CITY OF WORCESTER

Traffic and Parking Committee Meeting

Wednesday, July 19, 2023

Esther Howland (South) Chamber

Convened: 4:01 P.M.

Adjourned: 6:21 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 Thu Nguyen, who participated in the meeting remotely
 
Also:Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility Stephen Rolle Assistant Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility Todd Kirrane Principal Staff Assistant An Pham, clerk
 
1.

Virtual Call-In Attendee 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 June 21, 2023.

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 (Haxhiaj absent)

3.

Handicap Parking Petitions

3a.

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 In Committee March 22, 2023 - Held In Committee June 21, 2023 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who recommended the item be filed, as the Department of Transportation and Mobility (DTM) did not receive a copy of the petitioner’s handicap parking placard and had not been able to communicate with the petitioner.

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)

3b.

Scott Smith request installation of handicap parking space in the vicinity of 50 Vernon St. # 9h CC June 6, 2023

Attachments

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

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to hold the item, as another location would be best suited to install handicap parking space.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to amend the item to read as follows, “Scott Smith request installation of handicap parking space in front of 83 Richland St.”.

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)

3c.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson on behalf of Jonisha Deleon request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 29 Shamrock St. # 8h CC June 13, 2023

Attachments

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

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed provisions associated with handicap placards with Speaker #1.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote of recommend the item be held.

Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Haxhiaj absent)

3d.

Report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking Upon the 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. # 12c CC June 13, 2023

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. Michael Owusu, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item
2. Bernadette Forget, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Assistant Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed the available parking spaces and parking situation on Merrifield St.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed the parking challenges with Speaker #1.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility and Assistant Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed the department’s correspondences with the resident living at 10 Merrifield St. concerning installation of handicap parking space on Merrifield St.

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

Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility contact the resident of 10 Merrifield St. concerning installation of handicap parking space on Merrifield St.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be filed.

Recommend File on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Haxhiaj absent)

Chairman's Orders

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility contact the resident of 10 Merrifield St. concerning installation of handicap parking space on Merrifield St.

4.

Bus Stop Petition

4a.

Leo Rossi request installation of bus stop in front of 365 Lake Ave. # 9f CC March 21, 2023

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as there is presently no WRTA service on the street portion of Lake Ave.

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)

5.

Children Sign Petition

5a.

Kenneth Parrish request removal of "Deaf Child" signage in front of 110 Coolidge Rd. # 8g CC February 28, 2023

Attachments

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

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

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

Recommend Approval on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Haxhiaj absent)

6.

Communications of the City Manager

6a.

Transmitting informational communication relative to a report concerning the city’s new policies and procedures relative to the resident permit parking program, including what the process is for changing such a program, City Council’s involvement in the changes, the public notification process and the process the public should use to obtain resident permit parking placards/stickers. # 15h CM September 29, 2022

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed the changes relative to the resident permit parking program.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be filed.

Recommend File on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays

7.

Resident Permit Parking Petitions

7a.

Joan Seymour request installation of resident permit parking in the vicinity of 537 Burncoat St. # 8bb CC September 22, 2021

In Committee October 13, 2021 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Joan Seymour, 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 residential permit program is intended for implementation on an area-wide basis and not for single or small groups of residences and observed parking availability in the vicinity of 537 Burncoat St. is generally good.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed the parking challenges in the vicinity of 537 Burncoat St. with Speaker #1.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility contact resident living at 537 Burncoat St. to discuss parking solutions for the area.

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 Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility contact resident living at 537 Burncoat St. to discuss parking solutions for the area.

7b.

Edward Tortora request installation of resident permit parking on Arthur St. between Grafton St. and Palm St. # 9i CC October 5, 2021

In Committee February 9, 2022 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed the potential of spillover parking from the schools in the area.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed the timeline of the item in committee.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be filed.

Recommend File on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Haxhiaj absent)

7c.

