CITY OF WORCESTER

Traffic and Parking Committee Meeting

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Esther Howland (South) Chamber

Convened: 5:02 P.M.

Adjourned: 6:56 P.M.


Mayor
Joseph M. Petty

 

www.worcesterma.gov

 

Clerk of the City Council
Nikolin Vangjeli

Committee Members

Chairperson Donna M Colorio
Vice Chairperson Khrystian E King
Councilor Thu Nguyen
 

City Hall - 455 Main Street Worcester, Massachusetts


Present Were:Chairperson Councilor Donna M Colorio Councilor Thu Nguyen, who participated remotely
 
Also:Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility Stephen Rolle Director of Transportation and Mobility Todd Kirrane WPD Sergeant James Foley Principal Staff Assistant An Pham, clerk
 
1.

Virtual Attendee Call-In Information

1a.

Pursuant to Chapter 20 of the Acts of 2021 and in order to ensure active, public engagement, the City of Worcester currently allows for both in-person and remote participation at all City Council and Standing Committee meetings. To partake in the meeting, you may attend the meeting in-person within the meeting location, follow the below link to join via Zoom or dial the direct line as indicated.

Traffic and Parking Committee Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/92893960051
Traffic and Parking Committee Zoom Phone Number: (929) 205 6099
Traffic and Parking Committee Zoom Access Code: 928 9396 0051

Attachments
2.

Approval of the Minutes

2a.

Order - That the City Council Standing Committee of Traffic and Parking hereby approves the minutes of the Traffic and Parking Committee meeting of April 25, 2024.

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 (King absent)

3.

Handicap Parking Petitions

3a.

Doug Clark request installation of handicap parking space across from 8 Ashmont Ave. at 5 Ashmont Ave. (Amended on April 24, 2024) # 10o CC March 12, 2024

In Committee April 24, 2024 - Held

Attachments

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

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

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

Recommend Approval pending handicap placard on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (King absent)

3b.

Alfred Gendron request the handicap parking sign in front of 23 Delawanda Dr. be replaced with a handicap access ramp sign. # 10r CC March 12, 2024

In Committee April 24, 2024 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. Alfred Gendron, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
2. Ron Dolat Sr., Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item
3. Tim Gendron, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to hold to amend the item for the relocation of the handicap parking space 25 ft. north in front of 25 Delawanda Dr. and establishing a No Parking Anytime zone in front of the curb ramp to 23 Delawanda Dr.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed whether it is legal to park in front of a curb cut, how the curb cut was created, the installation of the handicap parking signage at the curb cut and the recommendation to install No Parking Anytime signage at the curb cut with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, Speaker #1 and Speaker #3.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the WPD Sergeant, who discussed whether the curb cut would be considered a drive way and whether parking in front of it would be considered a towable offense.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to hold to amend the item for the relocation of the handicap parking space 25 ft. north in front of 25 Delawanda Dr. and establishing a combination tow zone and handicap load zone.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed the width size of the curb cut with Speaker #2, Speaker #1 and the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to amend the item to read as follows, “Alfred Gendron request relocation of the handicap parking space 25 ft. north in front of 25 Delawanda Dr. and establishing a combination tow zone and handicap parking load zone in front of 23 Delawanda Dr. at the current handicap parking space.”

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

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

3c.

Roxas Joshua Angell-Clune request installation of two (2) or three (3) handicap parking spaces in the vicinity of 18 and 20 East Worcester St. # 10v CC March 12, 2024

In Committee April 24, 2024 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognize the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to approve the installation of one (1) handicap parking space at 20 East Worcester St.

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 (King absent)

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

3d.

Samuel Torres et al. request installation of handicap parking space across from 130 Endicott St. at 135 Endicott St. (Amended on April 24, 2024) # 7f CC March 19, 2024

In Committee April 24, 2024 - Held

Attachments

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

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 (King absent)

3e.

Tonya Gaston request installation of handicap parking space across from either 11 or 14 Ingalls St. (Amended on April 24, 2024) # 7k CC March 26, 2024

In Committee April 24, 2024 - Held

Attachments

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

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

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Speaker #1, who discussed where the petitioner would park when winter parking ban is declared, the location of the handicap parking space and the location of the fire hydrant on the street with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved to amend the item to read as follows, “Tonya Gaston request installation of handicap parking space in front of 14 Ingalls St.”

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

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

3f.

