Worcester public meetings in 2025

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Worcester Zoning Board of Appeals will consider several public‑hearing items, including a variance for a 40‑unit multi‑family building at 1103 Millbury Street and a special permit to add a convenience store at 91 Cambridge Street. Additional items involve height and setback variances for properties on Milton Street, zoning compliance for Bridgeport Street, and a special permit for a cat‑rescue facility on Canterbury Street. The board will also address any requests for continuances, extensions, postponements, or withdrawals.

• 91 Cambridge Street – special permit to convert kiosk to storage and add a ~560 SF convenience store
• 1103 Millbury Street – variance for a 3‑story, 40‑unit multi‑family building with 80 parking spaces
• 26 Milton Street – multiple height, setback, and parking variances for three single‑family dwellings
• 31 & 33 Bridgeport Street – variances and special permits to bring three‑family dwellings into zoning compliance
• 11 Canterbury Street – special permit to operate a ~630 SF cat rescue in a manufacturing zone

The Worcester Zoning Board of Appeals approved all five applications before it, including variances and special permits for new three-family dwellings at 31 & 33 Bridgeport Street, a lot split at 8 Paradox Drive, a cat rescue kennel at 11 Canterbury Street, and an ADU addition at 112 June Street. The board also granted continuances and postponements for four other items and approved the December 8, 2025 minutes.

• Approved variances and special permits for 31 & 33 Bridgeport Street three-family dwellings (5-0)
• Approved frontage variance for lot split at 8 Paradox Drive (5-0)
• Approved special permit for cat rescue kennel at 11 Canterbury Street (5-0)
• Approved special permit for ADU and stairwell extension at 112 June Street (5-0)
• Approved continuances for 91 Cambridge St and 1103 Millbury St (5-0)
• Approved postponements for 26 and 28 Milton St (4-0-1)
• Approved minutes of 12/8/2025 (4-0-1)

Standing Committee on Veterans' Memorials, Parks and Recreation

The Veterans' Memorials, Parks and Recreation Committee will review requests for new signage at Binienda Beach and a briefing on the Robert H. Goddard Centennial events. The body will also receive informational reports from the City Manager regarding city parks and recreation updates.

• Request for 'No Motorized Boats Allowed' signage at Binienda Beach
• Briefing request from Philip Niddrie and Charles Slatkin regarding Robert H. Goddard Centennial Events
• Report on Green Hill Golf Course outreach to Worcester Public Schools students
• Informational updates on 2025 Aquatics and Tree Planting
• Updates on Elm Park Playground renovations and Newton Square tennis courts

The Veterans' Memorials, Parks and Recreation Committee voted 3-0 to file all items on its agenda, including a request for 'No Motorized Boats Allowed' signage at Binienda Beach and a briefing on the Robert H. Goddard Centennial Committee's 2026 events. The committee also filed informational communications on golf outreach, aquatic programs, tree planting, Elm Park playground renovations, and Newton Square tennis court improvements. Chairperson Pacillo introduced two Chairman's Orders: requesting the City Manager consider FY27 funds to complete Newton Square improvements and inviting neighborhood groups to a public forum on the project.

• Approved minutes of April 29, 2025 meeting (3-0)
• Filed request for 'No Motorized Boats Allowed' signage at Binienda Beach (3-0)
• Filed request for Goddard Centennial Committee briefing (3-0)
• Filed communication on Green Hill Golf Course student outreach (3-0)
• Filed 2025 Aquatic Update communication (3-0)
• Filed 2025 Tree Planting Update communication (3-0)
• Filed Elm Park Playground Renovations communication (3-0)
• Filed Newton Square tennis court improvements communication; issued two Chairman's Orders on FY27 funding and public forum (3-0)

City Council

The City Council will vote on several financial transfers, grants, and a large loan for school infrastructure. The body will also hear requests for handicap parking and traffic signal reviews.

• Loan Order of $7,000,000 for Belmont Street School roof and Rice Square Elementary School roof and windows/doors
• Donation of $100,000 from J. Karam Management, Inc.
• Grant of $100,000 from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
• Grant of up to $100,000 from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Veterans Services
• Proposed No Parking Anytime zone on portions of Grafton Street

The Worcester City Council held a hearing and adopted an order granting National Grid a conduit location on Austin Street. It referred multiple petitions to the Traffic and Parking Committee, including requests for handicap parking spaces and speed humps. The council adopted a $7,000,000 loan order for the Belmont Street and Rice Square school roof replacement project, but then held it under privilege. It also adopted several finance resolutions and orders, including accepting a $100,000 donation from J. Karam Management, Inc., and approved multiple orders under suspension of rules, including reports on sidewalk rehabilitation and street resurfacing.

• Adopted National Grid conduit location at Austin St. (voice vote)
• Referred 6 petitions to Traffic and Parking Committee (8a-8f)
• Set hearing for Jan 13, 2026 on pole/gas main locations (8g-8j)
• Adopted $7M loan order for Belmont St. and Rice Square school roofs, then held under privilege (7-0)
• Adopted $100,000 donation from J. Karam Management, Inc. (7-0)
• Adopted $200,000 transfer for Transportation & Mobility (7-0)
• Adopted sidewalk rehabilitation program order (10-0)
• Adopted street resurfacing projects order (10-0)

Human Rights Commission

The Human Rights Commission will approve prior meeting minutes and allow public comment of up to two minutes per speaker, not exceeding 30 minutes total. Commissioners will discuss a heating assistance presentation from the November 2025 meeting. The commission will receive a status update on the winter shelter and a possible permanent day facility, followed by a report from the Chief Equity Officer on his first year and related projects.

• Approval of prior month(s) minutes
• Public comment: up to 2‑minute remarks per speaker, max 30 minutes total
• Discussion of heating assistance presentation from November 2025 meeting
• Status update on winter shelter and possible permanent day facility with services
• Update from Chief Equity Officer on first‑year projects and accomplishments

The Human Rights Commission unanimously approved a motion requesting the City Manager formally recognize housing insecurity and shelter access as a human rights issue and work with neighboring communities to support the unhoused. The commission also heard updates on the winter shelter, which is at full capacity with 18 rooms, and on the Chief Equity Officer's first-year accomplishments. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved motion to ask City Manager to recognize housing insecurity as human rights issue and develop agreements with neighboring communities (unanimous)
• Approved prior month's minutes (unanimous)

Worcester Redevelopment Authority

The Worcester Redevelopment Authority meeting on Dec. 18, 2025 will review several items. Board members will vote on amendments to a grounds‑maintenance contract with LEI Corporation and to the Responsible Employer and Inclusionary Participation Policy. They will also authorize a Request for Proposals for tenancy of the Luciano’s restaurant space and operation of the Grand Hall. Additional agenda items include status reports on Union Station, the Downtown Urban Revitalization Plan, Madison Properties, and a financial update.

• Authorize Amendment No. 2 to the Grounds Maintenance Services Agreement with LEI Corporation to expand services.
• Authorize amendment to the WRA Responsible Employer and Inclusionary Participation Policy to exempt contracts funded wholly or partially by the Federal Transit Administration.
• Authorize a Request for Proposals for tenancy of the restaurant space known as Luciano’s and for operations of the Grand Hall.
• Receive status reports on Union Station/MBTA Working Group, Downtown Urban Revitalization Plan/Denholm, and Madison Properties.
• Financial update covering prior month’s executed contracts, payments, and Downtown Urban Revitalization Plan expenditures.

The Worcester Redevelopment Authority approved a $97,070 amendment to a design services agreement with Nault Architects for fire alarm, sprinkler, and generator replacement projects at Union Station. The board also authorized bid advertisements for those projects and for on-call general contracting and elevator maintenance contracts. Contract renewals for grounds maintenance and cleaning services were approved, and the board received updates on the Washington Square hotel, Denholm building, and Madison Properties.

• Approved $97,070 amendment to Nault Architects design services agreement for Union Station fire alarm, sprinkler, and generator projects (5-0)
• Authorized bid advertisements for fire alarm, sprinkler, and generator replacement projects at Union Station (5-0)
• Authorized bid advertisements for on-call general contracting and elevator maintenance contracts (5-0)
• Approved $233,189 second-year renewal of grounds maintenance agreement with LEI Corporation (5-0)
• Approved $454,755.96 amendment to cleaning services agreement with Grimebusters, Inc. (5-0)
• Approved minutes of November 20, 2025 meeting (4-0)

Worcester Housing Authority

The Board of Commissioners will review the FY27 State Annual Plan and the 2026 HUD Annual Agency Plan. The board is also deciding on several construction change orders and contract awards for housing tower repairs. Additional items include updates to the Section 8 Administrative Plan and rooftop lease agreements with AT&T.

• Award for Plumbing Riser Replacement – Phase 1 at MA 12-8 Lincoln Park Tower
• Rooftop space lease agreements with AT&T at Webster Square Tower – East and Lincoln Park Tower
• Change orders for Stutman Contracting (Pleasant Tower), JJ Cardosi (Wellington and Murray Avenue Apartments), and Frederico Co. (24 Mill Street Office)
• Amendment to Section 13.VI.B Eligibility for PBV Assistance in the Section 8 Administrative Plan
• Revision to the Capital Fund Five-Year Action Plan from 2025-2029

Building Futures, Inc. Board of Directors

The Building Futures, Inc. Board of Directors will review financial statements through October 31, 2025. The board is also seeking approval for financial closing resolutions regarding the Lakeside Apartments Section 18 – Phase 2.

