CITY OF WORCESTER

Traffic and Parking Committee Meeting

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Levi Lincoln (North) Chamber

Convened: 4:07 P.M.

Adjourned: 7:03 P.M.


Mayor
Joseph M. Petty

 

www.worcesterma.gov

 

Clerk of the City Council
Nikolin Vangjeli

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 Vice Chairperson Councilor Sean M Rose Councilor Morris A Bergman
 
Also:Councilor Mero-Carlson Director of Engineering Mark Elbag WPD Sergeant James Foley 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 join us directly within the Levi Lincoln (North) Chamber, follow the below link to join via the WebEx application or dial the direct line as indicated. If you would like to raise your hand when in the meeting as a call-in user you may dial *3. - Phone Number: 415-655-0001, Access Code: 2309 139 5830. https://cow.webex.com/cow/j.php?MTID=mc7d35632ee2faa73d1bf8850680694ae

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. No name given, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #3n
2. Mary Valentine, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #3d
3. Robert Mura, No resident given, spoke in favor of item #5b, #6a and #6b
4. Bill Moore, Cherry Valley resident, spoke in favor of item #5b, #6a and #6b
5. Todd Albert, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #5b, #6a and #6b
6. Margaret Brooks, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #3l
7. Guirnalda (No last name given), No resident given, spoke in opposition to item #3b
8. Priscella and Brian Underwood, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #4b, #4c, #4d, #4e, #4f, #4g, #4h, #10a, #10b, #10c and #10d
9. Luther G., Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #5b, #6a and #6b
10. Robert Baldwin, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #4a, #5a and #7a
11. John S., Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #5b, #6a and #6b
12. John M., Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #5a and #7a
13. Kristina Wieslander, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #3k
14. Rosie Fayard, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #4a, #5a and #7a
15. Christine Scott, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #3h

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 November 17, 2021.

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 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rose absent)

3.

Handicap Parking Petitions

3a.

Roberta Adams request installation of a handicap parking space large enough for one vehicle in front of 197 Eastern Ave. (Amended September 30th, 2021 from "installation of a handicap parking space large enough for two vehicles"). # 9l CC July 20, 2021

In Committee August 25, 2021 - Held In Committee Spetember 30, 2021 - Held In Committee October 13, 2021 - Held In Committee November 17, 2021 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided the recommendation to file, as the petitioner failed to submit a handicap parking placard.

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

3b.

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

In Committee Ocotber 13, 2021 - Held In Committee November 17, 2021 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided the recommendation to hold, as the petitioner is in the process of obtaining a handicap parking placard.

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.

Susan Kendrick et al. request installation of handicap parking space in front of 70 Everard St. # 9h CC October 5, 2021

In Committee November 17, 2021 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided the recommendation to hold, as the petitioner needs to be contacted regarding the location of the handicap parking space.

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

3d.

Frantzy Merisier request installation of handicap parking space in front of 49 Freeland St. # 8l CC November 9, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, 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.

Thu Tran request removal of handicap parking space in front of 4 Mott St. # 8k CC November 9, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, 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.

Thu Tran request removal of handicap parking space in front of 4 South Ward St. # 8j CC November 9, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, 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

3g.

Sandra Davis request installation of handicap parking space in front of 20 Berkeley St. # 8i CC November 9, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, 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

3h.

Norma Rivera request removal of handicap parking space in front of 6 Berkshire St. # 8g CC November 16, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided the recommendation to hold, as the handicap parking usage by other residents needs to be verified.

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

3i.

Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Idella Hazard request the handicap parking space in the vicinity of 68 Providence St. be removed. # 8e CC November 16, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, 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

3j.

Dennis Sullivan et al. request installation of handicap parking space in front of 15 Delaware St. # 8b CC November 16, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, 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

3k.

Kristina Wieslander on behalf of Joan Wieslander request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 123 Brookline St. # 7j CC November 23, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, 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

3l.

Margaret Brooks request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 13 Eureka St. # 7i CC November 23, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, 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

3m.

Thomas McGee request removal of handicap parking space in front of 22 Loring St. # 7f CC November 23, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, 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

3n.