Councilor Jenny Pacillo request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 364 West Boylston St. (Amended on April 24, 2024) # 7m CC March 26, 2024

In Committee April 24, 2024 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Donna Nieber, 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 (King absent)

3g.

Tracy Clancy et al. request removal of handicap parking space in front of either 23 or 31 Stanton St. or both (Amended on April 24, 2024) # 8j CC October 17, 2023

In Committee April 24, 2024 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Tracy Clancy, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
2. Wanda (No last name given), Marlborough resident, spoke in opposition to the item

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as this is a duplicate request that was approved.

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 (King absent)

4.

Crosswalk and Lighted Crosswalk System Petition

4a.

Manuel Orellana and Lisa DeTorra request installation of crosswalk on Caroline St. # 6n CC November 14, 2023

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as DTM will include the location to the line marking program.

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 (King absent)

5.

No Parking Petitions

5a.

Patrick Massad request installation of No Parking Anytime signage at the corners of the intersection of Illinois St. and Grand St. # 8a CC January 30, 2024

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Philip Massad, Holden resident, spoke in favor of the item

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Assistant Director of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to approve installation of No Parking Anytime signage on Grand St. 50’ west of Illinois St. along southern curb, Illinois St. 30’ west of Grand St. along western and eastern curblines.

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 (King absent)

5b.

Frank C. Romano, President of West Side House, request the relocation of "No Parking Loading Zone" signage on the corner of 35 Fruit St. from its Fruit St. location to the Cedar St. side of the building. # 7b CC January 23, 2024

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Kyle Romano, No resident given, 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 (King absent)

5c.

Manuel Orellana and Lisa DeTora request installation of No Parking Anytime on one side of Caroline St. # 6q CC November 14, 2023

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as the Traffic and Parking committee has approved several safety recommendations for this location including a parking restriction along the school property line and making the street one-way during school hours to improve safety and access.

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 (King absent)

5d.

Duyen Dinh request removal of No Parking sign in front of 15 Varnum St. # 8p CC October 17, 2023

In Committee March 20, 2024 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognize 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 (King absent)

5e.

Cendya Rodrigues request installation of "No Parking Anytime" signage adjacent to the handicap parking space located in front of 7 Dixon Ave. # 8g CC September 19, 2023

In Committee February 28, 2024 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognize 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 (King absent)

5f.

John Sampson request installation of No Parking Anytime in front of the entire frontage of 1 Goldthwaite Rd. (Amended February 28, 2024) # 10x CC September 12, 2023

In Committee February 28, 2024 - Held

Attachments

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

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation approve and discussed the length of the No Parking Anytime zone with Speaker #1.

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 (King absent)

6.

Resident Permit Parking Petitions

6a.

John Yanczewski request the Residential Parking Program be reviewed and a discussion be held to discuss the findings. # 8j CC January 16, 2024

Attachments

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

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the WPD Sergeant, who discussed providing traffic enforcement on Richland St. with Speaker #1.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as DTM will be submitting a report on Residential Permit Parking program later in the year for evaluation and potential modifications on the program.

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 (King absent)

6b.

Steven Gallati request installation of resident permit parking on Shelby St. from Mulberry St. to the dead end of Shelby St. by I-290. # 9n CC January 9, 2024

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as the request has already been approved at a previous meeting.

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 (King absent)

6c.

Steven Gallati request City Council request City Manager consider the re-implementation of the parking stickers for the Resident Permit Parking Program. # 9o CC January 9, 2024

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognize the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to give the item leave to withdraw, as the petitioner has requested.

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

Recommend Leave to Withdraw on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (King absent)

6d.

Naiskys Hechavarria request installation of resident permit parking on Doane St. from from Providence St. to end of Doane St. # 9a CC August 22, 2023

In Committee February 28, 2024 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to hold, as DTM does not have information concerning overall level of support for affected neighborhood residents.

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 (King absent)

6e.

Athena Callender request installation of resident permit parking on both sides of the street from 32 Woodbine St. to 10 Woodbine St. # 9b CC August 22, 2023

In Committee February 28, 2024 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. Athena Callender, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
2. Christine Powers, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item
3. Erin Powers, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item
4. (First name ineligible) Sullivan, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
5. Annita (No last name given), Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor nor opposed to the item

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed the Residential Permit Parking policy concerning installation of the RPP for a single house.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed collecting signatures from abutting residents with Speaker #1.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the WPD Sergeant, who discussed bus parking in the area with Speaker #4.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to hold, as DTM will work with the petitioner and abutting residents to determine the boundaries for the residential permit parking program.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Nguyen, who discussed feasibility of holding discussion with Clark University concerning traffic and parking challenges in the area.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth a Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility work with Clark University to address issues concerning congestion and parking on Woodbine St. and surrounding areas.