Ivette Navarro request installation of resident permit parking on the odd side of Oxford St. between Chatham St. and Austin St. # 8m CC November 9, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Ivette Navarro, 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 residential zone exists to the north of Chatham St. which is closer to commercial uses that may potentially have parking spillover and most parking in the area are current residents and resident permit parking would have limited utility.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Police Chief provide traffic enforcement on Oxford St. between Chatham St. and Austin St.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed installation of a handicap parking space with Speaker #1.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to amend the item to read as follows, “Ivette Navarro request installation of handicap parking space in front of 31 Oxford St.”

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to recommend item be held.

Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Haxhiaj absent)

Chairman's Orders

Request City Manager request Police Chief provide traffic enforcement on Oxford St. between Chatham St. and Austin St.

7d.

Courtney Ordway et al. request installation of resident permit parking on Nebraska St. in the vicinity of 8 Camassa Ter. and 6 Muskeego St. # 10j CC January 11, 2022

In Committee February 9, 2022 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to hold, as there is potential utility for residential permit parking in the area and testimonies from residents on the street are needed.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be held.

Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Haxhiaj absent)

7e.

Mary Sue Schaefer request installation of resident permit parking on Saint Paul Dr. # 7d CC January 25, 2022

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be filed, as the petitioner no longer lives in the area.

Recommend File on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Haxhiaj absent)

7f.

Michelle Narvaez Ramos request the property at 388 Plantation St. be made eligible to receive a resident permit parking sticker for the existing resident permit parking zone on Dominion Rd. # 9f CC March 8, 2022

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognize the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as resident permit parking was ordained in October of 2022.

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)

7g.

Joanne McGrail request removal of resident permit parking on Holland Rd. # 8a CC March 22, 2022

In Committee June 22, 2022 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Joanne McGrail, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
2. Diane (No last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed the needs for testimonies for residents on the street as resident permit parking protects from intrusion by school employees and visitors.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed the potential effect of removing residential permit parking on Holland Rd., personnel for traffic enforcement and the importance of organizing an informal survey of residents’ preferences with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, Speaker #1 and Speaker #2.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be held.

Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Haxhiaj absent)

7h.

Janily Lopez request installation of resident permit parking on Barclay St. # 7n CC May 24, 2022

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as there is no large institutional use since adverse parking impacts from neighboring commercial uses appears limited and parking is generally available in the neighborhood.

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)

7i.

Olsi Gjinko request resident permit parking zone on Shirley St. be reduced on the even side to encompass 2 Shirley St. to 60 Florence St. # 7d CC June 14, 2022

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Osvaldo Mercado, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item
2. Selim Lahoud, No resident given, spoke neither in favor nor opposed the item

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed the challenges relative to interpreting the intent of the petition.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be filed.

Recommend File on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Haxhiaj absent)

7j.

Jimmy Kang et al. request installation of residential permit parking from 35 Pleasant St. to 49 Pleasant St. # 8o CC July 19, 2022

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. Jimmy Kang, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
2. (No name given), Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
3. (Name Indiscernible), 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 the location is a commercial-mixed use area that is zoned for business use.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Speaker #1 and Speaker #2, who discussed parking enforcement in the area.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed possible parking solutions for the area with Speaker #1.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility work with owner of properties from 35 Pleasant St. to 49 Pleasant St. to determine parking solutions in the vicinity of said properties.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be held.

Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Haxhiaj absent)

Chairman's Orders

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility work with owner of properties from 35 Pleasant St. to 49 Pleasant St. to determine parking solutions in the vicinity of said properties.

7k.

Diana Barbosa and Daniel Lebron request installation of resident permit parking on the south side of Main St. from Hermon St. to Jackson St. # 8q CC September 20, 2022

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Lucy Marcelle, No residence given, spoke in favor of the item

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as the location is a commercial-mixed use area that is zoned for business use.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be filed.

Recommend File on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Haxhiaj absent)

7l.

Evelin Iglisia request installation of resident permit parking on Norfolk St. # 8x CC September 20, 2022

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Bruce Donahue, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item
2. Romulu (No last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as the location is not impacted by nearby commercial or institutional uses.

