CITY OF WORCESTER | Traffic and Parking Committee Meeting | Wednesday, May 17, 2023 | Esther Howland (South) Chamber | Convened: 4:02 P.M. | Adjourned: 6:00 P.M. |
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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 |
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City Hall - 455 Main Street Worcester, Massachusetts | |
| Present Were: | Chairperson Councilor Donna M. Colorio
Councilor Etel Haxhiaj
Councilor Thu Nguyen | | | | | Also: | Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility Stephen Rolle
Assistant Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility Todd Kirrane
Principal Staff Assistant An Pham, clerk | | | |
| 1. | Virtual Attendee Call-In Information | |
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| | | 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 | |
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| | | 2a. | Order - That the City Council Standing Committee of Traffic and Parking hereby approves the minutes of the Traffic and Parking Committee meeting of April 26, 2023. | View Agenda | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and moved to adopt the item. Order adopted | |
| 3. | Handicap Parking Petitions | |
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| | | 3a. | 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
In Committee March 22, 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 | |
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| | | 3b. | Demetra Edwards, on behalf of Korpo Johnson, request installation of a handicap parking space on Mendon St. adjacent to 40 Aetna St. (Amended on March 22, 2023)
# 7d CC February 7, 2023
In Committee March 22, 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 handicap parking space is no longer needed.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File | |
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| | | 3c. | Martha Dooley request installation of a “No Parking Anytime” signage in front of 59 Spofford Rd. (Amended on April 26, 2023)
# 9g CC March 21, 2023
In Committee April 26, 2023 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed the original intent of the petition and reasons for amending the item to request for “No Parking Anytime” signage with the Principal Staff Assistant.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the following speaker:
1. Martha Dooley, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to approve.
Recommend Approval | |
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| | | 3d. | Samuel Duah request removal of handicap parking space in front of 52 Plantation St.
# 8j CC April 11, 2023 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed the location of the existing handicap parking space in the vicinity of 52 Plantation St. and provided the recommendation to hold, as there is no existing handicap parking space in front of 52 Plantation St.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to read the item as follows, “Samuel Duah request removal of handicap parking space in front of 55 Plantation St.”
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Hold | |
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| | | 3e. | Lori Wentworth request installation of handicap parking space in front of Hadwen Park Congregational Church (6 Clover St.) in the vicinity of the church's handicap ramp.
# 9g CC April 25, 2023 | Attachments | | | | | | | 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 | |
| 4. | Crosswalk and Lighted Crosswalk System Petitions | |
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| | | 4a. | Brian and Priscella Underwood request installation of flashing crosswalk lights and signage at Chandler Magnet Elementary School, 525 Chandler St.
# 8d CC March 9, 2021
In Committee June 16, 2021 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as there is an RRFB already installed at the location.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File | |
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| | | 4b. | Brian and Priscella Underwood request installation of flashing crosswalk lights and signage at Clark Street Elementary School, 280 Clark St.
# 8e CC March 9, 2021
In Committee October 13, 2021 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as there are low pedestrian volumes and it is a discontinued sidewalk on the other side.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File | |
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| | | 4c. | Brian Underwood request installation of flashing crosswalk lights in the vicinity of Gates Lane Elementary School, 1238 Main St.
# 9i CC June 8, 2021
In Committee December 15, 2021 - 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 at Holland Dr. and Curtis Parkway are both signalized which provides a safer crossing environment.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File | |
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| | | 4d. | 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
In Committee December 15, 2021 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as there is an RRFB already installed at the location.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File | |
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| | | 4e. | Brian Underwood request installation of flashing crosswalk lights in the vicinity of Goddard School of Science & Technology, 14 Richards St.
# 9z CC June 8, 2021
In Committee September 30, 2021 - Held
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 the location needs to be studied more.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Hold | |
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| | | 4f. | Brian Underwood request installation of flashing crosswalk lights in the vicinity of Midland Street Elementary School, 18 Midland St.
# 10b CC June 8, 2021
In Committee August 25, 2021 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as Midland St. is a low volume and low speed street.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File | |
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| | | 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
In Committee December 15, 2021 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as there are low to moderate traffic volumes and the school has an active crossing management program.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File | |
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| | | 4h. | Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey request installation of a flashing pedestrian crosswalk signal on Chandler St. at Nu Kitchen, 335 Chandler St.
# 8o CC November 9, 2021
In Committee June 22, 2022 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as other traffic calming solutions are preferred as the initial response at this location.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility install standard crosswalk signage and protection from multiple threat maneuvers on Chandler St. at Nu Kitchen, 335 Chandler St.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility install standard crosswalk signage and protection from multiple threat maneuvers on Chandler St. at Nu Kitchen, 335 Chandler St. | |
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| | | 4i. | Councilor Etel Haxhiaj request installation of a flashing pedestrian lighted crosswalk on Pleasant St. in the vicinity of the Charlotte Klein Dance Centers, located at 1122 Pleasant St.
# 8c CC March 29, 2022
In Committee September 21, 2022 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Vice Chairperson Councilor Haxhiaj read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed the traffic study findings at the location and provided the recommendation to hold, as the location needs to be studied more.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following two (2) Chairman’s Orders: 1) Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility install an additional crosswalk on the easterly side of Mower Ave.’s slip lane; and 2) Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility develop a concept plan for review and feedback of traffic calming methods on Pleasant St. in the vicinity of Charlotte Klein Dance Centers, 1122 Pleasant St., at a community meeting.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Hold | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility install an additional crosswalk on the easterly side of Mower Ave.’s slip lane. | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility develop a concept plan for review and feedback of traffic calming methods on Pleasant St. in the vicinity of Charlotte Klein Dance Centers, 1122 Pleasant St., at a community meeting. | |
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| | | 4j. | Judy Finkel request installation of a crosswalk at the intersection of Salisbury St., Barry Rd. and Salisbury Hill Blvd.
