CITY OF WORCESTER

Traffic and Parking Committee Meeting

Wednesday, November 30, 2022

Esther Howland (South) Chamber

Convened: 4:06 P.M.

Adjourned: 5:26 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
 
Also:Director of Transportation and Mobility Stephen Rolle WPD Sergeant James Foley Deputy City Clerk AJ Pottle Assistant City Clerk Luis A. Castillo Principal Staff Assistant An Pham, 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 October 19, 2022.

View Agenda

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and moved to adopt the item. Order adopted

3.

Handicap Parking Petitions

3a.

Lisa Noe Higgins request installation of handicap parking space in front of 23 Merrifield St. # 8o CC October 12, 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 moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Approval

3b.

Majed Anaifas request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 27 Longfellow Rd. # 9i CC September 29, 2022

Attachments

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

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed the parking situation at the location and the needs for a handicap parking space as the property has off-street parking with Speaker #1.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed police enforcement with Speaker #1.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Haxhiaj, who discussed the intent of the petition with Speaker #1.

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

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the WPD Sergeant, who discussed calling in parking enforcement with the WPD.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following two (2) Chairman’s Orders: 1) Request City Manager request Police Chief provide parking enforcement in the vicinity of 27 Longfellow Rd. to prevent driveway blockages and; 2); Request City Manager request the Director of Transportation and Mobility review parking issues in the vicinity of 27 Longfellow Rd.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Hold

Chairman's Orders

Request City Manager request Police Chief provide parking enforcement in the vicinity of 27 Longfellow Rd. to prevent driveway blockages.

Request City Manager request the Director of Transportation and Mobility review parking issues in the vicinity of 27 Longfellow Rd.

3c.

Bernadette Forget request installation of handicap parking space large enough for two vehicles in front of 10 Merrifield St. # 9c CC September 29, 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 is in a declared winter parking ban, there are two handicap parking spaces across the street and the petitioner has not provided a handicap placard.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Hold

3d.

Dean Fisher request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 227 June St. # 9h CC September 29, 2022

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to hold, as it is a single family property with off-street parking and more research needs to be done.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Hold

3e.

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

In Committee October 19, 2022 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to hold, as the location is in a declared winter parking ban.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to amend the item to read as follows, “Felix Osafo request installation of handicap parking space on Leon St. adjacent to 22 Plantation St.”

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Hold

3f.

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

In Committee October 19, 2022 - Held

Attachments

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

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Hold

4.

Crosswalk and Lighted Crosswalk System Petitions

4a.

Councilor Sean M. Rose request installation of a crosswalk across Holden St. at either Tuxedo Rd. or Dogwood Rd., or both. # 8i CC October 12, 2022

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to hold, as DTM would like to further study the preferred location for a crosswalk and identity what additional infrastructure are needed for new crosswalks.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Hold

4b.

Councilor Sean M. Rose request installation of a crosswalk across Lansing Ave. at Holden St. # 8g CC October 12, 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 moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Approval

4c.

Judy Finkel request installation of a crosswalk at the intersection of Salisbury St., Barry Rd. and Salisbury Hill Blvd. # 8y CC July 19, 2022

In Committee September 21, 2022 - Held

Attachments

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

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to hold, as a full evaluation of components necessary to make a safe crossing is necessary before commending because of the width of the paved roadway surface and traffic speeds.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Speaker #1, who discussed why installation of a flashing crosswalk light at the location would be more dangerous with Director of Transportation and Mobility.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Hold

4d.

Brian Underwood request installation of flashing crosswalk lights on Apricot St. in the vicinity of South High Community School, 170 Apricot St. # 9k CC June 8, 2021

In Committee November 17, 2021 - Held In Committee December 15, 2021 - Held In Committee April 27, 2022 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as the location is not a good candidate for a Rectangualar Rapid-Flashing Beacon (RRFB) and the existing crosswalks should be reviewed for ADA and other safety measures may be considered.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the following speakers:
1. Priscella Underwood, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
2. Brian Underwood, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed plans to support the safety of South High students traveling to the school and the mobility and transportation plan which is part of the Worcester Now Next project with Speaker #1 and Speaker #2.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the WPD Sergeant, who discussed the Safe Pathways to Schools program.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed communications with the School Superintendent and School Committee concerning the safety for students going to and from schools with Speaker #1 and Councilor Haxhiaj.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend File

4e.

Brian Underwood request installation of flashing crosswalk lights in the vicinity of Claremont Academy, 15 Claremont St. # 10j CC June 8, 2021

In Committee November 17, 2021 - Held In Committee December 15, 2021 - Held In Committee April 27, 2022 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as the location is not a good candidate for RRFBs and Claremont Academy has a well-established routine that could be disrupted by installation of a RRFB.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the following speakers:
1. Priscella Underwood, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
2. Brian Underwood, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed the costs of installation of RRFBs and criteria for RRFBs installation with Speaker #1 and Speaker #2.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend File

4f.

