[{"_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",6175807,"mediaKeyId","5352935-b10e59733d6acfcc85ed83fc40611a49","parentId",5352935,"title","Petitioner withdraws Russell Street overnight-parking ban after neighbors, landlords oppose; police to increase patrols","audioSeconds",1970,"startMs",3726000,"endMs",5696000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5352935-b10e59733d6acfcc85ed83fc40611a49&start=3726&end=5696","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5352935-b10e59733d6acfcc85ed83fc40611a49/thumbnail_3726000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6175807/Massachusetts/Petitioner-withdraws-Russell-Street-overnight-parking-ban-after-neighbors-landlords-oppose-police-to-increase-patrols","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6175807-8acdf4ef106c375e681024e79844a811/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184494&Signature=odbqvYAd48Hh722NTL1sZRB3zVHwv1q5gfnTHzvqLkOGpwh9afu6KpKLcXu2zgjH0sX2gCKPofNsvJRjt0I8642Gd8r-eY5npRqQpP5Mh8pQjGJr71B~P9NAcWE-cnqDtaFCY61PXkkUfGTd1L35xP38h74BQ4KE7JilqNvpgNYQa~3HtmCmFF08l4vBhiM4-GqaF6P3oFJPuEZcMJSd5ihC6c1oAUZn0gXB1LO39paUe6ksCxocJuqOw~tPZAdE0uZYAIC9OEPliN~DMLdltq8SKMgs9WMw6JJNIgZXi7UYTVmQkIjnqq45d5mxM~HjMQQz1CZ3N876onOKb1Kr9Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Worcester City, MA","date","2025-06-18T00:00:00Z","article","A petition asking for an overnight or time-restricted parking ban on portions of Russell Street near Elm Park was withdrawn during committee discussion after widespread neighborhood opposition and concerns about displacing residents’ needed on‑street parking.

Stephen Boisso, who filed the petition citing persistent litter, drug paraphernalia and overnight occupants near Elm Park, told the committee he would withdraw the petition after hearing testimony from many residents who said the proposed restriction would penalize tenants in multifamily homes that lack off‑street parking. Several tenants and property owners said a ban would push residents to other nearby streets and not solve littering; some landlords said tenants’ leases guarantee street parking.

Police and staff response: Sergeant Cipro said he would forward reports of drug activity near Elm Park to the city’s neighborhood response team and vice squad for enforcement; the committee also asked city staff to coordinate quality-of-life responses and outreach. The committee accepted the petitioner’s withdrawal and recorded a chairman’s order asking the Worcester Police Department and city teams to monitor Elm Park and report back with enforcement and outreach options.

Why it mattered: Petitioners described visible needles and drug paraphernalia in the park, while many residents warned that an overnight ban would remove critical parking for families and renters and could intensify parking pressure on adjacent blocks. Several speakers described long-term efforts to clean the park and asked for coordinated police and city clean‑up and outreach work rather than an on‑street parking ban.

