[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6175835,"mediaKeyId","5352744-da328f44bba9af1856dbf77e52c38ae8","parentId",5352744,"title","Councilors press for stronger tenant protections, rental-registry enforcement and more affordable units","audioSeconds",2773,"startMs",2505000,"endMs",5278000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5352744-da328f44bba9af1856dbf77e52c38ae8&start=2505&end=5278","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5352744-da328f44bba9af1856dbf77e52c38ae8/thumbnail_2505000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6175835/Massachusetts/Councilors-press-for-stronger-tenant-protections-rental-registry-enforcement-and-more-affordable-units","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6175835-641751562538ff428229993d41252de0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771086804&Signature=UeT2pzB7tXEKp45jNm16HhexoMOvf6Xuc7l7or4L33ejM4zYihgctRRv3CGqOBGZzc-nGbLpjLrWwjTP4-t~fE78mNVPMVWdkCrt37lcmNN4j9a9BVgnAZogWb6uiZseNgRykduhDSYtkL8yCvybzVsXl8iSd-TFyCwyw8cM7bEp61tjzofIvqBwoTO4bfdjpivAnXBVInPTglOw~B4TZuXmzCU8P~Vi9jwSy6JuDSU6BDc4VSZf-Q1kfUNw4YDahzEB0WpHPbjGC2HjYymKrCDr3URpfeZbCjnEuhzviSnqmJJ2FHMm7ZIBoZr4CPdILDyzd9Ivp2oFYtr6nAUujA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Worcester City, MA","date","2025-06-24T00:00:00Z","article","Councilors used the manager-evaluation discussion to underscore housing concerns: while they praised recent inclusionary zoning, housing production plans and down-payment programs, several urged more aggressive tenant-protection measures and stricter enforcement of the rental registry.

Councilor Hajjak praised the administration’s support for inclusionary zoning and ADUs, and asked that the Housing Development Incentive Program (HDIP) include affordable housing requirements. “It is my expectation that mister manager, you will continue to be a vocal supporter of strengthening tenant protections by using the rental registry and code enforcement as data gathering and policy tools,” she said.

Councilor Russell and others said they were concerned some large landlords had not registered in the rental-registry rollout and asked the administration to follow up and enforce registration. “I'm concerned that the administration is not following up on that because that's not the message that we should be sending,” Russell said, urging staff to pursue noncompliant property owners.

Several councilors also called for more support for small-scale, deeply affordable housing developers and for the city to consider expanding the responsible development ordinance to include small developers that do not receive public dollars.

Manager O’Neill and staff said housing-built incentives and the housing production plan are priorities, and that they would continue to work with the housing department and state partners. Councilors requested written follow-ups and continued monitoring of registry compliance, code enforcement use and HDIP criteria.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council 06/24/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council members praised inclusionary zoning and housing production efforts but urged the manager to use the rental registry and code enforcement to hold developers and landlords accountable and expand support for small-scale affordable housing.","taxTitle","Worcester City, Worcester County, Massachusetts","taxId",3734,"location","Massachusetts","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6175839,"Council presses manager for clearer communication on streets, sidewalks, trash and parks projects",2014,1798000,3812000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5352744-da328f44bba9af1856dbf77e52c38ae8&start=1798&end=3812","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5352744-da328f44bba9af1856dbf77e52c38ae8/thumbnail_1798000.jpg","/articles/6175839/Massachusetts/Council-presses-manager-for-clearer-communication-on-streets-sidewalks-trash-and-parks-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6175839-98ad00980092e5e70b1616473b5a809b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771086804&Signature=RNPzUtkSwfEOqiv0i0bVK4eGuPUUIev9cVWymINAZxvVcPkAUQli3hz1VGWqe-zwlnXIIZwddmpmewV1cuBF5zagwwIrHUpr8~kE6lA7jpYXWQZ~MJKxq5w5rt1FtyUhMvHfTv1xfmhxyVYloPcQ79zcjHQE5Wh2M1FT2E7on22Eiy4cJOWSahs1QQjfaoKUv5Z8Xs5OFJgF1ccOtJ5YBxD5bgpF67dczycoEBkN5LQSzHpt2B5UZCKC0EeNzjqCZNbYfATyU8xDcpR6tRt-lbN0qksvNRV4xXdrcuvmKoPnfXyfe5rVapjDJ-pW4CM4w6wWAyyBWAcPKZ~ZMRYj5w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Councilors used the manager evaluation discussion to press for faster, clearer communication and better contractor enforcement on infrastructure projects, citing recurring problems with streets, sidewalks, stormwater and litter.