• Approval request for Lakeside Apartments Section 18 – Phase 2 Financial Closing Resolutions
• Review of financial statements through October 31, 2025
• Approval of minutes from the August 21, 2025 meeting

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will consider several building demolition delay waivers and certificates of appropriateness for historic properties. The body will also review requests for determinations of local historical significance for three specific sites.

• Demolition delay waiver for garage at 28 Clement Street
• Roof replacement at 266 Webster Street
• Window replacement at 10 Regent Street
• Restoration of fascia, roof, porches, and windows at 55 East Worcester Street
• Historical significance determinations for 857 Main Street, 22 Elm Street, and Norton Company murals at 1 New Bond Street #301

The Worcester Historical Commission approved a demolition delay waiver for a structurally unsound garage at 28 Clement Street, and issued a Certificate of Non-Applicability for window replacement at 10 Regent Street. The Commission also approved a Certificate of Appropriateness and demolition waiver for a roof vent at 84 Chatham Street, and granted leave to withdraw without prejudice for 55 East Worcester Street. Several requests for determinations of local historical significance were approved for CPA funding purposes, and discussion on 266 Webster Street and 22 Elm Street was continued to January 8, 2026.

• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 28 Clement Street garage (7-0)
• Issued Certificate of Non-Applicability for window replacement at 10 Regent Street (7-0)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness and Building Demolition Delay Waiver for roof vent at 84 Chatham Street (7-0)
• Granted leave to withdraw without prejudice for 55 East Worcester Street (7-0)
• Approved determination of local historical significance for 10 New Bond Street murals and Administration Building (7-0)
• Approved determination of local historical significance for 857 Main Street (7-0)
• Continued discussion on 266 Webster Street to January 8, 2026 (7-0)
• Continued discussion on 22 Elm Street to January 8, 2026 (7-0)

School Committee Meeting

The School Committee will discuss student-led proposals regarding job opportunities and aid for unhoused students. The body is also considering a revised schedule for the FY27 Preliminary Budget Presentation and an expenditure for legal services.

• Proposed $7,500 expenditure for legal services related to an employee work visa
• Proposed revised schedule to present the FY27 Preliminary Budget on February 5, 2026
• Student proposal for job/volunteer opportunities and certifications like ServSafe and CPR
• Student proposal for wellness packs to aid unhoused students
• Donations including 17 laptops from Charles River Apparel and $500 from Casella Waste

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Worcester Parks & Recreation Commission will meet on December 18, 2025. The agenda includes accepting prior meeting minutes and public participation. Old business items include a request to begin naming a building in Crompton Park after Lorraine M. Laurie, a discussion of park land used for non‑park purposes, and a request for the Law Department to review several items within three months.

• Request to begin naming process for the building located in Crompton Park in honor of Lorraine M. Laurie
• Request from Park Spirit of Worcester to discuss documents concerning park land used for non‑park purposes
• Commissioner Stratton's request for the Law Department to review items 1, 2, 3 & 4 within three months

The Parks and Recreation Commission approved a request to begin the naming process for the building in Crompton Park in honor of Lorraine M. Laurie, as requested by District 4 City Councilor Luis A. Ojeda Sr., the Worcester City Council, Mayor Joseph M. Petty, and the Green Island Residents Group. The motion passed 5-0. The commission also voted to keep two other items in Old Business for further discussion, and no new or tabled business was considered.

• Approved motion to begin naming process for Crompton Park building in honor of Lorraine M. Laurie (5-0)
• Kept item on Park Land used for non-park purposes in Old Business (5-0)
• Kept item on Law Department review of items 1-4 in Old Business (5-0)
• Approved minutes of November 20, 2025 (5-0)

Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board Meeting - CANCELLED

The Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board meeting set for December 18, 2025 was cancelled by Chairperson Doug Belanger. No agenda items were considered or decided. The next scheduled meeting is January 15, 2026.

License Commission

The Worcester License Commission meeting will consider a range of liquor and entertainment requests, including common victualer operating hour applications and corporate officer changes. It will address violations of licensing rules for two establishments and a request to change a parking‑lot license class. The commission will also vote on advertising requirements for violation hearings and on the renewal of liquor licenses for 2026.

• One Day Liquor & Entertainment Requests: None
• Common Victualer Requests: operating hour applications for August Coffee (554 Main St.), Cluck and Crispy Chicken (145 Front St.), Maritza Bar & Grill (152 Millbury St.), Little Havana (160 Green St.)
• Worcester Polytechnic Institute (100 Institute Rd.) – two applications to change officers/directors
• Allstar Liquors (261 Lincoln St.) – request to change parking‑lot license from Class 2 to Class 1
• Vote on 2026 liquor license renewals

The Worcester License Commission approved four common victualer licenses for new or transferring restaurants, approved entertainment licenses for two establishments, and approved several alcohol license administrative changes. The Commission also voted not to renew two liquor licenses, issued a three-day suspended suspension to Mexitown Bar & Grill for serving minors, and issued a suspension to Creed Lounge for underage patrons. All votes were unanimous (3-0) unless noted.

• Approved common victualer licenses for August Coffee, Cluck and Crispy Chicken, Maritza Bar & Grill, and Little Havana (all 3-0)
• Approved entertainment license for Mercado Restaurant (3-0)
• Approved entertainment license for Mexitown Bar & Grill with hours 5:30 p.m.–Midnight (3-0)
• Approved alcohol license administrative changes for WPI, Via Italian Table, Sole Proprietor, and One Eleven Chop House (3-0)
• Did not renew liquor license for Beth's on Grafton due to inability to access property (3-0)
• Set conditions for Havana Holdings license renewal, including completing transfer and inspections by Dec. 30, 2025 (3-0)
• Found Mexitown Bar & Grill violated rules by serving minors; issued 3-day suspended suspension (3-0)
• Found Creed Lounge violated rules by allowing underage patrons; issued suspension (2-0)

Worcester Arts Council

The council will approve minutes, hear public questions, and receive a budget report. It will discuss the chair's privilege, administrative budget, final reports, staff updates, and upcoming #WACFunded events before adjourning.

• Minutes approval
• Public questions session
• Budget Report presentation
• Discussion of administrative budget
• Updates on upcoming #WACFunded events

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Board of Trustees

The Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Board of Trustees will consider three motions: accepting the minutes from the October 29, 2025 meeting, approving the FY2025 fiscal audit, and extending the transportation contract from a three‑year to a five‑year term. Public comments and an open forum are scheduled before the votes. Upcoming committee meetings for January 2026 are also listed.

• Motion to accept the October 29, 2025 meeting minutes
• Motion to approve the FY2025 fiscal audit
• Motion to extend the transportation contract from three years to five years

Meeting of the Central Massachusetts Metropolitan Planning Organization

The Central Massachusetts Metropolitan Planning Organization will meet virtually to approve meeting minutes and consider releasing proposed amendments to the Transportation Improvement Program and freight corridor lists for public review.

• Approval of October 15, 2025, meeting minutes
• Potential action to release Proposed Amendment #2 to the FFY 2026-2030 TIP Highway Project Listing
• Potential action to release Proposed New Rural and Urban Freight Corridors
• Presentation on the Vernon Connected Transportation Study
• Presentation on the Housing and Transportation Study

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold public hearings and meetings to review definitive site and subdivision plans for several properties. The board will also consider converting Hooper Street to a public street and review several Approval Not Required (ANR) plans.

• Public hearing for Definitive Subdivision Plan Amendment at 1 Ledgewood Lane
• Public hearing for Definitive Subdivision Plan and Site Plan at 149 Malden Street & 0 Morgan Street
• Definitive Site Plan reviews for 0 Chester Street and 15 Coppage Drive
• Proposal to convert Hooper Street to a public street
• Review of ANR plans for 3 Sherer Trail, 95 & 100 Sears Island Drive, 285 Tacoma Street, 12 Pocasset Street, and 30 & 38 Everard Street

The Worcester Planning Board voted 4-0 to grant a two-year extension for the site plan approval of the former Quality Inn at 50 Oriol Drive, allowing the conversion into 90 units of affordable housing to proceed through January 11, 2028. The board also granted postponements for four other projects to January 7, 2026, and favorably recommended a priority level 4 for converting a section of Hooper Street to a public way. All votes were unanimous (4-0).

• Approved 2-year extension for 50 Oriol Drive affordable housing site plan (4-0)
• Granted postponements for 0 Chester Street, Ledgewood Lane, 149 Malden Street & 0 Morgan Street, and 15 Coppage Drive to Jan 7, 2026 (4-0)
• Favorably recommended priority level 4 for Hooper Street conversion to public (4-0)
• Endorsed ANR plan AN-2025-076 for 30 & 38 Everard Street (4-0)
• Approved minutes from 10/22/2025, 11/19/2025, and 12/3/2025 meetings (4-0)

City Council

The City Council will discuss a Zoning Ordinance Amendment regarding Accessory Dwelling Units and review reports on sidewalk and street resurfacing programs. The body will also consider several petitions for traffic controls, crosswalks, and honorary street designations.

• Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment relative to Accessory Dwelling Units
• Repurposing of $1,000,000.00 remaining balance on Loan Order #LO-1171
• Proposed escalating fees for lots vacant and underdeveloped for more than five years
• Request for private universities to invest 0.5% of annual endowment into a community impact fund
• Zoning map amendment for 9, 15, 25 Charlton St.; 26, 38, 42, 46 Hermon St.; and 0 Beacon St.

The Worcester City Council set the Fiscal Year 2026 tax rate at $13.30 for residential property and $28.98 for commercial, industrial, and personal property, after denying a competing proposal. The Council also adopted several orders, including one to study easing zoning barriers for undeveloped lots and another to explore a report on funding stipends for neighborhood meeting facilitators. A proposal to audit Worcester Police Department records was adopted as amended to first seek a legal opinion.

