City Council 03/17/2026

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Joseph M. Petty. The Pledge of Allegiance was followed by a roll call of the members.

• Present: Councilor Morris 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, and Mayor Joseph Petty.
• Note: Councilor Jenny Pacillo was present for roll call votes during the session.

Several residents addressed the Council on various agenda items:

• Fred Nason (Worcester): Spoke on Item 10A (fire hydrants) and 12A (litigation). Regarding the $35 million settlement, he stated: "At some point, the city has to do the job... vote it and do it."
• Abby Mortillero (District 4): Supported Item 11A (Women's History Month) and emphasized the need for rent control (16A/C) and police accountability (16D/F).
• Janice Saint-Amand (Worcester): Thanked Councilor Mitra for the process of converting Ville Avenue from a private to a public road to ensure emergency vehicle access.
• Deborah Hall (District 5): Recognized Women's History Month and the 'Worcester Wall of Women' mural project. She noted: "Representation matters, and our leadership should reflect the community we serve."
• Keith Linares (1 Germain St): Opposed Item 13A (3 Suburban Road variance), citing environmental hazards and flood risks associated with building on a peat meadow and former landfill.
• Katie Silverstein (Worcester): Opposed Item 13A, calling it "spot zoning without any clearly stated public benefit."
• Steve Hart (District 1): Requested a detailed report on the $35 million settlement (Item 12A), asking: "How does this happen? Is it because of malfeasance, ineptitude?"
• Urasa Akwadie: Spoke on Item 16C, opposing the unrelated tenant rule, stating: "Shared housing is one of the oldest and most effective forms of affordable living."

The Council voted to enter Executive Session to discuss litigation strategy.

• Matter: Talon Holden versus the Department of Conservation and Recreation and the City of Worcester (Superior Court).
• Vote to Convene: 11-0 (Roll Call: Bergman, Bilotta, Economou, Fresolo, King, Mitra, Ojeda, Rivera, Rosen, Toomey, Petty - All Yes).

The Council considered Item 8A and a corresponding resolution to rename the Greenwood Park Basketball Court.

• Resolution Title: "Resolution that the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby expresses its support for the designation to do a basketball court at Greenwood Park and Honor of Nancy Bates."
• Discussion: Councilor King highlighted Bates' legacy as a South High alumna, All-American at the University of Virginia, and a devoted educator. Mayor Petty noted her record of over 1,000 points and her status as a national superstar in the 1980s.
• Action: Petition referred to the Parks and Recreation Commission. Resolution adopted.
• Vote: 11-0 (Roll Call: Bergman, Bilotta, Economou, Fresolo, King, Mitra, Ojeda, Rivera, Rosen, Toomey, Petty - All Yes).

Extensive debate occurred regarding road conditions and DPW performance:

• Item 10D (Potholes): Councilor Economou requested a report on 311 service requests for potholes. Councilor Bergman provided photographic evidence of incomplete work on Westchester Street, calling it a "half-assed job" and an "embarrassment."
• Item 10K (Winter Operations Review): Councilor Bergman requested the City Manager assemble third-party public works experts to report on best practices for winter weather operations before the upcoming budget.
• Financial Note: The City Manager clarified that the snow operations budget was $5.5 million, but costs have surpassed that due to severe storms.
• Action: Both items were adopted as amended.

The Council addressed several environmental and utility concerns:

• Item 10A: Request for a draft ordinance requiring property owners to clear snow from fire hydrants with established fines for non-compliance (Councilor Rivera).
• Item 10I: Request for an update on drought and reservoir levels. Mayor Petty urged early conservation procedures.
• Item 10F & 10G: Requests to discuss street tree planting policies and the use of low-maintenance materials in medians (Councilor Fresolo). Referred to the Standing Committee on Veterans' Memorials, Parks, and Recreation.

Councilor King proposed the creation of an ad hoc committee to strengthen future bids for the NCAA Division I Men's March Madness Tournament (Item 11A).

• Discussion: Councilor Toomey expressed concerns regarding NCAA requirements for 10 full-service hotels and 17,000+ seats, noting Worcester currently has only three qualifying hotels. Councilor King argued for a "full court press" to capture the estimated $10-$20 million economic impact.
• Action: Motion to refer the item to the Economic Development Committee for a report on parameters and requirements.
• Vote to Refer: 8-3 (Yes: Bergman, Economou, Pacillo, Mitra, Rivera, Rosen, Toomey, Petty; No: Bilotta, King, Ojeda).

The Council recognized March 2026 as Women's History Month.

• Resolution Title: "Resolution that the City Council of Worcester does hereby support recognized marks and City of Worcester... to observe in celebration of Women's History Month."
• Discussion: Councilor Toomey, the sole woman on the Council, delivered a speech honoring local figures like Abby Kelly Foster and Sarah Robertson. Councilor King highlighted the legislative impact of Title IX.
• Vote: 11-0 (Roll Call: Bergman, Bilotta, Economou, Fresolo, King, Mitra, Ojeda, Rivera, Rosen, Toomey, Petty - All Yes).