Outcome: The petitioner formally withdrew the petition; the committee recorded a motion to accept the withdrawal and instructed police and city teams to step up monitoring, enforcement where appropriate, and neighborhood outreach. The petitioner and residents were encouraged to work with police and city staff on non‑parking measures to reduce litter and observed illegal activity.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Standing Committee on Traffic & Parking 06/18/2025","oneSentenceSummary","A petition to ban overnight parking on parts of Russell Street near Elm Park was withdrawn after residents and landlords said the restriction would disproportionately harm renters who rely on street parking; the committee accepted the withdrawal and ordered increased police and city monitoring.","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},6175810,"City wins design funding for Hamilton–Lake Ave safety study; committee seeks interim safety steps",1249,2366000,3615000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5352935-b10e59733d6acfcc85ed83fc40611a49&start=2366&end=3615","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5352935-b10e59733d6acfcc85ed83fc40611a49/thumbnail_2366000.jpg","/articles/6175810/Massachusetts/City-wins-design-funding-for-HamiltonLake-Ave-safety-study-committee-seeks-interim-safety-steps","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6175810-b7416757a10f67403f9ce0d0b1acbaad/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184494&Signature=dp5G8ob5fV9iAtUrWOahuW9mGsB1ghZUQ87l~Wz3Q76VZC5RDFNgkgkjnEo2MPS9hgR2lLDFywiO857z6lxHlJvXWQQwRuBjBNWNrTfPeFpK1zgdN6PCxIHkOaVIFl7EDKbfTjFqfwAyh00Fz0nMBPKA0h3C~ibJ8BXHrusrfFIlNZEvDeenRnmw7IKWkaMOd207oiNv325CV~5KR7127~WttfFAbikWhUIM6cZau7pplS3uG5u8IVedsgAANmsTtIFV8FAeruzVdiDRvmZbje4bXv6K0HNy9O643Gq5r7O8V0PBuOAHE0EtdNdZX85EZYZZ9tIdV363roHgqTn-Lw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Traffic & Parking Committee heard lengthy public testimony about recurring crashes and near-misses at the Hamilton Street intersection with Lake Avenue and voted to hold the petition while asking the Department of Transportation & Mobility (DTM) to pursue interim safety measures.

Marguerite Cormier, a longtime Lake Avenue resident, told the committee the corridor has “always been a very busy street” and traced multiple accidents near the Hamilton Street curve. DTM staff said they sought and received design funding from the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC) to study and develop construction documents for intersection improvements; the project is listed in the regional TIP for later construction funding, with construction currently programmed in federal fiscal year 2029 (the committee was told FFY29 begins October 2028).

DTM outlined a two-track approach: move quickly on lower-cost interim measures—such as pedestrian crossing signs, high-visibility markings and possibly rapid flashing beacons—and use the CMRPC-funded design to develop a long-term solution. Todd Kurey told the committee that the RFP for a design consultant is drafted and MassDOT has reviewed it; once council acceptance of the design funding is in place DTM expects to solicit bids over roughly a month and begin a community design process.

Cost and timing: DTM estimated a minimal interim rapid-flashing pedestrian crossing with ADA ramp improvements could cost in the $60,000–$150,000 range; full intersection reconstruction would likely exceed $1 million. The committee emphasized that short-term measures should not preclude the final design; members also asked DTM to assess lower-cost, durable interim options that could still be incorporated into the eventual project.

Committee action: The committee voted to hold the petition and to return the item at a future meeting with additional interim-safety proposals and a plan for community engagement during design. DTM will proceed with the RFP once the council accepts the CMRPC design funding and will coordinate public meetings during the consultant phase.","Transportation staff said the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission has programmed design funding for a safety project at Hamilton Street and Lake Avenue; the committee asked staff to pursue interim pedestrian and traffic-calming measures while final design and construction funding are sought.",{"_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},6175815,"Traffic panel holds Fourth Street handicap-parking request after neighbors cite safety, truck obstruction",1683,283000,1966000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5352935-b10e59733d6acfcc85ed83fc40611a49&start=283&end=1966","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5352935-b10e59733d6acfcc85ed83fc40611a49/thumbnail_283000.jpg","/articles/6175815/Massachusetts/Traffic-panel-holds-Fourth-Street-handicap-parking-request-after-neighbors-cite-safety-truck-obstruction","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6175815-7d676d780b61f0e691d5148dbd279b6c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184494&Signature=c971ThcPs-7XII8ZO3dY9VVIy7JEke8wO9h9K1qTbLNbzdyDGQh7KskY0Fv1Tpa3XWcVKU~EbmXm8MeIe9jpJR-Bl9BgYqtJRFUjWcyCcnvrX1UISrX4ghmsW3f~wWY57PdVxNWFk35yvVlbpeXRrROv2wkhWHGfVQdiEQrvR-PgCTifylZTHFP06TQKee89B0fhqByYwyXToi6Wxx9l~IrY~KNyMHozD4YyI~eg6AbaL97JpBfAGJkwkJHARMorpmETm4BfmVXGNoiW46kTreY8hPSDZvOtrOs9l~9nYXl4~Sdm-RfNZLCNptR7LpNDSvnz5XxVDJ1ct~yg13m0gw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A petition to install a single on-street handicap parking space on Fourth Street was held by the Worcester City Traffic & Parking Committee on Wednesday after multiple neighbors described blocked sightlines and safety concerns caused by a large box truck parked near the requested spot.