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 (King absent)

Chairman's Orders

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility work with Clark University to address issues concerning congestion and parking on Woodbine St. and surrounding areas.

6f.

Maria Castillo request installation of residential parking on Chapin St. from Dorchester St. to South St. # 8h CC March 28, 2023

In Committee October 18, 2023 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to hold, as DTM does not have information concerning overall level of support for affected neighborhood residents.

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 (King absent)

7.

Stop Sign Petition

7a.

Joseph Zwirblia request installation of stop sign at the intersection of Fourth St. and Mill St. # 9i CC January 9, 2024

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Joseph Zwirblia, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
2. Nathalie Gibson, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
3. Greg Degermajian, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item

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

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Principal Staff Assistant, who discussed the public notices for the item with Speaker #2.

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 (King absent)

8.

Traffic Control Signal Petition

8a.

Councilor George J. Russell and Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson on behalf of John Fresolo request removal of blinking light at the intersection of Providence St. and Waverly St. # 8g CC November 21, 2023

In Committee March 20, 2024 - 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 for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.

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

9.

Traffic Study Petitions

9a.

John Yanczewski request traffic review on Richland St. # 8k CC January 16, 2024

Attachments

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

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the WPD Sergeant, who discussed traffic enforcement and increased traffic challenges on Richland 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 (King absent)

9b.

John Yanczewski request traffic review on Dorchester St. from top of Dorchester St. to the intersection of Dorchester St. and Vernon St. # 8i CC January 16, 2024

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognize the following speaker:
1. John Yanczewski, 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 DTM will conduct the traffic study on Dorchester St.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Speaker #1, who discussed raising traffic violation fees and parking challenges as relates to the Resident Permit Parking program.

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 (King absent)

10.

Speed Hump Petitions

10a.

Frank Hernandez request installation of speed humps on Monticello Dr. near Laurel Brook Dr. # 8d CC April 2, 2024

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as DTM will add to candidate list for future discussion with District 5 Councilor.

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 (King absent)

10b.

Mayor Joseph M. Petty on behalf of Paul Foster request installation of speed hump on King Philip Rd. # 8e CC April 2, 2024

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as DTM will add to candidate list for future discussion with District 1 Councilor.

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 (King absent)

10c.

Councilor Etel Haxhiaj on behalf of Kathleen Murray request installation of speed humps on Moore Ave. # 7l CC March 26, 2024

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Kathleen Murray, 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 DTM will add to candidate list for future discussion with District 5 Councilor.

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 (King absent)

11.

Miscellaneous Petitions

11a.

Brian Dutremble request installation of traffic calming measures in the vicinity of 1160 West Boylston St. to encourage motorists to decrease their speeds. # 9l CC January 9, 2024

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognize the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as West Boylston Street is classified as an Urban Minor Arterial and the location is where city control changes to MassDOT control.

Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility work with District Councilor for 1160 West Boylston St. to identify appropriate traffic calming measures at the location that are consistent with the city’s expansion of its traffic calming program, which may be incorporated as part of a future resurfacing project for West Boylston St.

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 (King absent)

Chairman's Orders

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility work with District Councilor for 1160 West Boylston St. to identify appropriate traffic calming measures at the location that are consistent with the city’s expansion of its traffic calming program, which may be incorporated as part of a future resurfacing project for West Boylston St.

11b.

Stephen Foley request installation of protective elements for cycling lanes leading to and from Union Station. # 10c CC December 5, 2023

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to file, as DTM is completing the Mobility Action Plan (MAP) that will include a planned Bike and Micro-mobility Network that will guide the City on development of projects.

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 (King absent)

11c.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson on behalf of Vincent Pignataro request the two (2) hour parking zone in front of 277 Shrewsbury St. be amended to be a one (1) hour parking zone. # 10j CC December 5, 2023

In Committee April 24, 2024 - Held

Attachments

Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided the recommendation to approve installation of One Hour Parking at 275 and 277 Shrewsbury St.

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 (King absent)