Multiple councilors said parks and recreational investments have been significant — Mayor Petty noted about $100 million invested in parks over several years — and welcomed the urban forestry plan and a commitment to plant 2,000 trees by the end of next year. Several members praised the parks department and the new Burncoat Street improvements as visible successes.

But councilors also criticized project communication and contractor accountability. “I can't tell you how many times I take a turn in my own neighborhood and the whole street's under construction,” Councilor Carlson said, asking for an ongoing progress report on construction. Councilor Russell echoed the call for stricter follow-up, urging inspectors to enforce multi-year patch guarantees for trenches and utility work.

Councilors welcomed the city’s trash-bin pilot and clean-neighborhood initiatives but said those are only part of a broader cleanup effort. “We have a dirty city,” Councilor Carlson said, calling for expanded quality-of-life staffing and more receptacles across neighborhoods, not just on main arteries.

Councilors also asked for better monitoring and faster notification when water bodies such as Indian Lake or Quinsigamond face vegetation or sewage issues; Mayor Petty and others asked for more timely alerts to elected officials when these problems arise.

Manager O’Neill said staff are working on improving project reporting, coordination among Transportation and Mobility and DPW, and contractor enforcement measures. Councilors did not adopt any new measures at the meeting but asked for follow-up briefings and an accessible project status dashboard for the public and council.","Councilors praised park investments and new trash-bin pilots while urging better coordination and public updates on street and sidewalk repairs, contractor accountability and water-body maintenance.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6175844,"Councilors praise progress on day resource center but say city must scale services for unhoused residents",378,2457000,2835000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5352744-da328f44bba9af1856dbf77e52c38ae8&start=2457&end=2835","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5352744-da328f44bba9af1856dbf77e52c38ae8/thumbnail_2457000.jpg","/articles/6175844/Massachusetts/Councilors-praise-progress-on-day-resource-center-but-say-city-must-scale-services-for-unhoused-residents","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6175844-a6cc869910f7abd7fd85df48f118750c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771086804&Signature=fuLkr56skx~b356-fvpnCSpk8WoxPvS3lLiUV555XNfERlPCpnclXsXNRKVaDk83tM69ggSIZriYv5dohtkMBreLAm8w8dyam~YNa3z-GYzZNP0F4QLSO2oyXt7otUEHjEVrJee~BIUIuBAAZeMgD1WUbOzVpgRKunPEstZ5HrYDU9vX9ne0ahMNYpjC-O1GQincqwigs8tImZchU5B9~2MDMEkXwjU-Md4qxYcqoyifHG8KO9F99U8j4beIv7J7JFsSv1rAd4UWGEcgAAFVplAsymK0meYBRmTbFR6RR3o7slcDE08RFEuHwMCTsqMx9oZkKytho5izc9dn1Xocyg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Councilors used the manager-evaluation session to highlight homelessness and sheltering work, praising the administration’s support for a temporary women’s shelter and urging faster, longer-term solutions for people without housing.

Councilor Hajjak said the city manager had actively advocated to state leaders for winter shelter space and for the creation of a day resource center, calling those steps “a bare minimum” but important progress. “I applaud you and compliment you, mister manager, for making that happen,” she said.

Several councilors urged the administration to move from short-term winter shelters to year-round options and to present a 12- to 18-month emergency plan showing service gaps and how the city will manage increases in family and individual homelessness. “We need to see a year-long shelter as opposed to scrambling every year to set up a winter emergency shelter,” Hajjak said.