The committee’s chair moved to hold the item after more than a dozen local residents testified, saying the public record lacked the petitioner’s direct input and that alternative locations should be explored. Committee members voted to hold the petition and directed the Department of Transportation & Mobility to contact the petitioner and seek compromise locations.

Why it matters: Neighbors said the requested space would reduce available curb parking for long-time residents, and—critically—could create blind spots for drivers exiting driveways because a large work truck commonly parks at the site. City staff calculated a typical handicap space is 25 feet long; the truck at the center of neighbors’ complaints was estimated at about 6.5 feet wide and 21 feet long. Those measurements shaped the committee’s concern that a marked handicap space could still leave drivers unable to see oncoming traffic when leaving adjacent driveways.

Neighbors and online commenters told the committee they repeatedly saw a box truck parked near numbers 3–9 Fourth Street and said the truck often obscures views where driveways meet the street. Several residents urged denial or a pause until the petitioner could present in person. “I’m totally opposed,” resident Damaris Mercado said during public comment, citing near-misses pulling from her driveway.

Transportation staff said a winter parking ban affects portions of the street, meaning any approved space would be unavailable during declared winter bans; staff also suggested nearby Mill Street as a less problematic alternative. Commissioner Raleigh recommended holding the matter to give staff time to identify alternate curb locations and to speak with the petitioner.

The committee’s action: The petition was formally held. The committee recorded a roll call in which Councilor Bergman and Chairperson Councilor Clorio voted yes. The committee instructed transportation staff to contact the petitioner, review possible alternative locations (including Mill Street), and return with options for a future meeting.

What’s next: Transportation staff will reach out to the petitioner and neighbors and report back at a later meeting; the item remains open and no permanent striping or signage will be installed until the committee reconsiders the petition.","Neighbors opposed a proposed on-street handicap parking space on Fourth Street, saying a box truck blocks sightlines and creates safety risks; the committee held the petition and asked transportation staff to work with the petitioner on alternatives such as a Mill Street location.",{"_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},6175797,"Committee approves 20 mph school zones for Worcester Cultural Academy streets",401,7071000,7472000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5352935-b10e59733d6acfcc85ed83fc40611a49&start=7071&end=7472","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5352935-b10e59733d6acfcc85ed83fc40611a49/thumbnail_7071000.jpg","/articles/6175797/Massachusetts/Committee-approves-20-mph-school-zones-for-Worcester-Cultural-Academy-streets","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6175797-ca58b3224d57361034fb4ec0adcf35cb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184494&Signature=Wbe7HTJSRaUMCtambx~G~EuHrx6HxokfEXCSN6MKLLl8Sqeow2vYg7Uo1OFNGmd43rRG4QLF1vKBgHY1dwy3wD1tQRd5Y2xInBk-vnOTPgA~G6tcT8vppe-dvWZ~Ql7SQlDDCzkoimvz91ALF64nprqk5VessRCuz7VBtgTrKh990lppZ9-GD2O1S1NpVNmQUnSZjhJaoM38aWtvhMeDh9L0g-JKyv1fu-K0tXWa-q6i8lIYV2wY3qImfA5n1-swqzzz~fSywQGgPocWa1uZ-Q8M4kHtlvCCfDb-Y6RtpkOapb9wVaePuc~AJHkOSREBrX4psHp6tS5mJQwSZDyvaQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Traffic & Parking Committee approved establishing 20 miles‑per‑hour school zones on three streets that surround Worcester Cultural Academy after parents and school officials urged the step to protect children who walk between school buildings.