• FY26 tax rate set at $13.30 residential / $28.98 commercial (10-0)
• FY25 tax rate set at $13.28 residential / $29.06 commercial (10-0)
• Order to study easing zoning barriers for undeveloped lots adopted (10-0)
• Order to report on draft ordinances for underdeveloped lots adopted (6-4)
• Order to report on funding for neighborhood meeting facilitator stipends adopted as amended (10-0)
• Order to audit WPD Bureau of Professional Standards records adopted as amended (10-0)
• Order to report on requiring private universities to invest 0.5% of endowments into a community fund adopted (10-0)
• Proposal to install metal detectors at City Hall placed on file (10-0)

Advisory Commission on Youth

The Worcester Youth Advisory Commission meeting on Dec 16, 2025 will include a presentation on the State of Youth Employment in Worcester for 2026 by Jeffrey Turgeon. The commission will also hear advocacy strategies for youth employment in 2026 and receive updates from the Division of Youth Opportunities. No formal decisions are listed; the agenda focuses on discussion and information sharing.

• Presentation: State of Youth Employment in Worcester for 2026 – Jeffrey Turgeon
• Discussion: Advocacy Strategies for Youth Employment in 2026
• Updates from the Division of Youth Opportunities

The Advisory Commission on Youth heard a report on YouthWorks funding, which is dropping about 40% from last year and 50% from two years ago, potentially limiting summer hiring to about 350 youth with $1,296,000. The Commission discussed advocacy strategies, including contacting state legislators and focusing on 14- and 15-year-olds. No formal votes were taken; the minutes were approved.

• Approved November minutes (motion by Casey and Judith)
• Discussed YouthWorks funding cut of ~40% from last year
• Discussed advocacy strategies for youth employment funding

Accessibility Advisory Commission (AAC)

The Accessibility Advisory Commission will review the minutes from its October 21, 2025 meeting and receive a report on the 2025 accessibility election. Commissioners will receive an update on the state‑level Accessible Trail Bill (S.2654) and hear a conversation with Kristen Harkness of Canines for Disabled Kids. The commission will also note that no action is required on AAB applications because there are no city properties involved.

• Approve meeting minutes of October 21, 2025
• Election 2025 accessibility report (City Clerk Staff)
• Update on MA Accessible Trail Bill – S.2654
• Review of AAB applications and notices (no action required)
• Announcement: WRTA Transportation Advisory Planning Group will no longer meet

The Accessibility Advisory Commission met virtually and heard presentations on service dogs, election accessibility, and WRTA improvements for visually impaired riders. The commission approved the October 21, 2025 minutes (3-0-1) and adjourned unanimously. No substantive policy decisions were made; the meeting was informational.

• Approved October 21, 2025 meeting minutes (3 yes, 1 abstention)
• Adjourned meeting unanimously

Board of Directors for the Worcester Public Library

The Board of Directors will meet to review reports from the Executive Director and the Administration Committee. The board is scheduled to handle officer nominations for an election in January.

• Officer nominations for January election
• Administration Committee report on the Executive Director's annual evaluation
• Report from the Friends of the Worcester Public Library
• Report from the Worcester Public Library Foundation

Standing Committee on Public Safety

The Public Safety Committee will approve minutes from a prior meeting and receive an informational report from the City Auditor regarding a follow-up investigation into Worcester Police Department overtime and details policies.

• Approval of October 21, 2025 meeting minutes
• Reception of City Auditor report on police overtime policies
• Presentation of forensic services report from CliftonLarsonAllen LLP

The Public Safety Committee voted to hold the item on the City Auditor's follow-up to the 2023 WPD overtime and details investigation, meaning no action was taken on it. The committee also issued a Chairman's Order requesting the City Manager to have the Police Chief provide a report on officer turnover rates and retention best practices.

• Approved minutes of October 21, 2025 meeting (3-0)
• Held item on City Auditor's follow-up to 2023 WPD overtime investigation
• Issued Chairman's Order requesting report on WPD officer turnover and retention

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee will vote to approve the minutes from its October meeting and discuss the definitions for scoring rubric criteria.

• Vote to approve October 28, 2025, meeting minutes
• Discussion on scoring rubric criteria definitions

Standing Committee on Public Works

The Public Works Committee will approve minutes from a previous meeting and receive informational communications regarding the Sidewalk Rehabilitation Program for fiscal years 2025 and 2026, as well as the selection of local street resurfacing projects for fiscal years 2027 through 2028.

• Approval of the minutes from the December 9, 2025 meeting
• Informational communication on Sidewalk Rehabilitation Program FY25 and FY26
• Informational communication on selection of local street resurfacing projects for FY27-28

The Public Works Committee approved the minutes of its December 9, 2025 meeting. It also recommended approval of two informational communications from the City Manager: one on the Sidewalk Rehabilitation Program for FY25 and FY26, and another on the selection of local street resurfacing projects for FY27-28. Both recommendations passed by a roll call vote of 3 yeas and 0 nays.

• Approved minutes of December 9, 2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of Sidewalk Rehabilitation Program FY25/FY26 communication (3-0)
• Recommended approval of FY27-28 street resurfacing project selection communication (3-0)

Learning First Charter Public School Finance Committee Agenda

The Finance Committee will review the school's cash balances, balance sheet, and profit and loss statements for November 2025. The committee will also receive an update regarding the FY25 Single Audit guidance and the January 1, 2026, upload deadline for the DESE website.

• Approval of November 17, 2025, meeting minutes
• Review of November 2025 Cash Balances, Balance Sheet, and P&L
• Update on FY25 Single Audit compliance and DESE upload deadline

Standing Committee on Urban Technologies, Innovation and Environment

The Urban Technologies, Innovation and Environment Committee will approve the minutes from its March 25, 2025 meeting. It will discuss Councilor Etel Haxhiaj's request for a public hearing on updating and enforcing the city’s social media policy. The committee will also consider Councilor Khrystian E. King’s request to invite Department of Conservation and Recreation representatives to discuss best practices for the city’s lakes and ponds, and will receive informational updates on the Green Worcester ElectriCITY Municipal Aggregation program and the Green Worcester Plan 2024 Annual Report.

• Approve minutes of the March 25, 2025 committee meeting
• Councilor Etel Haxhiaj requests a public hearing on social media policy updates
• Councilor Khrystian E. King requests DCR representatives to discuss lake and pond best practices
• City Manager communications on Green Worcester ElectriCITY Municipal Aggregation program
• City Manager communications on Green Worcester Plan 2024 Annual Report

The committee voted to file an order requesting a public hearing on updating the city's social media policy, after discussion about WPD employees' posts on the Police Union Facebook page. It also approved several chairman's orders requesting reports on monitoring employee social media, WPD's social media policy, and best practices. The committee held an order about inviting DCR to discuss lake and pond treatment, and filed informational communications on the ElectriCITY program and Green Worcester Plan.

• Approved minutes of March 25, 2025 (2-0)
• Filed order for public hearing on social media policy update (2-0)
• Approved chairman's orders for reports on social media monitoring, WPD policy, and best practices
• Held order to invite DCR for lake and pond treatment discussion (2-0)
• Filed informational communication on ElectriCITY program (2-0)
• Filed informational communication on Green Worcester Plan annual report (2-0)

Learning First Charter Public School Board of Trustees Agenda

The Learning First Charter Public School Board will vote on reappointing trustee Denis Fogarty for a third term. Committee reports on finance, governance, and academic excellence will be presented. Enrollment numbers for FY26 are provided, showing 666 students enrolled and a waitlist of 260. The board also discusses an upcoming retreat on January 26, 2026 at 89 Shrewsbury St, Worcester.

• Vote to confirm Denis Fogarty for a third term as trustee
• Finance Committee reports cash balance, balance sheet, and budget-to-actual for November 2025
• Governance Committee discusses board recruitment and upcoming retreat at 89 Shrewsbury St
• Enrollment report: 666 students enrolled, 260 on waitlist as of Dec 10 2025
• Academic Excellence Committee updates on charter promises and family engagement

WPS - Standing Committee on FINANCE, OPERATIONS, and GOVERNANCE

The Worcester Public Schools Standing Committee on Finance, Operations, and Governance will consider three items. It will review and approve a report on the Student Activity Fund testing for fiscal years ending June 30, 2024. It will also approve a mayoral motion to amend School Committee rules to add a tie‑vote procedure, and a review of subcommittee structure before the new School Committee is sworn in.

• Approve report on Applying Agreed‑Upon Procedures Student Activity Fund testing (FY ending June 30, 2024)
• Approve amendment to School Committee rules adding a tie‑vote procedure (Mayor Petty motion)
• Approve review of subcommittee structure, roles, and responsibilities before new School Committee swearing‑in

Conservation Commission

The Worcester Conservation Commission will consider multiple applications related to the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and the city’s Wetlands Protection Ordinance. Items include requests for jurisdiction determinations, notice of intent filings, certificate of compliance requests, and updates on enforcement orders. The board will also discuss open space, active projects, approve minutes, and consider updates to the Wetlands Protection Ordinance and related policies.

