CITY OF WORCESTER

Traffic and Parking Committee Meeting

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Levi Lincoln (North) Chamber

Convened: 6:10 P.M.

Adjourned: 7:37 P.M.


Mayor
Joseph M. Petty

 

www.worcesterma.gov

 

Clerk of the City Council
Susan M. Ledoux

Committee Members

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

City Hall - 455 Main Street Worcester, Massachusetts


Present Were:Chairperson Councilor Donna M. Colorio Councilor Sean M. Rose Councilor Morris A. Bergman
 
Also:Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson DPWP Assistant Director of Engineering Ali Khorasani DPWP Assistant Engineer Michael Murphy Assistant City Clerk Stephen A.J. Pottle, clerk Assistant City Clerk Nikolin Vangejli
 
1.

Approval of the Minutes

1a.

Order - That the City Council Standing Committee of Traffic and Parking hereby approves the minutes of the Traffic and Parking Committee meeting of March 11, 2020.

Attachments

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

2.

Handicap Parking Petitions

2a.

Steven Gallati request removal of handicap parking space in front of 17-19 Shelby St. # 10i CC January 7, 2020

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve the item. Chairperson Councilor Colorio made a motion to accept the recommendation, which was approved on a voice vote.

Recommend Approval.

2b.

George Ducas request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 85 Fox St. # 10d CC January 7, 2020

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve the item. Chairperson Councilor Colorio made a motion to accept the recommendation, which was approved on a voice vote.

Recommend Approval.

2c.

Linda Kareem request installation of handicap parking space in front of 118 Coburn Ave. # 7e CC January 14, 2020

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to hold the item, as the administration needed additional paperwork from the petitioner. Chairperson Councilor Colorio made a motion to accept the recommendation, which was approved on a voice vote.

Recommend Hold.

2d.

Esad Darman request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 31 Dale St. # 8b CC January 21, 2020

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve the item. Chairperson Councilor Colorio made a motion to accept the recommendation, which was approved on a voice vote.

Recommend Approval.

2e.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson on behalf of Anne Gerardi request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 155 Hamilton St. # 7f CC February 25, 2020

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve the item. Chairperson Councilor Colorio made a motion to accept the recommendation, which was approved on a voice vote.

Recommend Approval.

3.

Clover Street and Heard Street Related Items

3a.

Petition of Deborah McCrohan et al request Clover St., beginning at South Ludlow St. heading easterly and ending at Heard St. be made a one way street. # 8o CC September 24, 2019

In Committee February 12, 2020 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to place the item on file.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who spoke to agreeing with the recommendation, as he did not believe making the street a one-way would mitigate any traffic issues.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio made a motion to accept the recommendation, which was approved on a voice vote.

Recommend File.

3b.

Petition of Mayor Joseph M. Petty request installation of traffic calming measures on Heard St. # 8i CC November 12, 2019

In Committee February 12, 2020 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who recommended the petition be placed on file, and instead spoke to continued Worcester Police Department enforcement.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who moved to hold the item, and urged the administration to think of finding creative ways to address these traffic issues.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who concurred with Councilor Bergman’s motion.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to hold the item.

Recommend Hold.

3c.

Petition of Councilor Donna M. Colorio request installation of stop signs in Clover St. at Pine View Ave., Montello St., and Mohawk St. # 7h CC February 25, 2020

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Traffic Engineering, who recommended the item be placed on file, as the intersections do not meet the warrants for stop signs.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who spoke to what he believed to be inconsistencies in the MUTCD standards.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who provided the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager provide City Council with a report including information and data as to the effectiveness of installing stop signs in Clover St. at Pine View Ave., Montello St. and Mohawk St. for the purpose of slowing traffic down during a six month pilot program, which was approved on a voice vote.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to install stop signs in Clover St. at Pine View Ave., Montello St. and Mohawk St. for a six month period, which was approved on a voice vote.

Recommend Approval to install stop signs in Clover St. at Pine View Ave., Montello St. and Mohawk St. for a six month period.

Chairman's Orders

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report as to the effectiveness of a six month pilot program of installing stop signs in Clover St. at Pine View Ave., Montello St. and Mohawk St. for the purpose of slowing traffic down.

3d.

Chairman's Order from the Committee on Traffic and Parking - Request the Standing Committee on Traffic & Parking discuss the installation of “Right Turn Only” signage in Clover St. into Heard St. from both directions. # 9i CC February 25, 2020

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve the item. Chairperson Councilor Colorio made a motion to accept the recommendation, which was approved on a voice vote.

Recommend Approval.

3e.

Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to accident reports for the Clover St. and Heard St. area. # 8.10B CM February 25, 2020

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and spoke to item, stating that the number of accidents in the area was troubling.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who wanted to try to address the issue of accidents in the area in a new way.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who spoke to an interest in finding creative and new ways to address traffic concerns in the area.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to place the item on file.

Recommend File.

4.

Crosswalk and Lighted Crosswalk System Petitions

4a.

Councilor Donna M. Colorio request repainting of the crosswalk located at 835 Pleasant St. in front of Shaarai Torah West Temple. # 7a CC January 14, 2020

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve the item. Chairperson Councilor Colorio made a motion to accept the recommendation, which was approved on a voice vote.

Recommend Approval.

4b.

Councilor Sarai Rivera on behalf of Eric Cruze request installation of a crosswalk across Pleasant St. at Oxford St. # 8h CC December 10, 2019

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to place the item on file.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio made a motion to accept the recommendation, which was approved on a voice vote.

Recommend File.

4c.

