City Council 02/03/2026

City Council
February 3, 2026
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Executive Summary

The Worcester City Council meeting on February 3, 2026, focused on infrastructure, public health, and social equity. Key actions included the unanimous adoption of a resolution recognizing February 2026 as Black History Month and updates on the redevelopment of the former St. Vincent’s Hospital into 105 units of senior housing. The Council addressed significant concerns regarding snow removal operations following a major storm, the feasibility of a City Charter review, and the funding of school buildings through the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). Additionally, the Council initiated a public health inquiry into high rates of stroke and dementia in Census Tract 7317 and reviewed maintenance costs for major city-owned properties including the Worcester Auditorium and the Denholm Building.

Call to Order and Roll Call

  • Meeting Date: February 03, 2026
  • Governing Body: Worcester City Council
  • Type of Meeting: Regular City Council Meeting
  • Attendees:
    • Mayor Joseph Petty
    • Councilor Morris Bergman (Virtual)
    • Councilor Robert Bilotta
    • Councilor Tony Economou
    • Councilor John Fresolo
    • Councilor Khrystian King
    • Councilor Satya Mitra
    • Councilor Luis Ojeda
    • Councilor Jose Rivera
    • Councilor Gary Rosen
    • Councilor Kathleen Toomey
  • Official Actions:
    • Approval of the minutes from the January 20, 2026, meeting.

Public Participation

  • Fred Nathan (Worcester): Advocated for increased MBTA train service to Rhode Island and supported housing at the old St. Vincent Hospital. Noted the importance of Black History Month.
  • Abby Mortillero (Worcester, District 4): Supported Black History Month, rent control, the Office of Housing Stability, and the establishment of a Civilian Review Board.
  • Diane Frittoni (Worcester, District 2): Supported Item 9G (cameras at Morgan Landing, Shore Park, and Indian Lake) and Item 9T (rain gardens). Quote: "Installing cameras now is a manageable, high-impact step that doesn't require us to wait for multi-million dollar renovations."
  • Andrew Marsh (Worcester): Expressed cautious support for MBTA advocacy but criticized the administration for "lip service" regarding volunteerism and the Civilian Review Board.
  • Idelahazard (Worcester): Expressed concerns regarding the growth of the Ku Klux Klan and the importance of maintaining Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
  • Drexler Asasi (Vernon Hill): Highlighted pedestrian safety concerns on Lincoln Street and requested heightened police presence for traffic enforcement.
  • Senator Robyn Kennedy (First Worcester District): Supported Items 10B and 10C. Provided an update on Senate Bill 390 and Senate Bill 403 regarding the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) funding model and the establishment of a special committee to review equity in school building programs.
  • Sue Mailman (Worcester): Supported MSBA funding for indoor tracks and advocated for a Civilian Review Board and charter review.
  • Alex Melendez: Shared personal experience aging out of DCF and requested support for Senate Bill 161, which would provide a $1,000 monthly stipend for youth aging out of the system to prevent homelessness.
  • Glenn Pape: Supported City Charter review but emphasized that the Council must set "clear, measurable goals" for the City Manager.
  • Tom (Worcester, Ward 2): Supported the Office of Housing Stability but called for an independent Office of the Inspector General (OIG) with subpoena power to prevent the fraudulent misuse of housing funds.

Affordable Housing and Development (Item 9A)

  • Discussion: Councilor Fresolo requested an update on the former St. Vincent’s Hospital and Nursing Dormitory.
  • City Manager Update: The City has selected Rogerson Communities as the developer.
  • Project Details:
    • Total Units: 105 units of senior housing.
    • 45 units will be located within the existing structure connected to the Senior Center.
    • 60 units will be built in a new structure on the site of the former Anderson building.
    • The developer is currently pursuing state tax credits and incentives.