• 29 Webster Street – Massachusetts Electric Co. request to determine applicability of shed replacement
• 483 Sunderland Road – Luis Hernandez proposal for two 2‑family dwellings
• 612 Grove Street – Depietri Group, LLC house construction with waiver of performance standard 4.2.4
• Lots 1‑13 Morgan Street & 149 Malden Street – Lauring Enterprises residential subdivision of 13 single‑family homes
• 12 New Bond Street, Ararat Street & C Street – New Garden Park, Inc. roadway, sidewalk, and shared‑use path project

The Worcester Conservation Commission approved Orders of Conditions for a single-family home at 612 Grove Street and a roadway redevelopment at 12 New Bond Street, and issued certificates of compliance for two properties. Several other projects were postponed to the next meeting, and the Commission authorized a cease-and-desist letter for an encroachment on conservation land.

• Issued Order of Conditions for 612 Grove Street single-family home (3-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for 12 New Bond Street roadway redevelopment (3-0)
• Issued partial certificate of compliance for 1 & 12R New Bond Street (3-0)
• Issued certificate of compliance for 85 Shore Drive (3-0)
• Postponed Morgan Estates Subdivision to 1/5/2026 (3-0)
• Postponed 15 Coppage Drive to 1/5/2026 (3-0)
• Postponed 1103 Millbury Street to 1/5/2026 (3-0)
• Authorized cease-and-desist letter for Woburn Avenue encroachment (3-0)

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School, Education Committee

The Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Education Committee will meet on Dec. 12, 2025 to review progress on several initiatives, including MTSS, professional development, AI integration, and the Family Engagement Center. The committee will also receive updates on the SEL survey, the college and career readiness website, enrollment numbers, and principal reports. No formal actions or votes are listed on the agenda.

• Approve October 10, 2025 meeting minutes
• Initiative updates: MTSS, professional development, AI, Family Engagement Center, Writing/iReady results
• SEL survey update
• College and career readiness website update
• Enrollment update

Learning First Charter Public School Academic Excellence Committee Meeting

The Academic Excellence Committee will examine recent assessment results and discuss how they affect students. It will also review the current curriculum integration and consider ways to enhance it. Additional agenda items include holiday updates, upcoming events, and a presentation on upcoming assessments.

• Holiday updates
• Upcoming events
• Upcoming assessments PowerPoint presentation

Retirement Board - Finance Meeting

The Retirement Board is meeting to discuss the fund's economic update and performance estimates. The board will review quarterly performance as of September 30, 2025, and address specific manager and custody issues.

• Economic Update
• Estimated Performance as of 11/30/25
• Quarterly 09/30/25 Performance
• PRIT PEVY 2026
• Multi-Asset Credit and Custody follow-ups

The board voted unanimously to request $35 million for the PRIT 26 PEAVY sleeve. It also approved retaining M&T‑Wilmington Trust for seven more years, liquidating the Entrust fund, and moving assets from Loomis to Wellington. All motions passed with a 4‑0 vote.

• Approved request for $35M PRIT 26 PEAVY sleeve (4-0)
• Approved retaining M&T‑Wilmington Trust for an additional 7 years (4-0)
• Approved liquidating the Entrust fund (4-0)
• Approved liquidating Loomis holdings and investing with Wellington (4-0)

Retirement Board

The Retirement Board will review the 2026 budget and calendar, along with results for a legal RFP. The board will also discuss an actuary RFP and specific PERAC memos regarding retirement allowance forfeiture and cybersecurity training.

• 2026 Budget
• Legal RFP Results
• Actuary RFP
• PERAC Memo #31: Forfeiture of Retirement Allowance
• 91A - Jacqueline Davilla– Francis Patriarca

The Worcester Retirement Board approved a three‑year contract with the Law Offices of Sacco and Collins as primary counsel and Feeney & Feeney as an ad‑hoc firm, passing the motion 4‑0. It also approved a 5% salary increase for Executive Secretary L. Poske effective Jan 1 2026, along with the standard city COLA increase. The board set the next regular meeting for Jan 8 2026, accepted the November meeting minutes, and directed L. Poske to contact PERAC about Memo 31 and to arrange a termination hearing for the 91A non‑respondents.

• Accepted Jan 8 2026 meeting date (collectively)
• Accepted November regular meeting minutes (collectively)
• Requested L. Poske to contact PERAC about Memo 31 and report next meeting
• Approved retention of Law Offices of Sacco and Collins and Feeney & Feeney (4‑0)
• Approved 5% salary increase for L. Poske effective 1/1/26 (collectively)
• Requested L. Poske to set up a formal hearing for termination of 91A non‑respondents (collectively)
• Adjourned meeting (4‑0)

Trust Fund Commission

The Trust Funds Commission will receive a status presentation on trust funds from Bartholomew & Company. The commission is also scheduled to review and vote on an application from the Department of Public Health.

• Presentation and discussion of trust funds status by Bartholomew & Company
• Review and vote on application from the Department of Public Health

Massachusetts’ Electric Distribution Companies, National Grid, Eversource, and Unitil, invite you to learn about and provide feedback on Integrated Energy Planning (IEP).

The Massachusetts Integrated Energy Planning Stakeholder Working Group will hold two virtual public listening sessions to explain the IEP process and gather resident feedback. The sessions are scheduled for Tuesday, Dec 9, 7–8 PM and Thursday, Dec 11, 2–3 PM. Attendees can learn about the plan’s goals for 2026 and submit comments via email if they cannot attend.

• Evening Listening Session (virtual) – Tuesday Dec 9, 7–8 PM (registration required)
• Afternoon Listening Session (virtual) – Thursday Dec 11, 2–3 PM (registration required)
• Opportunity for public feedback to be incorporated into future IEP discussions
• Contact email for comments or materials: jennie.cunningham@erm.com

Standing Committee on Economic Development

The Economic Development Committee will approve the minutes from the November 24, 2025 meeting. It will review five zoning ordinance amendment petitions that seek to extend or change zoning districts for properties at 31 Harlow St., 3 Harding St., 108‑112 Beacon St., and 232/242 Stafford St. The committee will also consider a mayoral order to invite Massport representatives to brief the committee on Worcester Regional Airport investments and strategic planning.

• Approve minutes of the Economic Development Committee meeting held on November 24, 2025.
• Petition by Paul Conger to extend the MG-2.0 zoning district and Adaptive Re‑use Overlay District to fully cover 31 Harlow St.
• Petition by Daniel S. Ford to extend the BG‑3.0 (Business, General) district and CCOD‑C (Commercial Corridors Overlay – Canal District Subarea) to fully cover 3 Harding St.
• Petition by Steven Fischer (Regional Environmental Council) to extend the BG‑6.0 district and CCOD‑D (Commercial Corridors Overlay – Downtown) to cover 108, 109, and 112 Beacon St.
• Petition by Kevin J. Breen (Worcester Academy) to change the zoning of 232/242 Stafford St. from RS‑7 (Residence, Single Family) to RG‑5 (Residence, General).

The Economic Development Committee adopted the November 24 meeting minutes. It unanimously recommended approval of five zoning map amendment petitions covering properties on Harlow St., Harding St., Beacon St., and Stafford St., as well as an accessory dwelling unit amendment. The committee also voted to file a request for a Massport presentation on Worcester Regional Airport investments.

• Approved meeting minutes (2 yeas, 0 nays)
• Recommended approval of zoning amendment for 31 Harlow St. (3 yeas, 0 nays)
• Recommended approval (as amended) of accessory dwelling unit zoning amendment (3 yeas, 0 nays)
• Recommended approval of zoning amendment for 3 Harding St. (3 yeas, 0 nays)
• Recommended approval of zoning amendment for 108‑112 Beacon St. (3 yeas, 0 nays)
• Recommended approval of zoning amendment for 232/242 Stafford St. (3 yeas, 0 nays)
• Recommended filing of Massport presentation request for Worcester Regional Airport (3 yeas, 0 nays)

WPS - Teaching, Learning and Student Success Standing Committee

The Teaching, Learning and Student Success Standing Committee will receive administrative responses regarding the School Liaison Officer partnership and the Physical Education Curriculum. The committee will consider whether to approve and file these reports.

• Response on gb 5-86 regarding the School Liaison Officer partnership with the Worcester Police Department
• Response on gb 5-96 regarding the Physical Education Curriculum and student fitness after high school graduation

Worcester Arts Council

The Worcester Arts Council will meet to discuss budget reports and administrative funding. The body will also receive staff updates and review upcoming #WACFunded events.

• Budget Report
• Admin Budget
• Upcoming #WACFunded Events

Citizen Advisory Council

The Citizen Advisory Council will meet remotely to interview current applicants and establish the meeting schedule for 2026. The body will also discuss recruitment and outreach efforts via worcesterculture.org.

• Interview of current applicants
• Scheduling of 12 proposed meeting dates for 2026
• Discussion of recruitment and outreach via www.worcesterculture.org
• Approval of minutes from 9-9-25

Worcester Ball Park Commission

The Worcester Ballpark Commission will meet to review a Community Day application from YWCA: Stand Against Racism. The commission will also receive updates on WooSox maintenance and event highlights.

• Community Day Application: YWCA: Stand Against Racism
• WooSox Preventative Maintenance and Repairs Update
• WooSox Past and Future Events Highlights

The commission unanimously adopted the November 12, 2025 meeting minutes. It also unanimously approved the YWCA "Stand Against Racism" community day application for the ballpark. The next meeting was scheduled for January 14, 2026, and the commission adjourned unanimously.

• Approved November 12, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved YWCA Community Day application (5-0)
• Scheduled next meeting for Jan 14, 2026
• Approved adjournment (6-0)

Urban Forestry Tree Commission

The Urban Forestry Tree Commission will discuss the city's tree species list, city ordinances, and the Best Management Practices (BMP) manual. The body will also review coordination with the Worcester Planning Board and updates on tree diseases.