Councilor Khrystian E. King and Councilor Sean M. Rose request consideration for the removal or relocation of both crosswalks in the vicinity of St. Mary’s Albanian Orthodox Church, located at 535 Salisbury St., in the interest of public safety. (Amended on March 11, 2020 to include both crosswalks in the vicinity of St. Mary's Albanian Orthodox Church) # 7i CC October 29, 2019

In Committee March 11, 2020 - Held

Attachments

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

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized both Councilor Rose and Councilor Bergman, who agreed with the recommendation and spoke to the hopes that the removal of these locations would discourage pedestrians near this area that has a solar glare.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio made a motion to accept the recommendation, which was approved on a voice vote.

Recommend Approval.

5.

No Parking Petitions

5a.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of "No Parking Here to Corner" signage on the right side of 156 Shrewsbury St. # 10g CC January 7, 2020

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who recommended the item be placed on file and that Parking Control Officers enforce the “No Parking” within 5’ of a driveway blanket ordinance in the city.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who spoke to need for signage due to constant issues on Shrewsbury St. concerning drivers parking too close to driveways and corners and that the issue is too difficult to enforce.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who put forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the cost of materials and the labor costs associated with the installation of traffic signs.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who spoke seeing no reason not to install the signs.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to recommend the item be approved, which was approved on a voice vote.

Recommend Approval.

Chairman's Orders

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the cost of materials and the labor costs associated with the installation of traffic signs.

5b.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request install on “No Parking” signs in front of 65 Kenwood Ave. # 7d CC January 14, 2020

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who recommended the item be approved and amended to also include resident permit parking in front of 63 and 61 Kenwood Ave.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who spoke to only installing resident permit parking in front of 65 Kenwood Ave.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Assistant City Clerk, who explained the item would need to be held and amended to install resident permit parking in front of the additional residences.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to install resident permit parking in front of 65 Kenwood Ave., which was approved on a voice vote.

Recommend Approval.

5c.

Therese St. Vil request the removal of "No Parking" signs on Bluff St. from Bancroft St. to Mason St. # 7e CC February 4, 2020

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who recommended the item be placed on file, as the road is too narrow for parking on both sides of the street.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio made a motion to accept the recommendation, which was approved on a voice vote.

Recommend File.

6.

Resident Permit Parking Petitions

6a.

Rafael Pena request resident permit parking on Astrid St. be extended to include 5 Astrid St. # 8f CC November 12, 2019

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who recommended the item be approved.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio made a motion to accept the recommendation, which was approved on a voice vote.

Recommend Approval.

6b.

Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey on behalf of Kathleen Ryan Trumpaitis request installation of resident permit parking in front of and in the vicinity of 5 Nebraska St. # 6h CC February 11, 2020

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized Councilor Bergman, who spoke to a desire to speaking with Councilor Toomey prior to taking action on the item. Chairperson Councilor Colorio stated Councilor Toomey had been consulted.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who recommended the item be placed on file, due to there being no institutional effect in the area and the street not being in a residential zone.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read testimony she received from the petitioner, who spoke in favor of the item.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who spoke to the definitions of resident permit parking displayed on the website.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who spoke to accommodating the elderly residents who hoped for the resident permit parking in the area.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who provided the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a legal opinion concerning the definition and use of the term, “residential street,” as it pertains to resident permit parking.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to recommend the item be approved.

Recommend Approval.

Chairman's Orders

Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a legal opinion concerning the definition and use of the term, "residential street," as it pertains to resident permit parking.

6c.

Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey on behalf of Robert Goddard request installation of resident permit parking in South Harlem St. # 8u CC October 15, 2019

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recommended the item be held, which was approved on a voice vote.

Recommend Hold.

7.

Miscellaneous Petitions

7a.

Josh Dufresne request various school safety measures be implemented in the vicinity of 345 Greenwood St. # 6d CC February 11, 2020

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who recommended the item be placed on file, as the school described in the petition is not the type of schools associated with the requested signage.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio made a motion to accept the recommendation, which was approved on a voice vote.

Recommend File.

7b.

Evan Corrigan request installation of a stop sign at the intersection of Inwood Rd. and Quinapoxet Lane. # 8j CC September 24, 2019

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who recommended the item be approved to install a stop sign facing eastbound traffic on Inwood Rd.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio made a motion to accept the recommendation, which was approved on a voice vote.

Recommend Approval.

7c.

Sean Kelley request Merchant St. from Main St. to Apricot St. be made a one-way street. # 7i CC October 22, 2019

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant City Clerk, who spoke to the petitioner being notified of the item.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who spoke to holding the item.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who spoke to filing the item, but was amendable to holding for the time being.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to hold the item, which was approved on a voice vote.

Recommend Hold.

7d.

Walter Shea request installation of a stop sign on both sides of Institute Rd. at the corner of Wachusett St. # 8h CC September 24, 2019

In Committee March 11, 2020 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized Councilor Rose, who spoke to using this location as a pilot program to determine the usefulness of a stop sign in this area.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to hold the item, which was approved on a voice vote.

Recommend Hold.

7e.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of a "Blind Driveway" sign at the intersection of Ansonia Rd. and Dominion Rd. # 7q CC July 17, 2018

In Committee March 11, 2020 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and moved to hold the item, which was approved on a voice vote.

Recommend Hold.

7f.

Councilor Matthew E. Wally request installation of traffic advisory signage in Bailey St., in the approach to the crosswalk, warning motorists of the crosswalk including "Thickly Settled" signage and "Yield to Pedestrian" signage. # 8p CC December 18, 2018

In Committee February 20, 2019 - Held In Committee March 11, 2020 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who recommended the item be placed on file, as the missing “Yield to Pedestrian” signage would be replaced.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio made a motion to accept the recommendation, which was approved on a voice vote.

Recommend File.