Sindy Santos request installation of handicap parking space in front of 14 Chadwick St. # 7e CC November 23, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, 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.

Gregory Russell, on behalf of Leo Flanagan and Learning First, LLC., request installation of crosswalk on Richland St. at a point approximately 390' east of Ward St. at the expense of the petitioner. # 8ee CC September 22, 2021

In Committee November 17, 2021 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and moved to take the item up collectively with item # 5a and #7a.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed the layout of the residential properties on Richland St., parking challenges for residents living in properties without parking lots and relocation of the crosswalk with Speaker #10 and Speaker #12.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed details concerning the school property, neighborhood outreach efforts and potential traffic challenges in the winter for the location with Speaker #10 and Speaker #12.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who discussed the student pickup and drop off processes for staff members of the school and the school property layout with Speaker #10.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided no recommendation, as this is a neighborhood issue.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed how the City Council term ending affects the Traffic and Parking Committee members and the needs to modify the plans for parking, crosswalk placement and plans relative to monitoring traffic issues in the neighborhoods to create a new presentation for the new Traffic and Parking Committee with Speaker #10.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Deputy City Clerk, who discussed possible procedural actions for the item.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be given Leave to Withdraw.

Recommend Leave to Withdraw on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays

4b.

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

Attachments

Vice Chairperson Councilor Bergman read the item and recognized Speaker #8, who discussed future correspondences with the school principals, the school safety officer and school committee members with WPD Sergeant Foley and Councilor Rose.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request School Superintendent request School Safety Officer contact Priscella and Brian Underwood for discussion on solutions for traffic issues in the vicinity of school buildings.

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

Chairman's Orders

Request City Manager request School Superintendent request School Safety Officer contact Priscella and Brian Underwood for discussion on solutions for traffic issues in the vicinity of school buildings.

4c.

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

In Committee November 17, 2021 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and 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

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

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and 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 Vernon Hill Elementary School, 211 Providence St. # 9o CC June 8, 2021

In Committee November 17, 2021 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and 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

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

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and 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

4g.

Brian Underwood request installation of flashing crosswalk lights in the vicinity of Canterbury Street Magnet Computer-Based School, 129 Canterbury St. # 10f CC June 8, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and 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

4h.

Brian Underwood request installation of flashing crosswalk lights in the vicinity of Gates Lane Elementary School, 1238 Main St. # 9i CC June 8, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and 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

5.

No Parking Petition

5a.

Gregory Russell, on behalf of Leo Flanagan and Learning First, LLC., request the No Parking Anytime ordinance on school days between 7 A.M. and 2:30 P.M. on Richland St. from Ward St. to a point 400' east of Ward St. on the south side of Richland St. be expanded to include both sides of the street, be extended 50' to a point 450' east of Ward St. and be amended to remain in effect until 6 P.M. on school days. # 8dd Wednesday, September 22, 2021

In Committee November 17, 2021 - Held

Attachments

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

5b.

Robert Mura et al. request installation of a two-hour parking zone on Genesse St., with "No Parking Anytime" signage being installed at its intersection with James St. # 8g CC October 19, 2021

In Committee November 17, 2021 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized Speaker #7, who discussed the issues concerning trucks parking on Genessee St.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Engineering, who discussed the general purpose of two-hour parking zone and potential alternatives to the two-hour parking zone.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the impact of two-hour parking zone on business operations, parking and traffic issues relative to the trucks parking on Genessee St., alternative solutions to address parking challenges on Genessee St. and how the two-hour parking zone can address the truck parking issues on the street with Speaker #7 and Speaker #3.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the WPD Sergeant, who discussed the traffic data on Genessee streets and challenges concerning contacting the vehicle owners to address street-blocking issues.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Engineering, who discussed alternative solutions to two-hour parking zone with Speaker #3.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who discussed the precedent and feasibility of installing a four-hour parking zone with the Director of Engineering and the Deputy City Clerk.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Deputy City Clerk, who discussed the procedure to install the ordinance for two-hour parking zone for a 6-month period.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the WPD Sergeant, who discussed the penalty fee for violations of two-hour parking zone, the frequency of fining two-hour parking zone violations and the efficiency of two-hour parking penalty fees with Speaker #3 and Councilor Bergman.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Engineering, who discussed the street layout and parking locations with Speaker #3 and Speaker #7.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to amend the item to read as follows: "Robert Mura et al. request installation of a two-hour parking zone on Genessee St., with No Parking Anytime installed on Genesee St. on the north side between Ludlow St. and James St. and No Parking Anytime installed on Genesee St. on the south side between Ludlow St. and a point 280’ west of James St."