• Review of the Worcester Tree Manual Best Management Practices (May 2025 Draft)
• Finalization of a tree species list for submission to planning
• Discussion on Beech Leaf Disease and Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) updates
• Review of City Ordinances
• Discussion on structural coordination between the UFTC and the Worcester Planning Board

The commission approved the minutes from the October 29 meeting and a Best Management Practice draft. Several items were formally filed for future action, including the Newton Hill design update, a tree species list, and a Beech Leaf Disease discussion. A request to discuss current board organization was tabled.

• Approved acceptance of Oct 29 minutes (4‑0)
• Approved Best Management Practice (4‑0)
• Filed Newton Hill design update under Commissioner Report (4‑0)
• Filed tree species list item under Old Business (4‑0)
• Filed city ordinances update under Old Business (4‑0)
• Filed Beech Leaf Disease item under New Business (4‑0)
• Filed Strengthening Structural Coordination item under New Business (4‑0)
• Tabled discussion of current board organization

Chapter 139 Meeting - Vacant Properties

The Worcester Vacant Properties Committee will meet on December 9, 2025 at 10:00 am in Room 109, 25 Meade Street. The agenda lists several vacant property addresses that will be reviewed. No specific actions or decisions are detailed in the agenda.

• 4 Congress Street
• 119 Dewey Street
• 133 Dewey Street
• 194 Dewey Street
• 70 Green Hill Parkway

Standing Committee on Public Works

The Public Works Committee will first approve the minutes from its November 12, 2025 meeting. It will consider two honorary street‑name petitions, one for Sutton Lane and another for Commercial Street. The committee will review several miscellaneous petitions, including a request by Benjamin Associates LLC for a new sewage system on Arctic Street and a drainage system on Plastics Street, as well as requests for sidewalk repair, a streetlight, and a guardrail. Finally, the City Manager will provide an update on the Sidewalk Rehabilitation Program for fiscal years 2025 and 2026.

• Approve minutes of Public Works Committee meeting on November 12, 2025
• Honorary street name for Sutton Ln. (The Perlman Family Way) from Fremont St. to St. Johns Rd.
• Honorary street name for Commercial St. (Sandy L. Dunn Way) from MLK Jr. Blvd. to Foster St.
• Petition by Benjamin Associates LLC for new sewage system on Arctic St. and drainage system on Plastics St.
• Councilor Jenny Pacillo request for sidewalk repair in front of 31 Brandon Rd.

The Public Works Committee adopted the November 12 meeting minutes, approved two honorary street name designations, and recommended approval of a sewer extension and a new streetlight. It granted a leave to withdraw a sidewalk repair request, and held both a guardrail petition and the sidewalk rehabilitation program for future consideration.

• Approved November 12, 2025 minutes (adopted)
• Approved honorary street name "The Perlman Family Way" for Sutton Ln. (2 yeas, 0 nays)
• Approved honorary street name "Sandy L. Dunn Way" for Commercial St. (2 yeas, 0 nays)
• Recommended approval of sewer extension on Arctic St. and drainage on Plastics St. (applicant’s cost)
• Granted leave to withdraw sidewalk repair request at 31 Brandon Rd.
• Recommended approval of additional streetlight near 6 and 8 Emily St.
• Held guardrail installation request on Hamilton St. (request to be resubmitted)
• Held Sidewalk Rehabilitation Program FY25‑FY26 for future discussion

City Council

The City Council will hold a hearing to determine tax rates for residential, commercial, industrial, and personal properties for Fiscal Year 2026. The body will also consider several grant acceptances and appointments to city commissions.

• Tax classification hearing for Fiscal Year 2026 residential, commercial, industrial, and personal property rates
• Grant of $1,296,000.00 from the Commonwealth Corporation YouthWorks Program
• Grant of $353,797.92 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
• Grant of $300,000.00 from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
• Election of two residents to the Library Board of Directors for terms ending December 31, 2031

The City Council adopted the fiscal year 2025 residential and commercial property tax rates at $13.28 and $29.06 respectively. It rejected a proposed FY 2026 rate of $13.30 residential and $28.98 commercial. Two residents, Stephanie Pasha and Ronald Waddell, were elected to the Library Board of Directors. Several petitions were referred to the Public Works and Traffic & Parking committees, and a new Latino Affairs commission member was confirmed.

• Adopted FY 2025 tax rates $13.28 residential, $29.06 commercial (10-0)
• Denied FY 2026 tax rate proposal $13.30 residential, $28.98 commercial (3-7)
• Elected Stephanie Pasha and Ronald Waddell to Library Board (majority vote)
• Confirmed appointment of Jennifer Guzman Gayflor to Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs (10-0)
• Adopted order granting exemptions to three snowplow contractors who are municipal employees (10-0)
• Referred sewer main extension petition to Public Works Committee (10-0)
• Referred sidewalk construction on Rexhame Rd petition to Public Works Committee (10-0)
• Referred traffic and parking petitions (items 9c‑9g) to Traffic and Parking Committee (10-0)

Massachusetts’ Electric Distribution Companies, National Grid, Eversource, and Unitil, invite you to learn about and provide feedback on Integrated Energy Planning (IEP).

The Massachusetts Integrated Energy Planning Stakeholder Working Group is holding two virtual public listening sessions to inform residents about the IEP and gather feedback. The sessions will recap 2025 discussions and outline goals for 2026. Residents who cannot attend may submit comments by email.

• Evening Listening Session (virtual) – Tuesday, December 9, 7–8 PM
• Afternoon Listening Session (virtual) – Thursday, December 11, 2–3 PM
• Opportunity to learn about Integrated Energy Planning and its 2026 goals
• Public invited to provide feedback that will inform future IEP discussions
• Email jennie.cunningham@erm.com for comments or materials if unable to attend

Chapter 139 Meeting

The Worcester Chapter 139 meeting on December 9, 2025 will be held at 25 Meade Street, Room 109 at 9:00 am. The agenda lists several property addresses that will be examined during the session. No specific actions or decisions are detailed in the agenda.

• 35 Bowdoin Street
• 159 Cambridge Street
• 24 Ferraro Street
• 57 Freeland Street
• 171A Stafford Street

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Worcester Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings on several applications for variances and special permits. Items include a special permit for fill at 17 Montclair Drive, variances for lot division and new construction at 37 Summerhill Avenue, and multiple variances to convert or add residential units at 172‑174 Shrewsbury Street, 26 Milton Street, and 1103 Millbury Street. The board will consider each petition and set constructive grant deadlines.

• 17 Montclair Drive – Special Permit to place fill/earth excavation (RS‑10 zone)
• 37 Summerhill Avenue – Variances for frontage and lot area to divide parcel and build a new single‑family dwelling (RL‑7 zone)
• 172‑174 Shrewsbury Street – Variances for front yard setback, parking, and compact parking; conversion to 44 residential units (BG‑3.0, CCOD‑S, USOD)
• 26 Milton Street – Multiple variances and Special Permit for height, setbacks, and parking modifications for three attached dwellings (RG‑5 zone)
• 1103 Millbury Street – Variance for height and Special Permits for residential use and parking layout for a 3‑story, 40‑unit building (BL‑1.0/RL‑7 zones)

The Zoning Board voted 5‑0 to postpone the public hearings for 26 and 28 Milton Street to Dec. 29, extending their constructive grant deadlines to Jan. 13, 2026. It then closed and approved the special permit for 17 Montclair Drive and the variances for 37 Summerhill Avenue, each with conditions, recommendations, and waivers, both by 5‑0 votes. The board also closed the public hearing for 37 Summerhill Avenue before approving it.

• Postponed public hearing for 26 Milton Street (ZB‑2025‑089) to Dec. 29, 2025 – vote 5‑0
• Postponed public hearing for 28 Milton Street (ZB‑2025‑090) to Dec. 29, 2025 – vote 5‑0
• Closed public hearing for 17 Montclair Drive – vote 5‑0
• Approved special permit for 17 Montclair Drive with conditions, recommendations, and waivers – vote 5‑0
• Closed public hearing for 37 Summerhill Avenue – vote 5‑0
• Approved variances for 37 Summerhill Avenue with conditions, recommendations, and waivers – vote 5‑0

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Worcester Parks & Recreation Commission will review and vote on the proposed fee schedule for 2026, including event permit charges and sport permit rates. It will also discuss the naming of a building in Crompton Park, the 2025 concession process (no changes planned), and updates to the Parks & Recreation Rules & Regulations. Additional items include a request for the Law Department to review several pending matters.

• Review and approve the 2026 Parks & Recreation Fee Schedule (event permit deposit $260, trash removal $400, portable stage $1,040, sport permit fees ranging $22.50‑$150 per hour)
• Consider naming the building in Crompton Park in honor of Lorraine M. Laurie
• Review and adopt the Parks & Recreation Rules & Regulations for 2026
• Discuss the 2025 concession process (no changes planned for 2026)
• Request Law Department review of items 1‑4 within three months

The commission voted 4‑0 to adopt the 2026 Parks & Recreation fee schedule with revised language. It also approved filing the concession‑process item, kept the Crompton Park naming request in old business, and adopted the 2026 Parks & Recreation rules and regulations with suggested revisions. All motions were unanimous.