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 In Committee October 19, 2022 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as there are no existing crosswalks at this location that are MUTCD compliant for approved uses of RRFBs.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the following speakers:
1. Priscella Underwood, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
2. Brian Underwood, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed on how funding priorities of RRFB installation are decided and the process for RRFB installation with Speaker #1.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Director of Transportation and Mobility provide City Council with a report concerning the history of Rectangular Rapid-Flashing Beacon (RRFB) approval and installations occurring for said RRFBs in the city over the past two (2) years.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend File

Chairman's Orders

Request City Manager request Director of Transportation and Mobility provide City Council with a report concerning the history of Rectangular Rapid-Flashing Beacon (RRFB) approval and installations occurring for said RRFBs in the city over the past two (2) years.

5.

No Parking Anytime Petitions

5a.

Kevin Provencher request installation of “No Parking Anytime” signage at the driveway and fire hydrant in the vicinity of 7 Greenleaf Terrace. # 9h 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 moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Approval

5b.

Gerard Dio request installation of No Parking Anytime signage within 40 feet south of the entry and 40 feet north of the exit of the Worcester Fire Department Credit Union parking lot (34 Glennie St.) # 9a CC May 3, 2022

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. Gerard Dio, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
2. Michael O’Hara, Worcester resident, spoke concerning the item

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to approve, and discussed the installation of the signage with Speaker #1.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Approval

6.

Parking and Parking Meter Items

6a.

Petition of Shakira Fuentes request the one (1) hour parking zone in the vicinity of 281 Shrewsbury Street be extended to at least three (3) hours. # 9l 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 DTM will reach out to the petitioner and the District Councilor for further discussion.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Hold

6b.

Report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking Upon the Petition of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of One (1) Hour Parking signage in front of 269 Lincoln St. (Amended from Fifteen (15) Minute Parking on June 22, 2022). # 21m CC September 20, 2022

Attachments

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

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed the parking signage at the location, the intent behind the petition and the language of the petition with Speaker #1.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to recommend the item be held.

Recommend Hold

7.

Resident Permit Parking Petitions

7a.

Janily Lopez request installation of residential permit parking on both sides of Barclay St. # 8s 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 residential permit zones should be established on a street-wide or areawide basis.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend File

8.

Speed and Traffic Enforcement Petitions

8a.

Patrice Lyons request installation of blinking signage that monitors the speed of motorists on Grafton St. near the Worcester-Grafton border. # 8p CC October 12, 2022

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as WPD should be consulted regarding enforcement recommendations.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend File

8b.

Jacqueline Coppedge et al., on behalf of Grace Christian Centre, request installation of speed monitoring equipment in the vicinity of 126 Elm St. # 8k CC October 12, 2022

Attachments

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

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Deputy City Clerk, who discussed the petitions submitted by the petitioner.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following two (2) Chairman’s Orders: 1) Request City Manager request Director of Transportation and Mobility review street signage in the vicinity of Russell St. and Blossom St.’s intersection to confirm whether a fifteen (15) minute parking zone is in effect at the location and; 2) Request City Manager request Police Chief provide enforcement with speed monitoring equipment in the vicinity of 126 Elm St.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to recommend the item be filed.

Recommend File

Chairman's Orders

Request City Manager request Director of Transportation and Mobility review street signage in the vicinity of Russell St. and Blossom St.’s intersection to confirm whether a fifteen (15) minute parking zone is in effect at the location.

Request City Manager request Police Chief provide enforcement with speed monitoring equipment in the vicinity of 126 Elm St.

9.

Stop Sign Petitions

9a.

Justice Real request installation of stop sign at the intersection of Chelsea St. and Cambridge St. # 8g CC June 21, 2022

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and moved to take the item up collectively with item #9b.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the following speaker:
1. Justice Real, 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 to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Approval

9b.

Justice Real request installation of stop sign at the intersection of Chelsea St. and Cambridge St. #8ff CC September 22, 2021

Attachments

Recommend File (See Item #9a)

10.

Traffic Control Signal Petitions

10a.

Justice Real request installation of traffic lights at the intersection of West St. and Pleasant St. #8gg CC September 22, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and moved to take the item up collectively with item #10b.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the following speaker:
1. Justice Real, 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 preliminary investigations show that this intersection is unlikely to meet the MUTCD requirements for a signal warrant and other traffic calming methods should be explored.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Police Chief observe speeding in the vicinity of West St. and Pleasant St. intersection.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Hold

10b.

Justice Real request installation of traffic lights at the intersection of West St. and Pleasant St. # 8h CC June 21, 2022

Attachments

Recommend File (See Item #10a)