CITY OF WORCESTER

Traffic and Parking Committee Meeting

Wednesday, October 19, 2022

Esther Howland (South) Chamber

Convened: 4:00 P.M.

Adjourned: 5:41 P.M.


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
 

City Hall - 455 Main Street Worcester, Massachusetts


Present Were:Chairperson Councilor Donna M Colorio Councilor Etel Haxhiaj, who participated remotely Councilor Thu Nguyen, who participated remotely
 
Also:Director of Transportation and Mobility Stephen Rolle Deputy City Clerk Stephen AJ Pottle, clerk
 
1.

Virtual Attendee Call-In Information

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

2a.

Order - That the City Council Standing Committee of Traffic and Parking hereby approves the minutes of the Traffic and Parking Committee meeting of September 21, 2022.

View Agenda

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and moved for a roll call vote to adopt the order. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays

3.

Handicap Parking Petitions

3a.

Daisy Amarat request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 15 Orne St. # 8r CC September 20, 2022

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Daisy Amarat, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to approve.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed the timeline for the City Council process with the City Clerk and the Director 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 3 Yeas and 0 Nays

3b.

Felix Osafo request installation of handicap parking space in front of 18 Plantation St. # 8z CC September 20, 2022

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to hold, as the requested location has a permanent winter ban ordinance and more discussion with the petitioner is needed.

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

3c.

Eileen Martell request installation of handicap parking space in front of 11 Larch St. # 9b CC September 20, 2022

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Eileen Martell, Worcester resident, spoke concerning the item

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the 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 3 Yeas and 0 Nays

3d.

Elaine Holden request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 36 Florence St. # 9g CC September 20, 2022

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. David Holden, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the 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 3 Yeas and 0 Nays

3e.

Ana Curbelo and Ernesto Rosado request installation of a handicap parking space in the vicinity of 21 Hitchcock Rd. # 9j CC September 20, 2022

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Ana Curbelo, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the 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 3 Yeas and 0 Nays

3f.

Celeste Burke request installation of handicap parking place in front of 49 Abbott St. # 9k CC September 20, 2022

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to hold, as a handicap placard has not been provided by petitioner.

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

3g.

Claire and Nick Marchese request installation of handicap parking space in front of 4 Malden Terrace. # 9n CC September 20, 2022

Attachments

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

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the following speaker:
1. James Thibeault, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed the specification of the handicap parking space with Speaker #1.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Deputy City Clerk, who spoke concerning the testimony provided by the petitioners’ physician.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the 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 3 Yeas and 0 Nays

4.

Crosswalk and Lighted Crosswalk System Petitions

4a.

David Pederson request the fluorescent yellow pedestrian crossing signs at the intersection of Highland St. and Russell St. be replaced with traditional yellow signs. # 8k CC July 19, 2022

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and moved to take the item up collectively with item #4b and #4c.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as Mass DOT and MUTCD require standardization of fluorescent yellow pedestrian signs as well as for the signs to be grouped together.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.

Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays

4b.

David Pederson request the fluorescent yellow pedestrian crossing signs at the intersection of Elm St. and Russell St. be replaced with traditional yellow signs. # 8l CC July 19, 2022

Attachments

Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #4a)

4c.

David Pederson request the fluorescent yellow pedestrian crossing signs at the intersection of Pleasant St. and West St. be replaced with traditional yellow signs. # 8m CC July 19, 2022

Attachments

Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #4a)

4d.

Brian and Priscella Underwood request installation of flashing crosswalk light in the vicinity of the Court House (225 Main St.). # 9d CC May 3, 2022

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and moved to take the item up with item #4e and #4f.

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

4e.

Brian Underwood request installation of flashing crosswalk lights in the vicinity of City View Elementary School, 80 Prospect St. # 9v CC June 8, 2021

In Committee December 15, 2021 - Held In Committee April 27, 2022 - Held

Attachments

Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #4d)

4f.

Brian Underwood request installation of flashing crosswalk lights in the vicinity of Goddard School of Science & Technology, 14 Richards St. # 9z CC June 8, 2021

In Committee September 30, 2021 - Held

Attachments

Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #4d)

4g.

Tania Colon et al. request installation of flashing crosswalk lights at the crosswalk in front of 91 Stafford St. # 7g CC May 24, 2022

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to approve, pending funding and recommendation from the forthcoming Complete Streets Prioritization Plan.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognize Councilor Haxhiaj, who spoke concerning the item.

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.