• Approved 2026 Parks & Recreation fee schedule (4‑0)
• Filed 2025 concession process item (4‑0)
• Kept Crompton Park naming request in Old Business (4‑0)
• Approved 2026 Parks & Recreation rules & regulations (4‑0)
• Kept Park Spirit of Worcester land‑use discussion in Old Business (4‑0)
• Kept Law Department review request in Old Business (4‑0)
• Tabled minutes from November 20, 2025 (4‑0)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:37 PM (4‑0)

Civic Center Commission

The Civic Center Commission will first accept the minutes from the October 23 and October 29, 2025 meetings. It will receive a status update on City of Worcester projects. The commission will discuss three Community Opportunity Day applications: the 2026 Massachusetts Democratic nomination, the 2026 Massachusetts Republican nomination, and a training event for the Massachusetts State Police. An ASM Global report covering operations, finance, and upcoming events will also be presented.

• Accept meeting minutes from Oct 23 2025 and Oct 29 2025
• City of Worcester project status update
• Community Opportunity Day application – 2026 MA Democratic nomination
• Community Opportunity Day application – 2026 MA Republican nomination
• Community Opportunity Day application – MA State Police training

The Civic Center Commission approved a $3,410,000 construction budget for arena and convention center projects by a 5‑0 vote. It also approved the 2026 Republican and Democratic Community Opportunity Day applications, each by a 4‑0 vote with one abstention. Minutes from the October 23 and October 29 meetings were accepted unanimously. No action was taken on the MA State Police Training request.

• Accepted October 23, 2025 minutes (5-0)
• Accepted October 29, 2025 minutes (5-0)
• Approved $3.41M construction budget (concrete repairs $10K, arena chiller $900K, structural grid $2.5M) (5-0)
• Approved 2026 MA Republican Community Day request (4-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved 2026 MA Democratic Community Day request (4-0, 1 abstention)
• No action on MA State Police Training application (no vote recorded)

License Commission

The License Commission will consider several one-day liquor and entertainment permits for local organizations. The body will also review operating hour changes, manager updates, and rule violations for various businesses.

• One-day liquor and entertainment requests for St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church (102 Russell Street) and Casa Cultural Dominicana (1040 Southbridge Street)
• Entertainment license request for The Place at 102 Green Street
• Proposed operating hours for Niko’s Pizza at 752 Grafton Street (11:00 AM - 10:00 PM daily)
• Cessation of Business hearing for Beth’s on Grafton at 271 Grafton Street
• Violation hearings for Guertin’s (139 Grand Street), Mexi-Town Bar & Grill (105 Water Street), and Maya Place (5 Saugus Place)

The Worcester License Commission voted 3‑0 to approve one‑day liquor licenses for St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church, St. Spyridon Cathedral and Casa Cultural Dominicana, a common victualer license for Niko’s Pizza, an entertainment license for Brave Family Corp, a farmers market permit for Agronomy Farm Vineyard, and a change of manager for American Flatbread Worcester. It postponed several items and issued a warning for Guertin’s Café violations.

• Approved one‑day liquor license for St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church (3‑0)
• Approved one‑day liquor license for St. Spyridon Cathedral (3‑0)
• Approved one‑day liquor license for Casa Cultural Dominicana (3‑0)
• Approved common victualer license for Niko’s Pizza (3‑0)
• Approved entertainment license for Brave Family Corp dba The Place (3‑0)
• Approved farmers market permit for Agronomy Farm Vineyard (3‑0)
• Approved change of manager for American Flatbread Worcester LLC (3‑0)
• Issued warning for Guertin’s Café violations (3‑0)

School Committee Meeting

The School Committee will consider ratifying three labor agreements with the Massachusetts Laborers’ District Council. The body will also review several student-focused donations and a $50,000 career technical grant.

• Ratification of labor agreements for Custodians and Educational Secretaries
• Approval of a $50,000 Career Technical Initiative Round 10 Grant from MA4EC
• Approval of various donations including $5,000 in gift cards for Coats for Kids and $2,500 for Clark Street School
• Review of reports on nutrition department layoffs and classrooms for students with autism
• Discussion of a long-range plan for preventing dropouts

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will consider building demolition delay waivers for roof, door, and window replacements. The body will also review requests to determine the local historical significance of two properties.

• 266 Webster Street: Building Demolition Delay Waiver for roof replacement
• 90 Main Street: Building Demolition Delay Waiver for door replacement
• 9 View Street: Building Demolition Delay Waiver for window replacement
• 10 Lunelle Street: Request for Determination of Local Historical Significance
• 880 Main Street: Request for Determination of Local Historical Significance

The Historical Commission withdrew the solar‑panel application for 106 Elm Street and postponed the siding replacement request for 258 Pleasant Street to the Jan. 8, 2026 meeting. It also deferred discussion of 266 Webster Street and 90 Main Street to future meetings. Finally, it approved a Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 9 View Street, finding the window replacement would not harm historic resources.

• Withdraw 106 Elm Street solar‑panel application (7‑0)
• Postpone 258 Pleasant Street siding replacement to Jan 8 2026 (7‑0)
• Continue discussion of 266 Webster Street to Dec 18 meeting (6‑0, 1 absent)
• Continue discussion of 90 Main Street to Jan 8 2026 meeting (7‑0)
• Approve Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 9 View Street (7‑0)
• Close public comment on 9 View Street hearing (7‑0)

Worcester Arts Council

The Worcester Arts Council will meet via Zoom to discuss budget reports and administrative finances. The body will also receive staff updates and review upcoming #WACFunded events.

• Budget Report
• Admin Budget
• Upcoming #WACFunded Events

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold public hearings and meetings to consider site and subdivision plans for several properties. The board will also discuss the potential rescinding of a certificate of approval for the Morgan Estates Subdivision.

• Definitive Site Plan for 0 Chester Street
• Definitive Subdivision Plan Amendment for 1 Ledgewood Lane
• Definitive Subdivision Plan and Site Plan for 149 Malden Street & 0 Morgan Street
• Discussion on rescinding Certificate of Approval for Morgan Estates Subdivision
• Approval Not Required (ANR) Plans for 3 Sherer Trail, 95 & 100 Sears Island Drive, 285 Tacoma Street, 22 Outlook Drive, and 80 Prudential Road

The Planning Board postponed the public meetings for Ledgewood Lane (PB-2025-082) and 149 Malden Street & 0 Morgan Street (PB-2025-088) to Dec 17, 2025 and extended the constructive grant deadline to Jan 8, 2026. It voted to continue the 0 Chester Street (PB-2025-048) application to the Dec 17 meeting and extend its deadline to Jan 7, 2026. The Board also endorsed ANR plans 5e (22 Outlook Drive) and 5f (80 Prudential Road). The meeting adjourned at 5:55 pm.

• Postponed Ledgewood Lane public meeting & hearing to Dec 17, 2025; extended grant deadline to Jan 8, 2026 (5-0)
• Postponed 149 Malden Street & 0 Morgan Street public meeting & hearing to Dec 17, 2025; extended grant deadline to Jan 8, 2026 (5-0)
• Continued 0 Chester Street site plan to Dec 17, 2025 meeting; extended constructive grant deadline to Jan 7, 2026 (5-0)
• Endorsed ANR plans 5e (22 Outlook Drive) and 5f (80 Prudential Road) (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 5:55 pm (5-0)

ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN (ACSW)

The Advisory Committee on the Status of Women will meet virtually to elect leadership positions and approve prior meeting minutes. The committee will also discuss the underrepresentation of women in city council and cabinet positions.

• Nominations and elections for leadership positions
• Planning and speaker selection for International Women’s Day Celebration
• Discussion on women's underrepresentation in city council and cabinet level positions

Hope Cemetery Commission

The Hope Cemetery Commission will meet to review minutes, capital improvements, and sales data for fiscal year 2025. The agenda includes updates on maintenance areas, damaged stones, and a computer system request for proposals.

• Review of Capital Improvement Update
• Hope Cemetery Productivity FY 2025
• Hope Cemetery Lot Sales FY 2025
• Discussion on damaged Garland Family stones at Elm Ave
• Discussion on cemetery computer system RFP

The commission approved the September 15, 2025 minutes and filed several new‑business items, including FY 2025 productivity, lot sales, and historic grave‑marker reports. Updates on the maintenance‑area redesign, damaged Garland Family stones, and cemetery lot pricing were also filed. The cemetery computer‑system RFP was added to Old Business, and a reminder about open‑meeting compliance was recorded. The meeting adjourned at 4:35 PM.

• Approved September 15, 2025 minutes (3‑0)
• Filed FY 2025 productivity, lot sales, historic grave‑marker reports (4‑0)
• Filed maintenance‑area update (4‑0)
• Filed update on damaged Garland Family stones (4‑0)
• Filed update on cemetery lot pricing (4‑0)
• Moved cemetery computer‑system RFP to Old Business (6‑0)
• Filed commission communication reminder (4‑0)
• Adjourned meeting at 4:35 PM (4‑0)

Board of Health

The Worcester Board of Health will review updates on communicable diseases and hear a tobacco licensing matter involving Yankee Gas & Market LLC at 67 West Boylston Street. The meeting also includes reports from the medical director and public health division, a presentation on workforce training, and routine agenda items such as minutes and next meeting planning.

• Tobacco hearing for Yankee Gas & Market LLC, 67 West Boylston Street
• Communicable diseases update by Amelia Houghton
• Medical Director Dr. Hirsh’s report
• Workforce Development & Training presentation
• Board minutes and next meeting scheduling

The Board unanimously approved the minutes from the previous meeting. In the tobacco hearing, a motion to impose a one‑day suspension failed with a 2‑2 vote. A motion to defer any suspension was made, but no vote was taken, so the enforcement action will be revisited after legal review. No suspension was imposed at this meeting.

