CITY OF WORCESTER

Traffic and Parking Committee Meeting

Wednesday, March 22, 2023

Esther Howland (South) Chamber

Convened: 4:04 P.M.

Adjourned: 6:18 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 Kathleen M. Toomey, who was temporarily appointed by the Mayor to serve on the Committee
 
Also:Director of Transportation and Mobility Stephen Rolle Assistant Director of Transportation and Mobility Todd Kirrane WPD Sergeant James Foley Principal Staff Assistant An Pham, clerk
 
1.

Virtual Attendee Call-In Information

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 February 15, 2023.

View Agenda

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays

3.

Handicap Parking Petitions

3a.

Rand L'Heureux request installation of handicap parking space in front of 3 Jefferson St. # 8jj CC September 22, 2021

In Committee October 13, 2021 - Held In Committee November 17, 2021 - Held In Committee December 15, 2021 - Held In Committee January 19, 2022 - Held In Committee February 9, 2022 - Held In Committee March 16, 2022 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as DTM has been unable to reach the petitioner.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend File

3b.

Patricia Burnett request installation of handicap parking space in front of 16 Groton Pl. # 8n CC August 9, 2022

In Committee September 21, 2022 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to hold, as DTM has not received a placard and the petitioner may wish to amend the petitioner for a space on the opposite side of the street due to declared winter parking ban.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Hold

3c.

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 In Committee November 30, 2022 - 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 to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Approval

3d.

Mary Sisko request installation of handicap parking space in front of 52 Plantation St. # 9d CC November 22, 2022

In Committee December 21, 2022 - Held In Committee January 18, 2023 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as the petitioner stated that she wants to withdraw the petitioner.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend File

3e.

Maria Correa request installation of handicap parking space in front of 39 Perry Ave. # 8g CC January 10, 2023

In Committee February 15, 2023 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to hold, as the petitioner needs to provide the handicap placard and DTM has been unable to reach the petitioner.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Hold

3f.

Nicholas Depalma et al. request installation of handicap parking space on Orne St. in the vicinity of 178 Lincoln St. # 8g CC January 31, 2023

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to hold, as more information is needed from the petitioners.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Hold

3g.

Jeanne Manzella request installation of handicap parking space in front of 15 King Philip Rd. # 8i CC January 31, 2023

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 the following speaker:
1. Jeanne Manzella, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Approval

3h.

Demetra Edwards, on behalf of Korpo Johnson, request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 40 Aetna St. # 7d CC February 7, 2023

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to hold, as the location is in a declared winter parking ban and placement on Mendon St. is recommended.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Toomey, who discussed the procedural motion to amend the item with the Principal Staff Assistant and the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to amend the item to read as follows, “Demetra Edwards, on behalf of Korpo Johnson, request installation of a handicap parking space on Mendon St. adjacent to 40 Aetna St.”

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Hold As Amended

3i.

Timothy Gill request installation of handicap parking space in front of 862 Main St. # 7f CC February 7, 2023

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to hold, as the location is in a declared winter parking ban and placement on Claremont St. is recommended.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to amend the item to read as follows, “Timothy Gill request installation of handicap parking space on Claremont St. adjacent to 866 Main St.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Hold As Amended

3j.

Report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking Upon the Petition of Bernadette Forget request installation of handicap parking space large enough for two vehicles in front of 10 Merrifield St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance. # 14e CC February 28, 2023

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed the intent and decision relative to the original petition.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the following speakers:
1. No name given, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item
2. Bernadette Forget, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
3. Linda White, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed the location of the handicap parking spaces on Merrifield St., the winter parking ban on the street and the feasibility of petitioning for three handicap parking spaces.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed the parking challenges on Merrifield St. with Speaker #1 and Speaker #2.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed the locations on Merrifield St. that are suitable to install handicap parking spaces with Speaker #1 and Speaker #2.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Toomey, who discussed the installation of a handicap parking space on the winter parking ban side in conjunction with expanding the handicap parking space in front of #5 Merrifield St.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to approve for one handicap parking space in front of 10 Merrifield St.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Approval

3k.

Report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking Upon the Petition of Felix Osafo request installation of handicap parking space on Leon St. opposite of 18 Plantation St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance. # 14v CC February 28, 2023

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 to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Approval

4.

No Parking Petitions

4a.

Michael Dodds request installation of "No Parking Anytime" signage ten (10) feet from the driveway of the parking lot between 6 Sever St. and 8 Sever St. (see attached map for reference). # 8n CC July 19, 2022

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to approve for a tow zone extending from 10ft north of the driveway of 6-8 Sever St. to 5 ft south of the northerly driveway to 175 Pleasant St.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Approval

4b.