No Parking Petitions

5a.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson on behalf of Heather Gould request installation of “No Parking From Here to Driveway” signage on either side of the driveway at 173 Grove St., adjacent to O’Connell Field, to allow sufficient space for drivers pulling into and out of the property. # 8p CC August 9, 2022

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. Heather Gould, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
2. Douglas Frost, Worcester resident, spoke concerning the item

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to place the item on file.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following two (2) Chairman’s Orders: 1) Request City Manager request Director of Transportation and Mobility install "No Parking Anytime" signage in the vicinity of the driveway for 173 Grove St. and; 2) Request City Manager request Director of Transportation and Mobility investigate and provide City Council with recommendations to modify the parking regulations on Grove St. to accommodate athletic field users.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.

Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays

Chairman's Orders

Request City Manager request Director of Transportation and Mobility install "No Parking Anytime" signage in the vicinity of the driveway for 173 Grove St.

Request City Manager request Director of Transportation and Mobility investigate and provide City Council with recommendations to modify the parking regulations on Grove St. to accommodate athletic field users.

5b.

Stephan Williams et al. request installation of "No Parking Anytime" signage on the south side of Institute Rd. within 20' of its intersection with Westland St., on both the east (downhill) and west (uphill) sides of the street. # 8s CC September 20, 2022

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as no parking within 20’ of an intersection or crosswalk is covered under city wide blanket ordinances and additional enforcement could be recommended.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Police Chief provide increased traffic enforcement of parking restrictions on Institute Rd. at its intersection with Westland St.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.

Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays

Chairman's Orders

Request City Manager request Police Chief provide increased traffic enforcement of parking restrictions on Institute Rd. at its intersection with Westland St.

5c.

Stacie Brimmage request installation of No Parking from Here to Corner in front of 796 Main St. and 800 Main St. at the intersection of Main St. and Castle St. # 8w CC September 20, 2022

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Stacie Brimmage, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to hold, as research concerning other traffic calming measure is recommended.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed the citywide blanket ordinance ban for parking at intersection, crosswalk and driveway.

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

5d.

Susan Renaud, Property Manager, on behalf of Fremont Lofts Condo., request installation of signage and/or painted sections of roadway depicting "No Parking Anytime" in the vicinity of the entrances of the Fremont Lofts Condominiums, located at 160 Fremont St. # 9i CC September 20, 2022

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as no parking within 5’ of a driveway is covered under city wide blanket ordinances and additional enforcement could be recommended.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Police Chief provide increased traffic enforcement of parking restrictions at the entrance of the Fremont Loft Condominiums, located at 160 Fremont St.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.

Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays

Chairman's Orders

Request City Manager request Police Chief provide increased traffic enforcement of parking restrictions at the entrance of the Fremont Loft Condominiums, located at 160 Fremont St.

5e.

Report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking Upon the Petition of Roberta Adams request installation of No Parking Anytime signage in front of 197 Eastern Ave. # 21l CC September 20, 2022

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Roberta Adams, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Deputy City Clerk, who discussed the timeline and actions taken concerning the item.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Director of Transportation and Mobility, who provided a recommendation to file, as the no parking requested is located across from a winter parking ban and would significantly limit parking options during winter weather conditions.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.

Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays

6.

Truck Ban Petitions

6a.

Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey request installation of a weight restriction for trucks travelling on Commonwealth Ave. # 8n CC November 9, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. Richard Webster, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item

Chairperson Councilor Colorio discussed the standard concerning vertical impediments over street and criteria concerning installation of truck restriction on Commonwealth Ave. with the Director of Transportation and Mobility.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as the truck volume on the street does not meet requirement.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Director of Transportation and Mobility review Commonwealth Ave. to determine additional traffic calming measures that should be taken on the street.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.

Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays

Chairman's Orders

Request City Manager request Director of Transportation and Mobility review Commonwealth Ave. to determine additional traffic calming measures that should be taken on the street.

7.

Resident Permit Parking Petitions

7a.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of resident permit parking in front of 6 Muskeego St. # 9b CC July 19, 2022

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Courtney Ordway, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
2. Maria Riggieri, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
3. Maggie Kerr, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
4. Joan Tidman, Worcester resident, spoke concerning the item

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as the location requested is not in a residential zoning district and is limited to a single property.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed zoning classifications with the Director of Transportation and Mobility.

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 (Haxhiaj absent)

7b.

Antone Bucciaglia request signage representing the existing resident permit parking restrictions on Dustin St. be installed in front of 39 Dustin St. # 8i CC August 9, 2022

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as the location requested is only for a single house.

