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Orient Street sidewalk petitions held to July after residents raise cost and drainage concerns
Summary
Petitioner Craig Thomas urged sidewalks along Orient Street to improve safety and access to Homes Field, but residents raised cost, driveway impacts and drainage concerns. The Public Works Subcommittee postponed action to July pending DPW cost and scope details.
The Worcester City Public Works Subcommittee heard competing testimony Wednesday on two sidewalk petitions for Orient Street and decided to hold both items until July so DPW can provide detailed plans, cost estimates and abutter notices.
Petitioner Craig Thomas said sidewalks would provide safer walking access to nearby Homes Field, especially for families with strollers, describing poor lighting and a blind hill on sections of the street. "We need a safe means to walk to the park," Thomas said.
Opponents — including Tammy Turo, neighborhood resident Jeff and longtime walker John Morocco — raised concerns about the cost and maintenance burden, driveway impacts, privacy and drainage runoff that could be worsened by added impervious surface. The clerk told the committee 77 ballots were mailed for the petition; three were returned in favor and nine opposed.
Residents asked whether all potentially affected abutters (some residents mentioned Division Street) were notified; DPW said the petitions specify the upper portion and a Sultan-to-Plantation segment and that abutters on those lists were notified. The chair said DPW will supply the full scope and cost information for the July meeting and no new ballots will be mailed, though previously mailed ballots may still be submitted for the record.
Next steps: Orient Street petitions will be on the subcommittee's July agenda after DPW provides scope, cost and notice information.