Public Safety and Infrastructure

  • Item 9C (Police Accreditation): Councilor Toomey requested a report on the voluntary accreditation process with the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Committee (MPAC), which involves meeting 325 operational standards.
  • Item 9E (Street and Sidewalk Resurfacing): Councilor Rivera requested a review of funding for district-specific resurfacing.
    • The City Manager noted that the budget for district street resurfacing was doubled in the last cycle.
    • The City utilizes a Pavement Condition Index (PCI) to prioritize repairs across 500 miles of road.
  • Item 9G (Park Security): The Council approved a request to install cameras at Morgan Landing, Shore Park, and Indian Lake Beach to deter illicit activity and illegal dumping.
  • Item 9V (Main South Development): Mayor Petty and Councilor Ojeda advocated for infrastructure improvements in the Main South area to improve walkability and support local businesses.
    • The City Manager noted that the city has twice applied for federal RAISE grants (approximately $2 million for planning) but was denied; the city will prioritize this in the FY27 budget.

Public Health and Social Services

  • Item 9I (Emergency Shelters): Councilor Rosen requested public hearings to identify emergency shelter locations for the 2026-2027 winter season. The Council acknowledged the recent opening of a 60-person shelter by St. John’s Food for the Poor.
  • Item 9J (Health Disparities): Councilor Rosen requested a study of Census Tract 7317 (Downtown/Main South area), which has the highest rate of stroke and dementia in Massachusetts for residents 65 and older on Medicare.
    • 53% of the 3,700 residents in this tract are seniors living below the poverty line.

Governance and Legislative Affairs

  • Item 9K (Charter Review): Councilor Rosen proposed a public hearing to determine the feasibility of reviewing the Plan E City Charter.
    • The City Clerk and Solicitor clarified that a formal Charter Commission requires an initiative petition signed by 15% of the city's registered voters (approximately 16,000–17,000 signatures).
  • Item 9U (Home Rule Petitions): Mayor Petty requested a report on all Home Rule petitions filed over the last 10 years, including their status in the state legislature (e.g., institutional zoning and civil service changes).

Education and School Facilities

  • Items 10B & 10C (MSBA Funding): Councilor King requested updates on legislative efforts to increase MSBA funding.
    • Mayor Petty noted that the city has invested $1.3 billion in schools (including Burncoat and Doherty) but MSBA typically only covers 50% of actual costs due to non-reimbursable items.
  • Item 9Y (Fanning Building): Councilor King requested a safety audit of the Fanning Building, citing concerns over elevator reliability and fire safety for staff and students.

Resolutions (Item 11A)

  • Resolution: "Resolution that the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby recognize and support the observance of February 2026 as Black History Month."
  • Discussion: Councilor King provided a historical overview of Dr. Carter G. Woodson and the 100th anniversary of Negro History Week. He highlighted local figures such as Major Taylor, Bethany Veney, and the first Black city councilors.
  • Vote Outcome: Adopted unanimously (11-0) via roll call vote.

Financial and Property Management

  • Item 12A (Retirement Board Investments): The Council reviewed a report on the Worcester Retirement System's investment in Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) and its subsidiary, Signature Aviation.
    • The investment is approximately six years old and is considered an illiquid private asset with a potential 10–15 year lifespan.
  • Item 9X (City-Owned Properties): Councilor King requested a report on maintenance costs and development timelines for:
    • Worcester Auditorium (vacant 20+ years; requires significant capital for a proposed 3,000–5,000 seat venue).
    • Seaver Street Building.
    • Former Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) property.
    • Denholm Building (currently under an RFP with Mankiti Group; extension recently granted by the WRA).

Snow Operations and 311 Services

  • Item 9M (311 Data): Councilor Bergman requested a report on repetitive snow plowing complaints to identify streets with chronic service issues.
  • Item 9Z (Snow Audit): Councilor King requested a staffing analysis and a report on equipment usage (e.g., brining/pre-treating).
    • Motion: Councilor King moved to consider compensating contracted plow operators from the time they leave their homes as a recruitment incentive.
  • Item 15D: Councilor Ojeda questioned the removal of a grass area for concrete at 292 Park Ave; referred for a report.

Adjournment

  • Motion to Adjourn: Approved unanimously via roll call vote.
  • Closing Remarks: Councilor King highlighted a successful Black History Month event ("Blackout") organized by the Worcester Public Schools Black Student Union.

Last updated: Feb 14, 2026

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