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 (Haxhiaj absent)

7c.

Juan Bonilla request residential permit parking on Edward St. # 8y CC September 20, 2022

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. Juan Bonilla, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as the location requested is currently under construction which may be contributing to parking issues and a petition by a group of residents post construction could be considered to address parking challenges on the street.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Deputy City Clerk, who discussed the feasibility of amending the petition with the Director of Transportation and Mobility.

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 (Haxhiaj absent)

8.

One and Two-Way Street Reconfiguration Petitions

8a.

Sha-Asia Medina and Parlee Jones request King St. be made into a one way street in the southeast direction. # 8f CC April 26, 2022

In Committee June 22, 2022 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. David and Laurie Caron, Worcester residents, spoke concerning the item
2. Sha-Asia Medina, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item

Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed the traffic challenges and increased in traffic enforcement on King St. and timeline for plans concerning traffic improvement projects on King St. with the Director 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 to 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Haxhiaj absent)

9.

Parking and Parking Meter Petitions

9a.

Ari Charbonneau request installation of signage indicating residents parking their vehicle in the vicinity 235 Park Ave. need to use the "Pay by Plate" system. # 8w CC July 19, 2022

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as a work order will be put in for installation of the signage.

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 (Haxhiaj absent)

10.

Stop Sign Petitions

10a.

Elaine Zamarro et al. request installation of stop sign at the corner of Darby St. and Tylee Ave. # 8a CC November 16, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as the location does not meet warrants for a stop sign since there is no opposing traffic.

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 (Haxhiaj absent)

10b.

Councilor Sarai Rivera request installation of a four-way stop sign at Southgate St. and Gardner St. # 7k CC November 23, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to hold, as more investigation is needed.

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 (Haxhiaj absent)

11.

Traffic Sign Petitions

11a.

Elizabeth Groot request installation of "Blind Driveway" signage on Upland St. in the vicinity of 226 Greenwood St. # 8j CC February 15, 2022

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as Blind Drive signs are not generally effective at reducing speeds or increasing driver awareness, and are not specified as a traffic control device by the MUTCD.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.

Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays

11b.

Tony Farnsworth et al. request installation of speed limit signage on Third St. at the bottom of the hill. # 9p CC April 12, 2022

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. Tony Farnsworth, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
2. Santos Reyes, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the itemn

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed the traffic challenges on Third St. and plans concerning traffic improvement project for Third St. and provided the recommendation to file, as the speed limit is set by state statute.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following two (2) Chairman’s Orders: 1) Request City Manager request Police Chief provide speed enforcement on Third St. and; 2) Request City Manager request Director of Transportation and Mobility investigate potential traffic calming measures at the bottom of the hill on Third 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 (Haxhiaj absent)

Chairman's Orders

Request City Manager request Police Chief provide speed enforcement on Third St.

Request City Manager request Director of Transportation and Mobility investigate potential traffic calming measures at the bottom of the hill on Third St.

11c.

Donna Goranson et al. request installation of traffic merging signage on West Boylston St. in the vicinity of 317 West Boylston St. # 8l CC June 7, 2022

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to approve installation of a W9-1 ahead of the merge and a W9-2 at the merge location in addition to a W4-3 sign in advance of the onramp from Norton Drive.

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

12.

Turn Prohibition Petitions

12a.

Dianne Protano request "No Right Turn" signage be installed for trucks exiting Solferino St. onto Plantation St. # 9e CC October 12, 2021

In Committee December 15, 2021 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and moved to take the item up collectively with Item #12b.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as bollards have been added to protect the monument and a no right turn for trucks would move impacts to streets less equipped to provide the space needed for trucks to maneuver.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.

Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays

12b.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of “No Right Turn” signage for tractor trailer trucks only exiting Solferino St. onto Plantation St. # 7f CC February 8, 2022

Attachments

Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #12a)

13.

Miscellaneous

13a.

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

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to hold, as more investigation is needed.

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 (Haxhiaj absent)

13b.

Petition of Alexander Hoppe request lane indicators be painted at the intersection of Burncoat St. and Melrose St., coming from the off-ramp going east. # 8h CC June 7, 2022

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as revisions to lane markings, including extension of markings through the intersection, are already in progress for this location.

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 (Haxhiaj absent)

13c.

Petition of Ari Charbonneau request removal of sawed off meter poles in the vicinity of 235 Park Ave. # 8x CC July 19, 2022

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as work to remove and patch former meter pole locations is ongoing.

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 (Haxhiaj absent)