WORCESTER—The Worcester City Council convenes on Tuesday, March 18, to address a range of issues, including potential impacts of federal energy cuts, transit updates, and a proposed restriction on gas-powered leaf blowers.
Among the key topics is a report request on how changes to Mass Save and state energy codes could affect housing development in the city. The council will also consider inviting Eversource representatives to discuss the program’s cost-benefit analysis.
Other agenda items include zoning changes for accessory dwelling units, rising utility costs, and updates on the Worcester Regional Transit Authority’s (WRTA) route planning.
Other meeting agenda highlights:
- Mass Save under review – The Committee on Public Works is requesting a report on how Worcester’s housing production will be affected by recent changes to Mass Save and the Department of Energy Resources’ Stretch Energy Code. In addition, the committee wants to invite representatives from Eversource to a public forum to discuss Mass Save’s financial impact and efficiency.
- Leaf blower limits? – Resident Margaret Natario has petitioned the city to regulate or potentially ban gas-powered leaf blowers, citing noise concerns. The request asks the council to consider decibel-level restrictions or a full ban on the equipment.
- Mill Street parking concerns – Some residents have raised questions about whether an ordinance should have been required to change the parking distance from the curb during Mill Street’s recent reconstruction. The council is requesting a report from the city manager on why no ordinance was needed.
- WRTA updates and more bus stops – Councilor Morris Bergman is asking for a report on Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) ridership, routes, and the feasibility of adding more bus stops, including at shelters, to improve accessibility for riders. He also wants the WRTA administrator to appear before the city council to discuss the proposed changes.
- Could Worcester get its own ‘Skipper’? – The city council is requesting a report on Salem’s new ride-sharing program, the Salem Skipper, which offers on-demand minibus service for residents. Officials want to evaluate whether a similar model could be implemented in Worcester.
- Superblock experiment – Councilor Kathleen Toomey is proposing a study on the feasibility of creating a trial “superblock” in Worcester. A superblock is a larger-than-normal urban block, often closed to through traffic, designed to promote pedestrian-friendly spaces and reduce congestion.
- Shelter conditions under review – Councilor Luis Ojeda is asking the city manager to work with the Commissioner of Health and Human Services to review conditions, safety, and staffing levels at Worcester’s homeless shelters to ensure adequate resources are available.
Worcester City Council meets on Tuesday, March 18, at City Hall in the Esther Howland (south) Chamber at 6:30 p.m. It is also live streamed on the city’s website.
