WORCESTER—With a light agenda at this week’s Worcester City Council meeting, members chose not to take up a discussion on the Ballpark District Improvement Fund — and why development around Polar Park has fallen far behind its original timeline.
Instead, the focus turned to roads, sidewalks and public works.
Councilor Donna Colorio requested a guardrail for Jonathan Circle, near 381 Hamilton Street, where a recent crash caused major property damage.
“This is the house that the car crashed into and all three porches fell down, and this is the second time they’ve hit this house,” Colorio said.
The council also discussed the city’s snow removal budget and a proposal to raise rates for contracted plow drivers and equipment.
City Manager Eric Batista cautioned that referring the issue back to committee could delay approval if an early storm hits.
Councilor George Russell urged approval, with the understanding that the committee would still review the matter.
“They’ll have a discussion there, but if it’s something that needs more of a discussion, at least we won’t have problems attracting equipment and drivers if a snowstorm hits early,” Russell said.
Councilor Morris Bergman asked whether the city has enough plow drivers and equipment for winter.
Public Works Commissioner John Westerling said the city is ready, though additional capacity would speed cleanup.
“We would always love to have more equipment,” Westerling said. “The council has done a tremendous job and we are grateful for all of the equipment we’ve received over the last 18 months.”
More than 50 items related to street paving, crosswalks, signage and other traffic concerns were either referred to the Committee on Traffic and Parking or the Department of Public Works, or approved as recommended.
Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson asked for an update on the long-delayed project at 40 Hooper St., which has been ongoing since 2023.
“There are 17 work orders that have been called in to 311,” Mero-Carlson said. “What are we doing about 40 Hooper St., other than continually asking our residents to call in? That road over there has been extremely dangerous, to the point that they have had a hard time getting their mail delivered there.”
Mayor Joe Petty requested the city investigate sidewalk and parking issues near 330 Southbridge Street.
“This is a street that we did over, and when we did it over, we took the business’s parking spots away, and he has no parking,” Petty said, asking Batista’s office to look into possible relief.
Councilor Luis Ojeda asked for a crosswalk with signage and lights at May and Silver Streets near Kingsbury Street, an area he said is heavily used by students.
“There is actually an intersection right before you get to this crosswalk, but it’s somewhat over the hill,” Ojeda said. “Kids are walking by that [intersection], between Woodland Street School and Claremont Academy. You’re talking about 50–60 kids a day, in the morning and afternoon.”
Westerling said more trucks are expected in December, with seven additional vehicles arriving in 2026, and new hires are in progress.
“As of this morning we were down six drivers, but we’ve been working very closely with the Human Resources Department,” he said. “We just concluded interviews and are prepared to offer five positions. If all of those accept, then we will be down one driver.”
Batista added that the contract for sidewalk replacement around City Hall has been awarded, with work expected to begin in early November.
Steve Smith, a veteran reporter with 17 years at The Hartford Courant, now brings his passion for photojournalism to Worcester. An award-winning photographer, he has covered major events like U.S. soccer, pro football, and UConn basketball. He is also the official photographer for the Miss Massachusetts competition and works as a realtor. Contact him at steve@stevephotographysmith.com
