CITY OF WORCESTER

Traffic and Parking Committee Meeting

Wednesday, June 16, 2021

Esther Howland (South) Chamber

Convened: 4:00 P.M.

Adjourned: 6:23 P.M.


Mayor
Joseph M. Petty

 

www.worcesterma.gov

 

Clerk of the City Council
Nikolin Vangjeli

Committee Members

Chairperson Donna M Colorio
Vice Chairperson Sean M Rose
Councilor Morris A Bergman
 

City Hall - 455 Main Street Worcester, Massachusetts


Present Were:Chairperson Councilor Donna M. Colorio Councilor Sean M. Rose Councilor Morris A. Bergman, who arrived at 4:08 P.M.
 
Also:Assistant Chief Development Officer Steven Rolle Director of Engineering Mark Elbag Chief of Staff Jacob Sanders Parking Administrator Mark Kostovski WPD Sgt. James T. Foley Deputy City Clerk Stephen A.J. Pottle, clerk
 
1.

Approval of the Minutes

1a.

Order - That the City Council Standing Committee of Traffic and Parking hereby approves the minutes of the Traffic and Parking Committee meeting of May 19, 2021.

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 (Bergman absent)

2.

Public Participation

2a.

In order to ensure the continuation of active public engagement, the City of Worcester will now use a phone conference line for members of the public to participate in all public meetings. To participate during the public participation phase of City Council, you may call the direct line indicated: Esther Howland Chamber - 415-655-000 (Access Code: 172 849 5241) or enter the below URL into your web browser. If you would like to raise your hand when in the meeting as a call-in user during public participation you may dial *3. https://cow.webex.com/cow/onstage/g.php?MTID=e7a02c39107f727990ca8e1d5b52bb0fa

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. Judith Pederson, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #14a
2. Marsha Sandusky, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #4f
3. Emily Holdstein, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #14a
4. James Holdstein, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #14a
5. Justina Rivera, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #4a
6. Priscilla Underwood, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #6a
7. Dan Schertzer, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #14a
8. Blake Simpson, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #12a
9. Roy Hebert, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8a
10. Ben Woodbury, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor or opposed to item #3a
11. Bobby Hazleton, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #15a
12. Deborah Martin, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #14a
13. Stewart Borsch, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #14a
14. John Murphy, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8a
15. Paul Georgio, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor or opposed to item #3a
16. Lina Carter, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #12a
17. Anita Kostecki, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #14a
18. Marvin Landaverde, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #4a
19. John Piccolo, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8a
20. Karen Spinks, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #14a
21. Mary Ellen Brosnihan, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #4c
22. Gordon Duncan, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8a
23. Kim Sabrowski, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8a
24. Michael Ennis, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8a
25. Tom Moore, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8a

3.

Communication of the City Manager

3a.

Transmitting informational communication relative to a comprehensive plan to improve the City's parking management system citywide. # 9.7A CM April 27, 2021

In Committee May 19, 2021 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a status update to the City’s parking management system.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman and Councilor Rose, who both spoke concerning the status update to the City’s parking plan.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to recommend the item be approved as amended per the city's status update.

Recommend Approval As Amended, per the city's status update, including a recommendation to increase meter and overtime fines, revised parking time limits and meter zones, extending parking meter hours and enabling Sunday enforcement in the Canal District.

4.

Handicap Parking Petitions

4a.

Marvin Landaverde request handicap parking space in front of 27 Arlington St. be removed. # 7o CC April 27, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file, as the handicap parking space is being used by other residents.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed the feasibility and possible procedures to change the location of the handicap parking signage on Arlington Street with the Deputy City Clerk and Councilor Bergman.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to recommend item be held.

Recommend Hold

4b.

Martin Masterson request installation of handicap parking space in front of 254 Belmont St. # 8i CC April 13, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to hold, as the current requested location is in conflict with a No Parking Anytime ordinance, and a new location needs to be determined.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Hold

4c.

Stacey Ann Brown et al. request removal of handicap parking spaces in front of 21 and 23 Hitchcock Rd. # 8j CC April 13, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Approval

4d.

Jolanta Kleszczewska request removal of handicap parking space in front of 9 Upsala St. # 9o CC April 6, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to hold, as the handicap parking space may be in-used by other residents.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Hold

4e.

Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Kathleen Arcure request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 43 Indiana St. # 9v CC April 6, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to install the handicap parking space across the street, due to concerns relative to winter parking ban.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Approval as Amended to install across from 43 Indiana St.

4f.

Mayor Petty on behalf of Marsha Sadusky request removal of the handicap parking space on Ingleside Ave., adjacent to 45 Cohasset St. # 7f CC March 30, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve the item.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Approval

4g.

Lydia Romero request removal of handicap parking space on the Fruit St. side of 81 Elm St. # 8p CC March 9, 2021

In Committee April 7, 2021 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file the item, as the handicap parking space is being used by other residents.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend File

5.