• Approved previous meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Amended motion for a one‑day suspension failed (2–2)
• Motion for a two‑day suspension withdrawn (no second)
• Motion to defer enforcement action made; no vote recorded

City Council

The Worcester City Council will hold a tax classification hearing to set property tax rates for fiscal year 2026. It will also grant multiple conduit and pole location permissions to National Grid and Verizon. Several finance resolutions will be adopted, including donations, a state grant, and fund transfers for public projects. Appointments to the Historical Commission and Planning Board will be confirmed.

• Grant permission to National Grid for conduit locations at Grove St, Lovell St, Mill St, Salisbury St, and Webster St
• Grant permission to National Grid and Verizon for jointly‑owned pole locations at Bridle Path and Lincoln St
• Tax classification hearing to determine residential, commercial, industrial and personal property tax rates for FY2026
• Adopt resolutions to accept donations of $200 from Susan A. Glover and $2,500 from DCU Digital Federal Credit Union, and a $61,235 Commonwealth grant
• Transfer $475,000 from Fund #FD313 (Damage Settlement) to Project #PRJ-100012 (Blackstone Gateway Park)

The council granted permission to National Grid (and Verizon) for conduit or jointly‑owned pole locations on Grove, Lovell, Mill, Salisbury, Webster, Bridle Path, and Lincoln streets. Each item was adopted by a roll‑call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays. The council also approved the October 21, 2025 meeting minutes and confirmed several appointments, including Stephen Toomey to the Planning Board.

• Approved minutes of Oct 21 2025 meeting (10‑0)
• Granted National Grid conduit and pole locations on Grove, Lovell, Mill, Salisbury, Webster, Bridle Path, and Lincoln streets (10‑0)
• Held Tax Classification hearing under privilege, set for Dec 9 2025 (10‑0)
• Referred nine traffic and parking petitions to the Traffic and Parking Committee (10‑0)
• Confirmed appointment of Stephen Toomey to the Planning Board (9‑0)
• Placed appointment of Daniel Forster to Historical Commission on file (10‑0)
• Adopted resolution to accept $200 donation from Susan A. Glover (10‑0)
• Referred Axon Body‑Worn Camera trial program to Public Safety Committee (10‑0)

Standing Committee on Economic Development

The Economic Development Committee will consider a TIF plan and agreement for Curtis Apartments Phase II. The body will also review informational reports on housing, neighborhood development, and the Worcester Jobs Fund. Additionally, the committee is requested to invite Massport representatives to discuss Worcester Regional Airport investments.

• Approval of UCH-TIF Plan and Agreement for Curtis Apartments Phase II
• Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Report of the Worcester Jobs Fund
• Status of CSX funding
• Request for Massport presentation on Worcester Regional Airport investments and strategic planning

The Economic Development Committee voted 2‑yea, 0‑nay to approve the CSX funding gate‑fee arrangement. It also approved the UCH‑TIF Plan and Agreement for Curtis Apartments Phase II with the same 2‑yea, 0‑nay vote. Several informational items were recommended for filing rather than approval.

• Approved CSX funding gate‑fee arrangement (2 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Approved UCH‑TIF Plan and Agreement for Curtis Apartments Phase II (2 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Filed housing and neighborhood development communication (2 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Filed economic development initiatives communication (2 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Filed business & community development division update (2 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Filed FY 2024 Worcester Jobs Fund report (2 Yeas, 0 Nays)

Commission on Elder Affairs

The Commission on Elder Affairs will meet virtually to review the Director's report and discuss operations, special projects, and senior services. The meeting includes a review of 25th anniversary video excerpts.

• Approval of October 27th Commission meeting minutes
• Approval of November 18th Senior Center Committee Report
• Director's report on goals and outcomes
• Discussion of operations and special projects
• Discussion of senior services, education, and outreach

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold public hearings to determine if various construction and utility projects comply with the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and city ordinances. The body will review requests for new housing, utility pole replacements, and sewer main extensions.

• 569 Millbury Street: Proposal to construct a 3-unit multi-family home and parking
• 483 Sunderland Road: Proposal to construct two 2-family dwellings and a common driveway
• Sunderland Road Right-of-Way: Request to replace and install utility poles
• Grafton Street Right-of-Way: Request to extend a sewer main
• 612 Grove Street: Proposal to construct a house, garage, and retaining walls

The Conservation Commission approved the updated wetland boundary plans for 31 Randolph Road. It also issued negative determinations of applicability for 23 Barry Road, Grafton Street and Sunderland Road right‑of‑way projects. Orders of Conditions were adopted for 23 Barry Road and 30 Quinsigamond Avenue. All votes were unanimous (3‑0).

• Negative determination of applicability for 23 Barry Road (3-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for 23 Barry Road (3-0)
• Negative determination of applicability for Grafton Street Right-of-Way (3-0)
• Negative determination of applicability for Sunderland Road Right-of-Way (3-0)
• Approved wetland boundary plans for 31 Randolph Road (3-0)
• Closed public hearing for 31 Randolph Road (3-0)
• Closed public hearing for 30 Quinsigamond Avenue (3-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for 30 Quinsigamond Avenue (3-0)

Human Rights Commission

The Worcester Human Rights Commission will approve prior minutes, review October immigration presentations, and discuss shelter housing issues including the closure of the former RMV seasonal shelter. The commission will also examine a fuel assistance program aimed at preventing utility shut‑offs for residents. A guest speaker from the Massachusetts Housing & Shelter Alliance will present on the Permanent Supportive Housing Program.

• Approval of prior month(s) minutes
• Discussion of October immigration presentations
• Discussion of shelter housing closure of the former RMV seasonal shelter
• Discussion of city fuel assistance program to prevent utility shut‑offs
• Guest speaker Ian Gendreau on the Permanent Supportive Housing Program

The commission unanimously approved the prior month’s minutes. It passed a motion directing the City Manager’s office to provide a plan for recovering shelter beds after the RMV shelter closure. It also unanimously voted to ask the City Manager to recognize utilities as a human right. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved prior month minutes (unanimous)
• Motion to request City Manager plan for shelter beds (unanimous)
• Motion to request City Manager recognize utilities as a human right (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

BOARD OF ELECTION COMMISSIONERS - RECOUNT OF AT-LARGE CITY COUNCIL CONTEST

The Worcester Board of Election Commissioners will conduct a hand recount of ballots cast for the at-large city council race from the November 4, 2025 election. The recount will take place on Sunday, November 23 at 8:30 a.m. in the North High School gymnasium. Commissioners will review early voting, election‑day, rejected early voting and absentee, and provisional ballots.

• Hand recount of at-large city council ballots
• Review of early voting ballots
• Review of election‑day ballots
• Review of rejected early voting and absentee ballots
• Review of provisional ballots

BOARD OF ELECTION COMMISSIONERS - RECOUNT OF AT-LARGE CITY COUNCIL CONTEST

The Worcester Board of Election Commissioners will conduct a hand recount of ballots for the at-large City Council contest from the November 4, 2025 municipal election. The recount will take place on Saturday, November 22 at 8:30 a.m. in the North High School gymnasium. The process includes reviewing early voting ballots, election‑day ballots, rejected early voting and absentee ballots, and provisional ballots.

• Hand recount of at-large City Council ballots
• Review of early voting ballots
• Review of election day ballots
• Review of rejected early voting and absentee ballots
• Review of provisional ballots

BOARD OF ELECTION COMMISSIONERS - RECOUNT OF AT-LARGE CITY COUNCIL CONTEST - CANCELLED

The meeting for the Board of Election Commissioners regarding the At-Large City Council recount was cancelled. The provided agenda is procedural and lists the cancelled schedule for ballot blocking and hand recounting.

• Recount of At-Large City Council municipal election from November 4, 2025

MCRWB Executive Committee

The MCRWB Executive Committee will confirm quorum and vote on approving the September 19, 2025 meeting minutes. The committee will receive updates on grants and programs and on the Career Center. It will discuss membership outreach and the agenda for the full board meeting scheduled for January 15, 2026. The meeting will also set the date for the next executive committee session on December 19, 2025.

• Approval of meeting minutes – Sept. 19, 2025
• Grants & Program Update
• Career Center Updates
• Membership Outreach discussion
• Full Board Meeting Agenda for Jan. 15, 2026

The committee reviewed program updates, staffing challenges, and upcoming events. No formal approvals, denials, or policy changes were made. The meeting was adjourned after a motion to adjourn was accepted.

• Motion to adjourn accepted

Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School Facilities and Finance Committee

The Facilities and Finance Committee will meet to discuss a building project update and review financial and facilities reports. The committee will also consider the minutes from the October 17, 2025, meeting.

• Building Project Update (Sources & Uses) by QPD Linsday Richard
• AKF Financial Report by Katie Donahue
• Facilities Report
• Information Technology Report

Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board

The Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board will discuss a Demand Response customer satisfaction survey and receive a VIP Task Force update. The board will also hear an administrator's report regarding technology and lobby renovations.

• Demand Response Customer Satisfaction Survey
• VIP Task Force Update
• Lobby Renovation Update
• Technology Update

License Commission

The Worcester License Commission will consider several applications for new or modified liquor and entertainment permits, including a one‑day liquor license for St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church's Greek Festival. It will also hear requests for restaurant alcohol licenses, a change of business name, and amendments to operating hours for existing establishments. The meeting includes a cessation of business hearing for Beth’s on Grafton and Flying Rhino, as well as violation notices for Creed Lounge and Macao Restaurant.