Councilors also asked the manager to ensure outreach teams have exit options — such as transitional housing, bathrooms and water — for people living in encampments, and to use code enforcement and the rental registry data to identify problem properties and incentivize better landlord behavior.

Manager O’Neill said the administration had been working with housing and homelessness providers and state officials, and that the day resource center remained a priority. No new funding decisions were made at the meeting; councilors said they expect staff to return with a written plan and timeline.","Several councilors lauded the city manager’s support for a women’s temporary shelter and the planned day resource center, while urging a longer-term plan and more services to address persistent homelessness and encampments.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6175848,"Council and speakers press city manager on DOJ report response and policing reforms",2113,188000,2301000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5352744-da328f44bba9af1856dbf77e52c38ae8&start=188&end=2301","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5352744-da328f44bba9af1856dbf77e52c38ae8/thumbnail_188000.jpg","/articles/6175848/Massachusetts/Council-and-speakers-press-city-manager-on-DOJ-report-response-and-policing-reforms","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6175848-be7ae8fa0b0b728529767066d6d403aa/orig.mp4?Expires=1771086804&Signature=TCT3jo0EZA6nvA2YZNZ1d1Om4c6F6dFG694ZMxeuTPXIZaVuVhb9LGAMnOHGwC7SNlAhGecJr2wphAPadKvzAs6E7HTRNaQmdfbTli5VNpqQbz1GUC7a77T2-Av2G0OuzszGdwF1HDUcz822GFSw-omllKPuqXJUkIaKz-YllF5bGaI8HHr4LKzoXj6~0kGtf6d5li6PEVFdVv8MNjk-9NP4or51wvtTSUGRruXv3qwfO1uuAsYUvp4lFLQaHBX2zbt39-mjnZ4FgrBI2BNPmD4kliQHVSXbgwOEQ8ULgcHHZ9BNQ22NavDQZLJ5LAR08GRkvz7~vCk37undvbxVxA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Public commenters and multiple councilors used the city manager evaluation session to press for clearer action following a Department of Justice report and to urge steps to rebuild trust between residents and the Worcester Police Department.

At public comment, resident Fred Nathan said the federal report remains “hanging over the city” and urged the administration to let the report’s public discussion proceed. David Webb, an online commenter, said officials have not delivered accountability and urged managers not to mislead the public: “I think a manager should not lie to the people. I think that should be 1 of the basic things we're looking at here,” he said.

Several councilors echoed concerns about the administration’s public messaging after the report and recent incidents. “I am discouraged by the response of the DOJ report,” Councilor Hajjak said, and suggested the manager consider formal steps to improve oversight. She told the council she had heard that community members “have not felt heard or believed” after recent police and immigration-related incidents.

Hajjak asked the manager to consider issuing an executive order to create a civilian review board and to deploy the city’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion more actively in oversight and community outreach. “The manager can also, take the lead in issuing an executive order related to the implementation of a civilian review board,” she said.

Councilors and the mayor acknowledged recent policy work by Police Chief Paul Saucier — including new training and a gun intelligence unit — but said those steps had not yet closed a trust gap with some Black and Latino residents. Councilor Faso said the Worcester Police Department has “made strides” but called for continued dialogue and community engagement.

Manager Josh O’Neill told the council his administration will continue to review best practices, hold discussions with community groups, and pursue reforms in coordination with the police department and other city offices. He also emphasized the need for data-driven approaches and continued community outreach.

