Committee splits on residential parking fixes: Somerset moves to 24/7 permits; Indian Hill held for study

The Worcester City Transportation & Mobility Standing Committee on Oct. 12 approved a set of actions altering residential parking rules in several neighborhoods: it approved converting an existing time‑limited residential permit zone on Somerset Street to a full‑time residential permit zone, held a petition on Indian Hill Road for additional study and outreach, filed a Berkman Street no‑parking proposal after neighborhood pushback, and approved reversing a winter parking ban across Windsor Street.

Somerset Street: staff recommended and the committee approved removing the 5 p.m.–6 a.m. restriction and making residential permit parking effective at all times for the affected block. Multiple residents, including Catherine Monopoly and Donald Carollo, said student parking near WPI and event parking at nearby Elm Park had overwhelmed available curb spaces; staff supported the change noting on‑street parking remained available on the opposite side of the street. Commissioner Raleigh recommended additional signage because “two signs is not enough” to make the restriction clear; the committee approved staff’s recommendation to remove the time limit and institute round‑the‑clock residential permits.

Indian Hill Road: several residents raised safety concerns about removing residential permit parking on a narrow, winding portion of Indian Hill Road. John Petrus and others described constrained sight lines, frequent pedestrian use by children going to the nearby park and the risk to emergency vehicles if parking were permitted on both sides. Staff reported roadway widths vary between about 21 and 24 feet; where the curb‑to‑curb width is 21 feet, parking on both sides is not appropriate. The committee accepted staff’s recommendation to hold the petition, meet with the district councilor and develop a comprehensive plan addressing safe parking on the northern portion of the street.

Berkman Street (8C): a petitioner sought no‑parking signage across from 35–39 Berkman Street. Neighbors including Liz Lytle, Shauna Lessing and Marcella Jefferson opposed the request, saying parking is rarely a problem and the ban would restrict necessary spaces for households without driveways. Staff noted that Berkman Street is narrow (~23–24 feet) and that maintaining a 12‑foot travel lane is a city standard; nonetheless, after neighborhood testimony the committee filed the petition for further consideration rather than adopt a ban.

Windsor Street winter ban (10A): petitioners asked to reverse which side of Windsor Street is subject to the winter parking ban. Residents described constrained curb space and the high demand caused by nearby multi‑unit properties. Staff said there is no clear advantage to one side or the other and noted relocating handicap spaces would require re‑advertising; the committee approved reversing the winter parking side and asked staff to coordinate notification to residents about the change. Commissioner Raleigh cautioned that implementation would likely occur after the current winter season and that any adjacent handicap‑space moves would require separate petitions.

Next steps: staff will meet with district councilors and neighborhood petitioners regarding Indian Hill Road and Berkman Street to develop site‑specific parking plans. For Somerset Street, staff will install additional signage and implement the round‑the‑clock permit changes once administrative steps are complete.