Bus Stop Petitions

5a.

Dennis Lipka request WRTA bus stop #178 in front of 0 Chestnut St. be relocated to approximately 136' South of the intersection of Chestnut St. and Walnut St., directly in front of 18 Chestnut St. building. # 8k CC April 13, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and moved to take Item #5a up collectively with Item #5b.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the recommendations for #5a and #5b with the Director of Engineering.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Approval

5b.

Dennis Lipka request installation of a new, outbound bus stop location approximately 136' south of the intersection of Chestnut St. and Walnut St., located directly in front of 18 Chestnut St. # 7g CC March 30, 2021

Attachments

Recommend File (See Item #5a)

6.

Crosswalk and Lighted Crosswalk System Petitions

6a.

Brian and Priscella Underwood request installation of flashing crosswalk lights and signage at Chandler Magnet Elementary School, 525 Chandler St. # 8d CC March 9, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and discussed the school-related traffic signage assessment performed by the Safety Taskforce with the Director of Engineering and for the Safety Taskforce to reach out to the petitioners.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided the recommendation to hold, as more assessments need to be done for the petitions submitted by the petitioners.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who spoke concerning the item.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Hold

6b.

Councilor Matthew E. Wally request the need for pedestrian safety measures in and around the Newton Square be reviewed, including but limited to the appropriateness of installing flashing beacons and larger advisory signage, in the interest of public safety. # 8j CC October 6, 2020

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to hold, as more measures need to be done to improve safety issues at Newton Square.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed the needs to assess and modify Newton Square intersection in the interest of public safety with Councilor Rose and Councilor Bergman.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Engineering, who discussed the process of redesigning Newton Square intersection and the needs to begin funding for the redesign process.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following two Chairman’s Orders: 1) Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks work to prioritize funding for the redesign of the Newton Square intersection; and 2) Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks review crosswalks and necessary traffic signage for improvements to the Newton Square rotary.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the needs for the redesign of Newton Square to reflect the residential neighborhood and historic nature.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio then spoke concerning reaching out to the Newton Square neighborhood for input concerning the Newton Square redesign.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Hold

Chairman's Orders

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks work to prioritize funding for the redesign of the Newton Square intersection.

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks review crosswalks and necessary traffic signage for improvements to the Newton Square rotary.

6c.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of a pedestrian flashing light at the crosswalk in vicinity of the Canal Lofts at 48 Water St. # 7c CC January 14, 2020

In Committee June 17, 2020 - Held In Committee July 22, 2020 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided recommendation to approve.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Approval

7.

No Parking Petitions

7a.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request removal of the “No Parking Anytime” zone in the vicinity of Harding Tire, located at 180 Harding St., with a Loading Zone being installed in its place. # 9h CC June 2, 2020

In Committee July 22, 2020 - Held In Committee on August 12, 2020 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided recommendation to file, as the petition is no longer relevant due to major street changes on Harding St.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend File

8.

Resident Permit Parking Items

8a.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson on behalf of John Piccolo request the resident permit parking zone on Plum St. be amended to remove 3-5 Plum St. # 8j CC May 25, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and discussed parking ordinances and available parking spaces on Plum Street with the Director of Engineering.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed available parking spaces at the location.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Engineering, who discussed the timeline of the resident permit parking ordinance, people who purchased resident permit parking passes for Plum Street, the needs to review the parking ordinances on Plum Street and whether it is permissible for residents to install no parking signage on public streets.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to recommend the item be held.

Recommend Hold

8b.

Winifred Octave request installation of resident permit parking on the odd side of Northampton St. between Westminster St. and Windsor St. # 8g CC November 17, 2020

In Committee January 20, 2021 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to hold, as parking challenges on the odd side of the street have not been detected, and there are more residents living on the even side, whose parking situation may be impact by resident permit parking on the odd side.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Hold

9.

Stop Sign Petitions

9a.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson on behalf of Ann Marie Gilchrist request installation of stops signs in both directions of Plantation St. at Tampa St. # 8e CC August 11, 2020

In Committee November 18, 2020 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file, as it does not meet the warrants for a multi-way stop sign.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the needs for the District Councilor to provide input concerning the traffic issues at the intersection.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to recommend the item be held.

Recommend Hold

10.

Traffic Control Signal Petitions

10a.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of a blinking yellow traffic signal at the intersection of Hamilton St. and Coburn Ave. # 8i CC May 12, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and moved to recommend the item be held.

Recommend Hold

10b.

Councilor Donna M. Colorio request the installation of a "No Left Turn" or delayed left turn sign signal at the intersection of Grove St. and Salisbury St., in both directions. # 7g Tuesday, September 29, 2020

In Committee December 16, 2020 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to hold, as a traffic study needs to be done.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Hold

10c.

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

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to hold, as a traffic study needs to be done.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Hold

10d.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of a "Blind Driveway" sign at the intersection of Ansonia Rd. and Dominion Rd. # 7g CC May 19, 2020

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and moved to recommend the item be held.