# 8y CC July 19, 2022
In Committee September 21, 2022 - Held
In Committee November 30, 2022 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Judy Finkel, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Assistant Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the findings relative to the traffic study done at the location and provided the recommendation to approve, pending funding.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed the department budget and future projects concerning traffic safety with Speaker #1.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval, pending funding | |
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| | | 4k. | Carrie Carliell request installation of a crosswalk at the intersection of Southgate St. and Southbridge St.
# 8v CC September 20, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Carrie Carliell, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Assistant Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed the findings from the traffic study for Southgate St. and Southbridge St. intersection and provided the recommendation to approve.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval | |
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| | | 4l. | Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Sheilagh Crotty request installation of a flashing yellow stop light at the crosswalk on Grafton St. at Lamar Ave.
# 8p CC October 25, 2022
In Committee December 21, 2022 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to approve, pending funding.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval, pending funding | |
| 5. | Traffic Control Signal Petitions | |
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| | | 5a. | Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Sheilagh Crotty request installation of flashing warning lights to alert drivers to slow down as they round the curve on Grafton St. in the vicinity of Standish St.
# 8q CC October 25, 2022
In Committee December 21, 2022 - Held
| 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 conduct a traffic study on Grafton St. in the vicinity of Standish St. to confirm the appropriate advisory speed and install advisory signage as necessary.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility conduct a traffic study on Grafton St. in the vicinity of Standish St. to confirm the appropriate advisory speed and install advisory signage as necessary. | |
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| | | 6a. | Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of “No Parking Anytime” signage in front of 6 Boylston St.
# 9c CC July 19, 2022
In Committee September 21, 2022 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as there is existing 30-minute parking zone in the area.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility explore appropriate parking zone signage for installation in front of 6 Boylston St.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility explore appropriate parking zone signage for installation in front of 6 Boylston St. | |
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| | | 6b. | Stephan and Pamela Williams request installation of No Parking Anytime on Institute Rd. to prevent parking on the south side of Institute Rd. within 20 feet of the intersection with Westland St.
# 8d CC January 24, 2023 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Stephan Williams, 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 to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval | |
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| | | 6c. | Gordon Duncan request installation of "No Parking Anytime" signage on Bancroft Tower Rd. before and after the parking area at Bancroft Tower.
# 8d CC February 28, 2023 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item recognized the following speaker:
1. Gordon Duncan, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed the status of the Bancroft Tower Rd. and installation of No Parking Anytime signage on the public street portion of Bancroft Tower Rd. with Speaker #1.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Principal Staff Assistant, who discussed the procedural motion for the item.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to amend the item as follows: “Gordon Duncan request installation of "No Parking Anytime" signage on Bancroft Tower Rd. in the vicinity of 17 and18 Bancroft Tower Rd.”
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to recommend the item be held.
Recommend Hold | |
| 7. | One and Two-Way Street Reconfiguration Petitions | |
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| | | 7a. | Sha-Asia Medina and Parlee Jones request King St. be made into a one way street in the southeast direction.
# 8f CC April 26, 2022
In Committee June 22, 2022 - Held
In Committee October 19, 2022 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. Sha-Asia Medina, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
2. Parlee Jones, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
3. Daniel Camacho, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed the findings from the traffic study on King St. and provided the recommendation to hold, as more discussion with the Fire Department is needed.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Nguyen, who discussed the feasibility of installing speed humps on the street.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Hold | |
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| | | 7b. | Mark Donahue request Arwick Ave. be made two way street between Quinsigamond Ave. and Millbury St.
# 8d CC May 10, 2022 | 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 be contacted.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Hold | |
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| | | 8a. | Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson on behalf of Amelia O'Brian request installation of four-way stop signage at the intersection of Gosnold St. and Andover St.
# 8s CC April 26, 2022
In Committee June 22, 2022 - Held
In Committee August 10, 2022 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and moved to recommend the item be held.
Recommend Hold | |
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| | | 8b. | Kevin and Karen Stewart request installation of three (3) stop signs at the intersection of Plantation St. and Ancona Rd.
# 8o CC August 9, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to approve installation of isolated stop signs facing Ancona St. and Lord St.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval | |
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| | | 8c. | Stephan Williams request installation of stop signage on Institute Rd. at the intersection with Westland St.
# 8c CC January 24, 2023 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Stephan Williams, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to approve for installation of stop sign on Westland St.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval | |
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| | | 8d. | Councilor Donna M. Colorio on behalf of William Hurley request installation of a two-way stop sign on Barrett Ave. at its intersection with West Chester St.
# 8i CC April 11, 2023 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. William Hurley, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
2. Barbara Clifford, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
3. Bill Hughes, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed the height requirement for hedges in the public right of way with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility and Speaker #2.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to approve.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Police Chief provide traffic enforcement at the intersection of Barrett Ave. and West Chester St.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request Police Chief provide traffic enforcement at the intersection of Barrett Ave. and West Chester St. | |
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| | | 9a. | Councilor Donna M. Colorio request a traffic study be completed on Tyson Rd. to determine the appropriateness of installing a truck ban/weight restriction for traffic travelling on the road.
# 8f CC January 24, 2023
In Committee April 26, 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 speakers:
1. David Ford, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
2. (No last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval | |
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