Subcommittee debates multiple sidewalk and resurfacing petitions; some projects deferred, others added to construction or repair lists

The Worcester City Public Works Subcommittee took up a slate of sidewalk and street-resurfacing petitions on multiple blocks across the city, denied two broad sidewalk petitions after public opposition, and approved adding several targeted projects to sidewalk construction or repair lists.

The committee considered overlapping sidewalk petitions on Orient and Orange streets filed by Craig Thomas and others. Dozens of residents weighed in at the meeting and online, with speakers arguing that existing walking paths and neighborhood character make full sidewalk construction unnecessary and that the cost burden on abutters would be excessive. Commissioner of Public Works John Wesseling told the committee the total estimated cost to fully implement the Orient/Orange sidewalk project is about $777,000 — roughly $71 per linear foot — and described possible funding paths including Safe Routes to School and the city’s sidewalk-construction prioritization list.

Carol Morocco, an abutter, argued that the petitioner overstated the safety issue and warned that abutters should not be saddled with costs: “If the city moves forward with sidewalks against the majority of abutters, it should be the city deciding to go forward and the city should pay for it,” she said. Jack Morocco, a longtime resident, showed historical images and argued there are still walkable off-street paths that meet the neighborhood’s needs. Paul Samara, another nearby homeowner, said he was not in favor because the betterment charges would be onerous for abutters on long stretches.

After discussion, the committee moved to deny the larger Orient/Orange sidewalk petitions and suggested that the councilor work with neighbors to find compromise solutions. The committee did, however, vote to add a smaller May Street connector (about 220 feet) to the sidewalk-construction list; DPW estimated that project at roughly $21,400 and suggested seeking Safe Routes to School support for school-adjacent links.

On resurfacing, the committee heard petitions about Sagamore Road, Miller Ave, First Street, Star Street (Doris Ave area) and others. DPW staff outlined how utility work (notably Eversource) and ongoing contracts affect scheduling and said streets are selected from a two-year district resurfacing allocation ($1.2 million every two years). Some streets were added to the resurfacing list; others were left to withdraw where contracts or schedules already cover the work.

The committee also took up miscellaneous requests, approving no-littering and no-dumping signage at specific locations and voting to file a petition asking for more information about banning lift kits on city trucks after staff reported the city currently does not operate trucks with lift kits.

Votes at a glance: - Orient/Orange sidewalks (Items 4a/4b): Motion to deny — approved by roll call. - May Street connector (Item 4c): Add to sidewalk construction list — approved. Estimated cost $21,400 (approx. $71/linear foot per some estimates for full projects). - Multiple sidewalk repair requests (Item 5 series): Added to sidewalk repair list or left to withdraw based on DPW findings — motions approved by roll calls. - Resurfacing petitions (Item 6 series): Several streets added to resurfacing list or deferred per coordination with utilities — motions approved. - Miscellaneous signage (Item 7b/7c): Approved; staff to coordinate with Parks or Veterans Memorials where appropriate.

The committee concluded with directions to DPW to follow up on funding pathways (including Safe Routes to School and co-op funds to offset utility restoration) and to the councilor and petitioners to continue neighborhood-level discussion where desired.