Gisselle Morataya and Denia Teo request installation of no parking anytime across from 2 Lanesboro Rd. # 9f CC November 22, 2022

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 to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Approval

5.

Parking and Parking Meter Petitions

5a.

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

In Committee November 30, 2022 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to approve for a two (2) hour parking zone extending from 148 feet northeast of Muskeego St. and ending at Envelope Terr.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Approval

5b.

Tamisha James request installation of fifteen (15) minute parking zone on Chandler St. from Murray St. to Main St. # 8f CC December 20, 2022

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 to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Approval

6.

One and Two-Way Street Reconfiguration Petitions

6a.

Tamara Torres request Richards St. be made one way street. # 7b CC February 8, 2022

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. Darryl Lemanski, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item
2. Melina Fauro, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item
3. Peter Proulx, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed the intent of the petitioner and the traffic challenges on the street relative to the width of the street, on-street parking and drop off and pick up at Goddard School of Science with Speaker #1.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Toomey, who discussed ways to mitigate traffic challenges relative to drop off and pick up at Goddard School of Science and traffic study for Richards St. with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Toomey, who discussed methods to alleviate traffic challenges on Richards St.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Director of Transportation and Mobility work with the School Department to review sightline and potential obstructions on Richards St. and explore traffic calming solutions such as convex mirrors.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to recommend the item be filed.

Recommend File

Chairman's Orders

Request City Manager request Director of Transportation and Mobility work with the School Department to review sightline and potential obstructions on Richards St. and explore traffic calming solutions such as convex mirrors.

6b.

Julianie Rodriguez request Portland St. be made one way street. # 9h CC March 8, 2022

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as DTM will evaluate circulation and safety on an area-wide basis in conjunction with the newly launched Transportation and Mobility Plan and through the development review process.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend File

7.

Crosswalk and Lighted Crosswalk System

7a.

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

In Committee October 19, 2022 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and 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 Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as all existing crosswalks on Main St. in the vicinity of 255 Main St. are already controlled by full traffic control signals.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Toomey, who discussed existing traffic signals in the vicinity of the Court House and the needs for public education to encourage using crosswalks to cross the streets with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, Speaker #1 and Speaker #2.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager increase public education campaigns relative to safely crossing the road.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend File

Chairman's Orders

Request City Manager increase public education campaigns relative to safely crossing the road.

7b.

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

In Committee November 30, 2022 - 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 to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Approval

7c.

Maria Montano request installation of a crosswalk on Cambridge St. in the vicinity of Freeland St. and Exeter St. # 7d CC Tuesday, December 13, 2022

In Committee January 18, 2023 - 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 to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Approval

8.

Stop Sign Petitions

8a.

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

In Committee October 19, 2022 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to hold, as traffic study and warrant analysis is ongoing.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Hold

8b.

Ifrad Islam request installation of four-way stop sign at the intersection of June St. and Hadwen Rd. # 7p CC May 24, 2022

In Committee August 10, 2022 - Held

Attachments

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

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as traffic analysis indicates that a multi-way stop intersection will result in significant traffic congestion on June St. during both morning and evening peak periods and there are other options to address traffic challenges that can be considered.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following three (3) Chairman’s Orders: 1) Request City Manager request Director of Transportation and Mobility monitor crash rates at the intersection of June St. and Hadwen Rd. on an ongoing basis; 2) Request City Manager request Director of Transportation and Mobility discuss moving the southbound bus stop to the far (southerly) side of the intersection of June St. and Hadwen Rd. to improve visibility of traffic and pedestrians with the WRTA; and 3) Request City Manager request Director of Transportation and Mobility investigate the installation of curb extensions on June St. to improve visibility of traffic and pedestrians, moderate traffic speeds and improve safety for pedestrians crossing June St.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend File

Chairman's Orders

Request City Manager request Director of Transportation and Mobility monitor crash rates at the intersection of June St. and Hadwen Rd. on an ongoing basis.

Request City Manager request Director of Transportation and Mobility discuss moving the southbound bus stop to the far (southerly) side of the intersection of June St. and Hadwen Rd. to improve visibility of traffic and pedestrians with the WRTA.

Request City Manager request Director of Transportation and Mobility investigate the installation of curb extensions on June St. to improve visibility of traffic and pedestrians, moderate traffic speeds and improve safety for pedestrians crossing June St.

8c.