No formal policy was adopted at the meeting; several councilors said they would follow up with staff and expect written proposals or briefings on next steps.","Public commenters and councilors raised concerns about the city's response to a Department of Justice report and called for stronger civilian oversight and community trust measures for the Worcester Police Department.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6175853,"Worcester council reviews city manager performance; praise for finances, calls for better communication and accountability",4601,800000,5401000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5352744-da328f44bba9af1856dbf77e52c38ae8&start=800&end=5401","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5352744-da328f44bba9af1856dbf77e52c38ae8/thumbnail_800000.jpg","/articles/6175853/Massachusetts/Worcester-council-reviews-city-manager-performance-praise-for-finances-calls-for-better-communication-and-accountability","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6175853-dae3dadf1314f184e8b32112e8048132/orig.mp4?Expires=1771086804&Signature=kIskWyqwhBmixtL-so5eKsB~pCYYzQk06DsIg3WsoH5XOvy3LtQlgaM2Y5dXUofNH~wDJGseXXYWmEyOoxeZtG3CyO6PqJDKhwsadHK5QIhZWM9zXWWBIpy6oBmAgOjiQsBXN1ACo2Bq7JkNjeLmTqjwoZrocWTQPpyaoz07qWmOnMmOujpaytevHxqy56YjVDCr0Ar07spDWHYJNDjxSULs6CZIa4bfhTmmEIca4KHtsnOFhxeZaIXVTZiaQCU8c3~6Z~-b-0Nghml9Ss9Slfbu16BUU8j~CAc9BD4TNHgLX1FYwEfp1~mitghWY69uEFVbU53yioQRMwnAEQ1Zcg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Worcester City Council spent its meeting Tuesday reviewing a new evaluation form and delivering feedback on City Manager Josh O’Neill’s performance for fiscal 2025, praising financial stewardship and major projects while urging clearer communication, stronger enforcement of city programs and follow-up on public-safety matters.

Councilors said the manager and his cabinet have kept the city’s finances on steady footing even as they pressed for improvements in areas ranging from library safety to contractor accountability and workplace investigations.

“I gave the manager pretty top scores,” Councilor Bergman said during the review, noting strong marks for budget preparation, bond rating maintenance and departmental performance. Mayor Petty likewise highlighted the city’s fiscal reserves and bond standing, saying the city had increased reserves to about 10.7 percent of the budget and set aside roughly $67,000,000 for contingencies.

Councilors across the chamber praised the administration’s work on capital planning, park investments and recent hires in public works and inspectional services. “Financially, the city remains on stable footing,” Councilor Faso said, citing steady bond ratings and deliberate capital planning. Several councilors also commended recent steps on diversity, equity and inclusion training and new recruit classes for police and fire.

At the same time, councilors pressed the manager on operational gaps. Several members said communication between the administration and councilors — and between departments and neighborhoods — needed to improve, especially for construction progress, street repairs and major parks or lake issues. “We’ve got a problem with our streets,” Councilor Russell said, urging better inspector follow-up and more proactive project reporting to the public and council.

Councilor Toomey offered direct criticism about public perception: “People haven't questioned your integrity. They've questioned your honesty,” he said, calling for clearer public-facing communication and sustained follow-through on commitments.

Manager O’Neill responded that his office would pursue tighter performance evaluation processes for departmental staff and implement changes in FY 2026 budget planning to support oversight. “We got a lot of homework to do,” he said, adding that the administration would seek best practices, data-driven changes and more outreach to communities.

No formal vote or change in authority followed the oral evaluations at the meeting; councilors said they will submit written scores and the form itself will be a public document.

Councilors said they will watch implementation of the priorities raised in the review — improved communication and project reporting, stronger contractor enforcement, more robust workplace investigations and continued attention to public-safety trust-building — as the administration prepares the next fiscal-year workplan.","The Worcester City Council reviewed a new city manager evaluation form and councilors praised financial management and major initiatives while urging improvements in communication, workplace safety and follow-through on policing and public-safety recommendations.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Councilors press for stronger tenant protections, rental-registry enforcement and more affordable units

Council presses manager for clearer communication on streets, sidewalks, trash and parks projects

Councilors praise progress on day resource center but say city must scale services for unhoused residents

Council and speakers press city manager on DOJ report response and policing reforms

Worcester council reviews city manager performance; praise for finances, calls for better communication and accountability