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.