe Bilel, Holden residence, spoke in opposition to the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor King, who discussed the intent of the petition with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility.
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 | |
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| | | 4b. | Mona Ghanem request removal of bus stop signage in front of 178 Vernon St.
# 8c CC April 2, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to approve to relocate the bus stop signage to its correct location closer to the intersection.
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 | |
| 5. | Crosswalk and Lighted Crosswalk System Petitions | |
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| | | 5a. | Kevin Seifert request installation of a crosswalk at the intersection of Newton Ave North and Salisbury St.
# 10m CC March 12, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. Timothy Corbin, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
2. Meghan McGovern, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed issues concerning traffic safety on Newton Ave North, the street resurfacing project for the street and provided the recommendation to approve pending funding of necessary associated improvements.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Speaker #1, who discussed construction plans concerning the shoulder space on Newton Ave. North with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor King, who discussed the time frame for installation of the crosswalk, the risk assessment relative to pedestrian safety at the intersection and potential signage to mitigate traffic issues at the intersection 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 conduct traffic study at the intersection of Newton Ave. North and Salisbury St. for traffic calming measures to accommodate vulnerable road users.
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 Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility conduct traffic study at the intersection of Newton Ave. North and Salisbury St. for traffic calming measures to accommodate vulnerable road users. | |
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| | | 5b. | Councilor Jenny Pacillo request installation of advisory crosswalk signage on the corner of Burncoat St. and Arbutus Rd.
# 7g CC April 9, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Vice Chairperson Councilor King read the item and moved to recommend the item be approved.
Recommend Approval on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Colorio absent) | |
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| | | 5c. | Abby Mortillaro request installation of crosswalks on Park Ave. at its intersection with Townsend St.
# 7p CC April 9, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Vice Chairperson Councilor King read the item and moved to recommend the item be approved.
Recommend Approval on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Colorio absent) | |
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| | | 6a. | Nicole Gulbankian request "No Parking Here to Corner" sign at 64 Norfolk St. be replaced with "No Parking - Tow Zone" sign.
# 10p CC March 12, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Vice Chairperson Councilor King read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Donald (No last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item
Vice Chairperson Councilor King moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be filed.
Recommend File on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Colorio absent) | |
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| | | 6b. | Richard Wiggin request installation of No Parking Anytime signage on the even side of Liscomb St.
# 7n CC April 9, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Vice Chairperson Councilor King read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Richard Wiggin, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Vice Chairperson Councilor King moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be approved.
Recommend Approval on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Colorio absent) | |
| 7. | Resident Permit Parking Items | |
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| | | 7a. | Report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking Upon the Petition of Councilor Sarai Rivera on behalf of Linda George request installation of resident permit parking on Piedmont St. from Austin St. to Pleasant St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance to install residential permit parking on the west side of Piedmont St., except in front of 105 Piedmont St., as well as installation of a timed restriction on said resident permit parking in front of 93 Piedmont St. (The Mustard Seed) from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m.
# 15a CC March 26, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. Linda George, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
2. No name given, No residence given, spoke in favor of the item
3. Anessia Jimenez, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the WPD Sergeant, who discussed enforcement concerning damaged registered vehicle parking on the street.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor King, who discussed when a vehicle is considered abandoned with the WPD Sergeant and challenges relative to privileged non-conforming use exemption of the business on Piedmont St. the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Nguyen, who discussed parking challenges on Piedmont St.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor King, who discussed the potential ramifications in the neighborhood relative to the implementation of residential parking program on Piedmont St. with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed the number of parking spaces on Piedmont St. with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to amend the item to install residential permit parking on the west side of Piedmont St., except in front of 105 Piedmont St. and 300 Pleasant St., as well as installation of a timed restriction on said resident permit parking in front of 93 Piedmont St. (The Mustard Seed) from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be approved as amended.
Recommend Approval as Amended on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
| 8. | Turn Prohibition Petition | |
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| | | 8a. | Wendy J. Gould request installation of No Right Turn on Red sign at the intersection of Federal St. and Main St.
# 7c CC March 19, 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 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 1 Nay | |
| 9. | Winter Parking Ban Petitions | |
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| | | 9a. | Councilor George J. Russell request the establishment of a permanent, Zone A parking ban on both sides of Vernon St. between Winthrop St and Upsala St.
# 10i CC March 12, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized Councilor Russell, who discussed the intent of the petition.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the following speakers:
1. Maria Lopez, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item
2. Steffen Loeffler, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item
3. Sarah Stillman, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed the intent of the petition and the differences between the permanent winter parking ban and declared winter parking ban.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor King, who discussed how winter parking ban ordinances are organize and the needs for more community discussion concerning installation of a winter parking ban zone at the location with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Russell, who discussed installation of a declared winter parking ban at the location and the feasibility of allowing residents to park under the solar panels at the Worcester Senior Center.
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 | |
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| | | 9b. | James Pauly et al. request installation of winter parking ban on the even side of Shelby St.
# 7o 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.
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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| | | 10a. | Petition of Evan Corrigan request installation of a lit pylon for the Burncoat neighborhood at the "Triangle."
# 10h CC March 12, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed wayfinding signages.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio 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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| | | 10b. | Petition of Lorenzo Atwood request Millbrook St. be reviewed for traffic calming solutions.
# 7i CC March 26, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Lorenzo Atwood, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed the traffic challenges and crash data on Millbrook St. and provided the recommendation to hold for the completion of the study.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor King, who discussed the motion for the item with the Deputy City Clerk.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following two (2) Chairman’s Orders: 1) Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility a conduct traffic study on Millbrook St. for traffic calming solutions; and 2) Request City Manager request Police Chief provide speed monitoring and enforcement on Millbrook St.
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 Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility conduct a traffic study on Millbrook St. for traffic calming solutions. | | | | Request City Manager request Police Chief provide speed monitoring and enforcement on Millbrook St. | |
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| | | 10c. | Petition of Joseph P. Johnson request creation of curbside 40-foot passenger loading zone and two (2) accessible parking spaces to provide access to the West Boylston Drive Community Teaching Garden (3 West Boylston Dr.)
# 7j CC March 26, 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 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 10d. | Petition of Councilor Luis A. Ojeda request installation of curb extensions at the intersection of Pleasant St. and Newbury St.
# 7j 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 pending funding.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval Pending Funding on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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