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

6.

Parking and Parking Meter Petitions

6a.

Robert Mura et al. request installation of a two-hour parking zone on Ludlow St. # 8f Tuesday, October 19, 2021

In Committee November 17, 2021 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be approved.

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

6b.

Robert Mura et al. request installation of a two-hour parking zone on James St. # 8e CC October 19, 2021

In Committee November 17, 2021 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be approved.

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

7.

Resident Permit Parking Petitions

7a.

Gregory Russell, on behalf of Leo Flanagan and Learning First, LLC., request resident permit parking on the north side of Richland St. from Vernon St. to a point of 135' east of Ward St. be reduced by 315' to a point 450' east of Ward St. # 8cc CC September 22, 2021

In Committee November 17, 2021 - Held

Attachments

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

7b.

Winifred Octave request installation of resident permit parking on the odd side of Northampton St. between Westminster St. and Windsor St. # 8g CC November 17, 2020

In Committee January 20, 2021 - Held In Committee June 21, 2021 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided the recommendation to file, as residents have off-street parking.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who spoke in favor of the item.

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

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

8.

Stop Sign Petition

8a.

Peter Magerowski request installation of three-way stop sign at the intersection of Barry Rd., Barry Rd. Ext. and Toronita Ave. # 9d CC June 15, 2021

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized Councilor Rose, who discussed the traffic issues in the area.

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

9.

Traffic Control Signal Petitions

9a.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of a blinking yellow traffic signal at the intersection of Hamilton St. and Coburn Ave. # 8i CC May 12, 2021

In Committee June 16, 2021 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who discussed the traffic issues at the intersection and spoke in favor of the item.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided the recommendation to file, as the location does not meet warrants.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed alternative solutions to address the traffic issues at the intersection with the Director of Engineering.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who spoke in favor of the item.

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

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

9b.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson on behalf of Leo Hoffman request installation of a traffic light at the intersection of North St. and Grove St. # 7y CC March 17, 2020

In Committee June 17, 2020 - Held In Committee June 16, 2021 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who discussed the traffic issues at the intersection and spoke in favor of the item.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided the recommendation to hold, as a traffic study needs to be done.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman and Councilor Rose, who both spoke concerning the item.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with report concerning a traffic study at the intersection of North St. and Grove St.

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

Chairman's Orders

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with report concerning a traffic study at the intersection of North St. and Grove St.

10.

Traffic Sign Petitions

10a.

Brian Underwood request installation of school signage in the vicinity of Goddard School of Science & Technology, 14 Richards St. # 9y CC June 8, 2021

Attachments

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

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided the recommendation to file, as the DPW will evaluate and update signage as needed.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Speaker #8, who discussed laws concerning school signage with the Director of Engineering.

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

10b.

Brian Underwood request installation of school signage in the vicinity of Vernon Hill Elementary School, 211 Providence St. # 9n CC June 8, 2021

Attachments

Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a)

10c.

Brian Underwood request installation of school signage on Apricot St. in the vicinity of South High Community School, 170 Apricot St. # 9j CC June 8, 2021

Attachments

Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a)

10d.

Brian Underwood request installation of school signage on Goddard Memorial Dr. in the vicinity of South High Community School, 170 Apricot St. # 9l CC June 8, 2021

Attachments

Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a)

11.

Turn Prohibition Petition

11a.

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

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who discussed the traffic challenges relative to the monument at the location and spoke in favor of the item.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided the recommendation to file, as the signage will redirect trucks to other neighborhoods with existing traffic issues relative to trucks.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who spoke concerning the recommendation.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the needs to evaluate the effectiveness of the bollards installed in front of the monument.

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