Recommend Hold

11.

Traffic Sign Petitions

11a.

Lawrence Freed request the Airport Dr. street signage at the Airport Dr. and Mill St. intersection be reinstalled. # 8g CC May 4, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file, as a work order will be put in to reinstall the sign.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend File

11b.

Councilor Donna M. Colorio on behalf of Suzanne Kerbs request installation of a yield sign on Beeching St. as it approaches Lenox St. # 9j CC April 6, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file, as a stop sign has been installed on Lenox St. as it approaches Beeching St.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend File

11c.

Suzanne Kerbs request a yield sign be installed on Lenox St. at the intersection with Beeching St. # 8e CC September 22, 2020

In Committee January 20, 2021 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file, as a stop sign has been installed on Lenox St. as it approaches Beeching St.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend File

11d.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request the sequencing of the existing “Left Turn Only” traffic control signal at the intersection of Plantation St. and Franklin St. coming from Hamilton St. be revised to occur prior to vehicles coming straight in the opposite direction. # 10m CC September 8, 2020

In Committee December 16, 2020 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to hold, as the traffic signal configuration needs to be reviewed and a traffic study needs to be done.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Hold

12.

Truck Ban Petitions

12a.

Blake Simpson request installation of a weight restriction on large tractor trailers on Steele St., with signage being installed indicating such at the beginning of Steele St. from Whipple St. # 7g CC November 10, 2020

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to hold, as a traffic study needs to be done and submitted to Mass DOT for truck restriction approval.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the needs for companies for GPS applications to be made aware of newly installed truck and weight restrictions.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide report concerning the contact information of the personnel responsible for notifying and updating companies that operate GPS applications, as well as the contact information of local branches of said companies.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who discussed exploring partnership with “Waze for Cities” to update traffic data in real time.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager provide update concerning the previous order relative to exploring partnership with “Waze for Cities” program.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Hold

Chairman's Orders

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report concerning the contact information of the personnel responsible for notifying and updating companies that operate GPS applications of changes in the city, as well as the contact information of local branches of said companies.

Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning a previously adopted Order relative to exploring partnership with the “Waze for Cities” program.

12b.

Councilor Donna M. Colorio and Councilor Matthew E. Wally on behalf of Judy Griffin request the allowed truck weight on Heard St. be changed to 2.5 tons. # 8h CC August 11, 2020

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to hold, as a traffic study needs to be done and submitted to Mass DOT for truck restriction approval.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed previous actions taken to alleviate traffic issues in the area and the needs to continue to explore new solutions for the issues.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the history of traffic issues on the street.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Police Chief provide increased traffic enforcement on Heard St. as relates to the truck weight.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Hold

Chairman's Orders

Request City Manager request Police Chief provide increased traffic enforcement on Heard St. as relates to the truck weight.

12c.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request No Truck signs be installed on Penn Ave. and Waverly St. # 8hh CC August 21, 2018

In Committee June 17, 2020 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to hold, as a traffic study needs to be done and submitted to Mass DOT for truck restriction approval.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Hold

13.

Winter Parking Ban Petitions

13a.

Sean Kelly et al. request the winter parking ban on Trumbull St. be amended from a "permanent" ban to become a "declared" ban. # 8b CC March 16, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Approval

13b.

Sean Kelly et al. request the winter parking ban on Eaton St. be amended from a "permanent" ban to become a "declared" ban. # 8c CC March 16, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Approval

13c.

Sean Kelly et al. request the winter parking ban on Mercantile St. be amended from a "permanent" ban to become a "declared" ban. # 8d CC March 16, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Approval

14.

Speed Hump Petitions

14a.

Judith Pederson request Beechmont St. not be considered as part of any speed bump installation program. # 8e CC February 23, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who discussed the details relative to the speed hump pilot program on Beechmont Street.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who discussed the streets that were chosen for the speed hump pilot program and public feedback concerning the pilot program.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the needs to explore new solutions to recurring traffic issues, such as the speed hump pilot program.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio then recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided the recommendation to file.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend File

15.

Miscellaneous

15a.

Order of Councilor Donna M. Colorio - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks update signage at Wetherell/Duffy Field Park in the area of the dead end to read: "No Parking" from the trash can to the wooded area, "No Trespassing," and, "No Loitering." # 12h CC April 6, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided no recommendation.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who discussed the challenges relative to installing No Trespassing and No Loitering signs in the vicinity of a park.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the feasibility of increasing the wattage of the streetlights in the area as brighter lights may deter trash dumping activities.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the impact brighter streetlights may have on trash dumping activities.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Engineering, who spoke concerning the jurisdiction of streetlights and current streetlights installed in the area with the Deputy City Clerk.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to recommend the item be filed.

Recommend File

Chairman's Orders

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the impact brighter streetlights may have on trash dumping activities.