City Council 01/20/2026

• Date: January 20, 2026
• Governing Body: Worcester City Council
• Meeting Type: Regular Meeting
• Attendees:
  • Mayor Joseph M. Petty
  • Councilor Morris A. Bergman
  • 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

The following residents and stakeholders provided testimony on various agenda items:

• Fred Nathan (Worcester): Expressed concerns regarding pedestrian safety at Colborne and Bigelow Parkway (Item 8J) and supported increasing illegal dumping fines to $2,000.
• Martha Cepha (Worcester): Opposed Item 13B, stating the city should use TIFs to attract new business rather than reinvesting in previously funded projects.
• Idella (Worcester): Supported Item 9J, emphasizing the need for a report on how the City Manager prioritizes public requests.
• Sue Mailman (School Committee Member): Opposed the Mankiti Group TIF (13B), advocating for apprenticeship requirements and responsible development.
• Jahaira Paulino (Namasko Bar and Lounge): Detailed financial losses and roadblocks in obtaining a hookah license due to the 500-foot ordinance despite significant investments.
• Alex Guardiola (Guardiola Strategic Group): Urged the Council to reconsider the 500-foot tobacco buffer (Item 10A), arguing that the Board of Health should consider economic development.
• Michael Caine (Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce): Argued the 500-foot rule creates vacant storefronts and hinders the "18-hour downtown" vision.
• Robert Hardin (Worcester): Complained of a 21-year history of inadequate snow removal on Edwards Street.
• Art Cook (Carpenters Local 336): Opposed the Mankiti TIF, citing the use of out-of-state contractors and lower labor standards.
• Joe Delgizzi (Worcester): Alleged a history of wage theft by the Mankiti Group and Bozzuto, citing a Washington D.C. Lawyers Guild document.
• Glenn Pape (Worcester): Supported the Mankiti TIF, noting the developer paid the required fine and the project represents a $25 million investment.

The Council discussed a proposed tax agreement with the Mankiti Group for the development of 401-409 Main Street.

• Action: The item was held under privilege following extensive public comment regarding the developer's compliance with the Responsible Development Ordinance.
• Vote to Hold:
  • Yes: Bergman, Bilotta, Economou, Fresolo, King, Mitra, Ojeda, Rivera, Rosen, Toomey, Petty (11-0).

Councilor Fresolo introduced an item to address a "traffic nightmare" near Roosevelt School on Grafton Street during school release hours.

• Official Action: The Council voted to adopt a 90-day emergency trial for a "No Parking Anytime" zone on a portion of Grafton Street and referred the permanent ordinance to the Traffic and Parking Committee.
• Vote on 90-Day Trial:
  • Yes: Bergman, Economou, Fresolo, King, Mitra, Ojeda, Rivera, Rosen, Toomey, Petty.
  • No: Bilotta.
  • Result: Passed 10-1.
• Vote to Refer to Committee (as amended to 'consider' permanence):
  • Yes: 11-0.

Councilor Rosen introduced a resolution encouraging the Board of Health to review the 500-foot buffer zone restriction for new retail tobacco licenses.

• Discussion: Councilors debated the balance between public health and economic development, specifically regarding minority-owned businesses in the downtown core.
• Official Action: The resolution was adopted to recommend the Board of Health consider changes to the buffer zone to support the "18-hour downtown" vision.
• Vote:
  • Yes: 11-0.

The Council acted on several orders regarding city operations:

• 9C (Illegal Dumping): Request to increase fines from $200 to $500 for first offenses and $1,000 for secondary offenses. Referred to the Manager for a report on fine breakdowns between landlords and tenants.
• 9D (Union Station Security): Request for a report on security operations and social service outreach at Union Station.
  • Vote: 8-3 (Bilotta, King, Ojeda voting No).
• 9H (SMART Goals): Request for the City Manager to establish Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals for city services. Referred to the Manager.
• 9I (Seating Assignments): Request to rotate Council seating every six months to foster collaboration.
  • Vote: 10-1 (King voting No). Referred to the Standing Committee on Municipal Operations.
• 9O (Sign Ordinance): Request to notify businesses of violations regarding window coverage (500% limit) without immediate fines.
  • Vote: 9-2 (Bergman, King voting No). Referred to the Manager.
• 9P (Senior Work-Off Abatement): Request to expand the program allowing seniors (60+) to volunteer for a tax reduction of up to $2,000. Referred to the Manager.

Under suspension of the rules, the Council addressed recent municipal challenges:

• Snow Removal Performance: Councilor Fresolo requested a report on the DPW's performance during the January 17-18, 2026, snow events, specifically regarding pretreatment and equipment sufficiency.
• Brine Treatment: Councilor Economou noted that the city is transitioning to a new brine pretreatment system and that staff are currently undergoing training.
• Extracurricular Funding: Councilor King requested the City Manager explore additional revenue streams to support extracurricular activities for Worcester Public Schools.