Lorie Cahill request installation of a four-way stop sign at the intersection of Kinnicutt Rd. and Westbrook Rd. # 8h CC October 25, 2022

In Committee December 21, 2022 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. Lorie Cahill, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
2. Julie Cahill, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
3. Miles Bai, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
4. Adam Marchand, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as a multi-way stop warrant analysis conducted at this intersection had found that the intersection does not meet warrants for multi-way stop control.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed busy traffic times for Kinnicutt Rd. and Hadwen Rd. intersection with Speaker #1.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the WPD Sergeant, who discussed traffic enforcement at the intersection.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Toomey, who discussed the importance of enhancing visibility of the intersection and enrolling children in bike safety program, the feasibility of reversing the stop signs at the intersection and reducing the statutory speed limit with Speaker #1 and the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed traffic safety challenges for pedestrians in the area with Speaker #1.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following two (2) Chairman’s Orders: 1) Request City Manager request Director of Transportation and Mobility work with District 1 Councilor to install speed humps on Kinnicutt Rd. and; 2) Request City Manager request Director of Transportation and Mobility conduct a traffic study at the intersection of Kinnicutt Rd. and Westbrook Rd. for the purposes of reversing the stop signs to be installed on Kinnicutt Rd.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend File

Chairman's Orders

Request City Manager request Director of Transportation and Mobility work with District 1 Councilor to install speed humps on Kinnicutt Rd.

Request City Manager request Director of Transportation and Mobility conduct a traffic study at the intersection of Kinnicutt Rd. and Westbrook Rd. for the purposes of reversing the stop signs to be installed on Kinnicutt Rd.

8d.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request flashing stop signs be installed in place of the existing stop signs at the intersection of Coburn Ave. and Lakeview St. # 8m CC October 25, 2022

In Committee January 18, 2023 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as the intersection does not meet warrants for flashing stop signs.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Director of Transportation and Mobility update pavement markings and signage related to the intersection of Coburn Ave. and Lakeview St. and established school zone.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Approval

Chairman's Orders

Request City Manager request Director of Transportation and Mobility update pavement markings and signage related to the intersection of Coburn Ave. and Lakeview St. and established school zone.

8e.

Councilor Sarai Rivera on behalf of Ronald Holbrook request installation of a stop sign on the corner of Seymour St. and Millbury St. # 8c CC December 20, 2022

In Committee January 18, 2023 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Ronald Holbrook, 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 recognized Councilor Toomey, who discussed the timeframe to install the stop sign with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Approval

9.

Traffic Sign Petitions

9a.

Jacqueline Coppedge et al., on behalf of Grace Christian Centre, request installation of reflective one-way street sign at the intersection of Elm St. and Russell St. # 8l CC October 12, 2022

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 to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Approval

9b.

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

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as Elm St. is under the statutory speed limit for a thickly settled and business district and per the MUTCD and MassDOT, the statutory speed limit is not allowed to be posted with a standard speed limit sign. Additionally, the street does not meet warrants for yellow warning signs.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the WPD Sergeant, who discussed the data concerning speed monitoring signage on Elm St. with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend File

9c.

Jacqueline Coppedge et al., on behalf of Grace Christian Centre, request Slow Down signage in the vicinity of 126 Elm St. # 8n CC October 12, 2022

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as “Slow Down” or “Children At Play” signage are not in conformance with the MUTCD and they are not allowed to be installed on public way.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend File

9d.

Maria Montano request installation of speed limit signage in the vicinity of the intersection at Cambridge St. and Richards St. # 7e CC December 13, 2022

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as Cambridge St. is under the statutory speed limit for a thickly settled and business district and per the MUTCD and MassDOT, the statutory speed limit is not allowed to be posted with a standard speed limit sign. Additionally, the street does not meet warrants for yellow warning signs.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend File

10.

Turn Prohibition Petitions

10a.

Councilor Donna M. Colorio request installation of “No Left Turn” signage from Lincoln St. onto Burncoat St. when exiting the inner portion of the triangle where the two roads merge. # 8m CC January 10, 2023

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and discussed the traffic challenges at the intersection of Lincoln St. and Burncoat St. with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility.

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

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend Approval

11.

Miscellaneous

11a.

Petition of Tina Masiello request pavement markings be painted on Toronita Ave. including double yellow lines and white shoulder lane markings. # 9c CC September 20, 2022

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as Toronita Ave. has low traffic volumes and average speeds and installation of a center line would preclude on-street parking due to the width of the street. Additionally, the proposed lane markings will not impact positively on reported crashes at the intersection of Barrett Ave.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.

Recommend File