Parent Jess Karen and Pamela Boisvert, chair of the school’s board, told the committee the school community uses cross-streets frequently and that a lower posted school-zone speed would materially reduce the risk to small children. Karen cited survival and injury-risk statistics to argue that a 20 mph limit meaningfully lowers severe-injury risk for pedestrians compared with higher speeds.

DTM staff recommended approval of school-zone designations and associated passive signage; the committee voted to accept that recommendation. Members stressed that passive signing must be paired with enforcement and public outreach to change driver behavior. One parent said a recently installed flashing pedestrian light on Hamilton Street had already improved safety for students traveling between campus buildings.

Next steps: The committee approved the three 20 mph school-zone designations (Plantation Street, Crome Street, Caroline Street) and directed DTM to install signage and coordinate enforcement with the Worcester Police Department.","The committee approved 20 mph school‑zone speed limits on Plantation, Crome and Caroline Streets around Worcester Cultural Academy and directed follow-up enforcement and signage; school leaders and parents urged the change to protect young walkers.",{"_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},6175802,"Committee backs speed-calming pilot on Holden Street after residents report high speeds and truck traffic",1746,5304000,7050000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5352935-b10e59733d6acfcc85ed83fc40611a49&start=5304&end=7050","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5352935-b10e59733d6acfcc85ed83fc40611a49/thumbnail_5304000.jpg","/articles/6175802/Massachusetts/Committee-backs-speed-calming-pilot-on-Holden-Street-after-residents-report-high-speeds-and-truck-traffic","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6175802-78da446e1bf890759421b9dc8412fc1c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184494&Signature=SI3uv26THCsl~DwXQt5g3oFc1zyvffGUSpftrnxsh9V9M1BWHPHRMtj2I6LstL4O2TCCZRndnUKbiA8T5G~VrlGbZToYI2ovHWqQhI9cAoCkfSpxctaWh3sg44qqWvFayfm-VYKNacNazQUoEGduMH9tbsrBABCF6JWfJ6lmvQdgqHtOjHeNK4Jw5GCSzm23Bh4-emWmgKDm6K6NE31ktgcJUjrO6rGIqJum~cHp~9hZbWAKQZWIatf-fQxj4Di3eIy0LRknT42phYzn~32Y2tSKt-yS9gDyRJmke20COm1EtrsPaF4Zi3SSNybTTVar0XMqmatIRaNtnTrhzj7Cxg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Residents and committee members described persistent speeding and an increase in large commercial vehicles using Holden Street as a cut-through, prompting the Traffic & Parking Committee to authorize a set of near-term traffic-calming steps and to test a temporary speed table pilot.

Petitioner Maritza Cruz said Holden Street carries large volumes and repeated speeding, and she described near-miss incidents while walking with a small child. Transportation staff said traffic counts show about 8,900 vehicles per day on the corridor and an 85th-percentile speed of about 37 mph—well above the 25 mph posted limit. Given Holden Street’s classification as a minor arterial and its daily traffic, staff recommended a layered approach: add right-edge lane markings (creating consistent 11-foot travel lanes and potential bike lanes), deploy permanent speed feedback signs (radar‑driven ","Residents urged action on speeding and truck traffic on Holden Street; city staff recommended lane markings, permanent speed-feedback signage and testing temporary speed tables on the corridor; the committee filed the item and ordered DTM to proceed with the pilot and report back.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Petitioner withdraws Russell Street overnight-parking ban after neighbors, landlords oppose; police to increase patrols

City wins design funding for Hamilton–Lake Ave safety study; committee seeks interim safety steps

Traffic panel holds Fourth Street handicap-parking request after neighbors cite safety, truck obstruction

Committee approves 20 mph school zones for Worcester Cultural Academy streets

Committee backs speed-calming pilot on Holden Street after residents report high speeds and truck traffic