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)

7m.

Elizabeth Marchessault request installation of residential parking signage on Federal St. for 531 Main St. and 17 Federal St. # 9f 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 the location is a commercial-mixed use area that is zoned for business use.

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)

7n.

Nicole Cordero request removal of resident permit parking on Marion Ave. # 9e CC September 29, 2022

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed the parking background on the street.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be filed.

Recommend File on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Haxhiaj absent)

7o.

Rodrigo Vela request installation of resident permit parking in the vicinity of 176 Lincoln St. # 8k CC November 15, 2022

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as resident permit parking is intended for implementation on an area-wide basis and parking was observed to generally be available in the area.

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)

7p.

Osseni Wanda request resident permit parking on Merrifield St. be extended to the odd side of Merrifield St. from Elliott St. to Belmont St. # 8g CC December 20, 2022

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Gloria Pullen, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item

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

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)

7q.

Zaida Gomez request installation of resident permit parking on both sides of Edward St. from Laurel St. to Elliott St. # 8i CC December 20, 2022

Attachments

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

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

Chairperson Councilor Colorio discussed when parking is more challenging on the street with Speaker #1.

Chaiperson 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)

8.

Speed Hump Petitions

8a.

Gordon Duncan request Haviland St. be reviewed for installation of speed humps and/or other traffic calming measures. # 8g CC January 24, 2023

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and moved to take the item up collectively with items #8b through #8f.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio discussed the process concerning speed humps.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the following speakers:
1. Michael Marques, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8f
2. Bruce Brooks, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8e

Chairperson Councilor Colorio discussed parking solutions for the Newton Sq. area with Speaker #1 and the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be held.

Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Haxhiaj absent)

8b.

Gordon Duncan request Germain St. be reviewed for installation of speed humps and/or other traffic calming measures. # 8h CC January 24, 2023

Attachments

Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Haxhiaj absent) (See Item #8a)

8c.

Andrew Clarke request installation of speed humps on Orient St. from March St. to Plantation St. # 9h CC May 9, 2023

Attachments

Recommend File on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Haxhiaj absent) (See Item #8a)

8d.

Barbara Engwall et all request speed humps be installed on Englewood Ave. # 7r CC May 23, 2023

Attachments

Recommend File on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Haxhiaj absent) (See Item #8a)

8e.

Bruce J. Brooks request installation of speed humps on Carlisle St. # 8h CC June 20, 2023

Attachments

Recommend File on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Haxhiaj absent) (See Item #8a)

8f.

Michael Marques request installation of speed hump in front of 67 June St. # 8i CC June 20, 2023

Attachments

Recommend File on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Haxhiaj absent) (See Item #8a)

9.

Miscellaneous

9a.

Petition of Jennie Backstrom request guidelines for motorists be painted around Newton Sq. Rotary. # 8ii CC September 22, 2021

Attachments

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

Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility develop and implement a near-term safety improvement plan at Newton Sq. while pursuing longer-term permanent improvements.

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 Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility develop and implement a near-term safety improvement plan at Newton Sq. while pursuing longer-term permanent improvements.

9b.

Petition of Demetra Edwards request the volume of locator tones on pedestrian signals at the intersection of Grafton St. and Waverly St. be increased and "Walk Signal is On" audible signal be installed at said location. # 8t CC September 20, 2022

Attachments

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

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the following speaker:
1. Demetra Edwards, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Assistant Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed the findings of assessment of the pedestrian signals at the intersection of Grafton St. and Waverly St. and the intersection of Grafton St. and Cutler St. and the adjustments DTM will do to said signals with Speaker #1.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be filed.

Recommend File on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Haxhiaj absent)

9c.

Petition of Demetra Edwards request the volume of locator tones on pedestrian signals at the intersection of Grafton St. and Cutler St. be increased and "Walk Signal is On" audible signal be installed at said location. # 8u CC September 20, 2022

Attachments

Recommend File on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Haxhiaj absent) (See item #9b)