• One‑day liquor and entertainment license request for St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church, 102 Russell Street (June 19‑21, 2026)
• Restaurant malt & wine license request for El Sombrero LLC, 1 Kelley Square
• All‑alcohol restaurant license and common victualer license request for Kuntur Group, Inc. dba Mercado Restaurant, 278 Shrewsbury Street
• Amendment of operating hours for Lara Hookah Bar, 267 Lincoln Street
• Cessation of business hearings for Beth’s on Grafton, 271 Grafton Street and Flying Rhino, 278 Shrewsbury Street

The commission approved several license applications, including common victualer and alcohol licenses for Market 31, El Sombrero Taqueria, and Kuntur Group’s Mercado Restaurant. It postponed multiple pending applications—St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church festival, Suveroo LLC’s DBA change, Lara Hookah Bar hours, and others—to the December 4, 2025 meeting. The commission rescinded the Flying Rhino’s all‑alcohol license and issued a 14‑day suspension (with seven days served) to Macao Restaurant for multiple violations.

• Approved Market 31 common victualer license (2-0)
• Approved El Sombrero malt & wine license (2-0)
• Approved Kuntur Group restaurant all alcohol and common victualer license (2-0)
• Approved SMG Food and Beverage change of officers/directors/beneficial interest (2-0)
• Postponed St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church liquor & entertainment request (2-0)
• Postponed Lara Hookah Bar hours amendment (2-0)
• Rescinded Flying Rhino common victualer all alcohol license (2-0)
• Suspended Macao Restaurant’s liquor license for 14 days (2-0)

BOARD OF ELECTION COMMISSIONERS - RECOUNT OF AT-LARGE CITY COUNCIL CONTEST

The Worcester Board of Election Commissioners will conduct a recount of the at‑large City Council election held on November 4, 2025. The agenda sets dates, times, and locations for blocking ballots and for the hand recount. No other items are listed for this meeting.

• Blocking of ballots to be recounted – Thursday, Nov 20, 2025, 1:00 pm, Levi Lincoln Chamber, 455 Main St.
• Blocking of ballots to be recounted – Friday, Nov 21, 2025, 8:30 am, Levi Lincoln Chamber, 455 Main St.
• Hand recount begins – Saturday, Nov 22, 2025, 8:30 am, North High School Gymnasium, 150 Harrington Way.
• Hand recount continues – Sunday, Nov 23, 2025, 8:30 am, North High School Gymnasium, 150 Harrington Way.

Worcester Redevelopment Authority

The Worcester Redevelopment Authority will discuss capital projects and financial updates. The board is considering several contract amendments for cleaning, grounds maintenance, and design services.

• Amendment to Cleaning Services Agreement with Grimebusters, Inc. for $455,163.96
• Amendment to Grounds Maintenance Services Agreement with LEI Corporation for $233,189
• Amendment to Design Services Agreement with Nault Architects, Inc. for $97,070
• Authorization of bid advertisements for fire alarm, sprinkler, and generator projects
• Authorization of bid advertisements for on-call general contracting and elevator maintenance

The Worcester Redevelopment Authority approved several contract amendments, including a $97,070 design services amendment with Nault Architects and a $233,189 grounds maintenance amendment with LEI Corporation. It also authorized bid advertisements for fire alarm, sprinkler and generator work at Union Station, as well as on‑call general contracting and elevator maintenance contracts. All motions passed unanimously (5‑0) except the approval of prior minutes, which passed 4‑0.

• Approved October 23, 2025 minutes (4-0)
• Authorized execution of amendment to Design Services Agreement with Nault Architects, Inc. for $97,070 (5-0)
• Authorized bid advertisements for fire alarm, sprinkler and generator projects at Union Station (5-0)
• Authorized bid advertisements for on‑call general contracting and elevator maintenance contracts (5-0)
• Authorized execution of amendment to Grounds Maintenance Services Agreement with LEI Corporation for $233,189 (5-0)
• Authorized execution of amendment to Cleaning Services Agreement with Grimebusters, Inc. for $454,755.96 (5-0)

Worcester Housing Authority Board Meeting

The Board of Commissioners will review several change orders and final payments for housing modernization projects. The meeting includes requests to award contracts for exterior lighting and unit modernization, as well as a property easement for National Grid.

• Award for construction contract for Exterior Lighting Upgrades at Webster Square Tower West and East
• Award for Unit Modernization rebid at 199 Providence Street to Serrano & Serrano Construction, Inc.
• Property easement with National Grid for power lines at Lakeside Apartments
• Release of HUD Declaration of Trust for 69 Tacoma Street
• Contract award for the supply and delivery of locks and related products

School Committee Meeting

The School Committee will hold an executive session to discuss bargaining strategies for several employee unions. The open session includes a consent agenda for various school donations and a review of standing committee reports.

• Successor contract negotiations for custodians, educational secretaries, paraeducators, parent liaisons, and IT professionals
• $20,000 donation from Russ Haims for Woodland and Claremont School Community
• $15,000 donation from Bay State Bank for students facing food insecurity
• $2,700 donation from Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation for Belmont Street School
• Reconsideration of a report on high school and middle school sports field usage and Title 9 alignment

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will consider several petitions for building demolition delay waivers and certificates of appropriateness for historic properties. The body will also review requests for tax credit support letters and comments on specific housing projects.

• Demolition delay waivers for window replacement at 104 Vernon Street, roof replacement at 266 Webster Street, and door replacement at 90 Main Street
• Certificate of Appropriateness for signage at 18 Oxford Street
• Certificates of Appropriateness for column replacements at 128 and 134 Elm Street
• Certificate of Appropriateness for storefront and brick repair at 191 Pleasant Street
• Certificate of Appropriateness for doors, siding, awnings, signage, and lighting at 258 Pleasant Street

The Worcester Historical Commission voted 7‑0 on each item, approving waivers and certificates of appropriateness for several properties. Discussion on the roof replacement at 266 Webster Street and the door replacement at 90 Main Street was deferred to the December 4 meeting. All other petitions were approved without opposition.

• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 104 Vernon Street (window replacement) – 7‑0
• Deferred discussion of 266 Webster Street roof replacement to Dec 4 meeting – 7‑0
• Deferred discussion of 90 Main Street door replacement and transom to Dec 4 meeting – 7‑0
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for 18 Oxford Street signage – 7‑0
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness and Demolition Waiver for 128 Elm Street column replication – 7‑0
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness and Demolition Waiver for 134 Elm Street column replication – 7‑0
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for 191‑197 Pleasant Street storefront doors, windows, and brick repair – 7‑0

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Parks & Recreation Commission will review proposed 2026 rules and regulations and approve a $425,000 PARC grant for South Worcester Playground. The meeting also includes requests to name a Crompton Park building and to allow alcohol sales at the Festival of Lights.

• Review of 2026 Parks & Recreation Rules & Regulations
• Approval of $425,000 PARC Grant for South Worcester Playground
• Request to name Crompton Park building after Lorraine M. Laurie
• Request to allow alcohol on Worcester Common for Festival of Lights
• Request to reduce playing seasons at Beaver Brook Park

The Parks and Recreation Commission approved the start of a naming process for the Crompton Park building to honor Lorraine M. Laurie. It also unanimously approved serving alcohol at the Festival of Lights, a grant application for the Worcester Renegades, and the filing of the $425,000 PARC Grant for South Worcester Playground. Additional motions to revise the 2026 rules, file status reports, and adjourn the meeting were also approved.

• Accepted October 16, 2025 minutes (5-0-1)
• Approved review and revision of 2026 Parks & Recreation Rules (6-0)
• Filed $425,000 PARC Grant award for South Worcester Playground (6-0)
• Approved beginning naming process for Crompton Park building after Lorraine M. Laurie (6-0)
• Approved serving alcohol at Festival of Lights on Dec 5, 2025 (6-0)
• Approved Worcester Renegades to apply for CPA Program Grant for Beaver Brook Park improvements (6-0)
• Filed status report on William A. Richardson Park Fund (6-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:29 PM (6-0)

Public Library Board of Directors

The Worcester Public Library Board will approve the September 24, 2025 meeting minutes and hear the Executive Director’s report on incident‑reporting tools and security staffing. Directors will discuss options for a new incident‑reporting system and possible funding for staff safety training. The meeting also includes updates on library programs and upcoming community events.

• Approval of September 24, 2025 Board minutes
• Executive Director report on reviewing incident‑reporting software (Mock Form, PITS, Orange Boy)
• Consideration of $100,000 annual safety‑training program for staff
• Update on hiring third security officer and new trauma‑informed uniforms
• Announcements of library events such as the Charles M. Schulz Museum exhibit and Celebrate Our Libraries fundraiser

Standing Committee on Traffic and Parking

The Traffic and Parking Committee will approve the minutes from the November 17 meeting and review a large number of resident petitions. Items include requests for new or removed handicap parking spaces, bus stop changes, crosswalk installations, and new traffic signs. The committee will also discuss proposed amendments to city parking ordinances and one‑way street segments.

• Handicap parking petitions for locations such as 53 Elm St., 58 Providence St., 339 Main St., and 921 Pleasant St.
• Bus stop removal request at 150 Lincoln St.
• Crosswalk installation requests on Highland St. and near 974 Main St.
• Stop sign and yield sign petitions at Merrick & Larch St., Brussels & Crompton St., and Marconi Rd.
• Proposed ordinance changes to 15‑minute, 30‑minute, and two‑hour metered parking on Water Street

The Traffic and Parking Committee adopted the November 17 minutes (2‑0). It approved several handicap parking requests—including locations on Providence St, Florence St, Pleasant St, Columbia St, and Stoneland Rd—and approved a wheelchair‑accessible curb pending funding. The chair also issued an order directing the City Manager to notify residents when a handicap space is removed.

• Approved meeting minutes (2 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Approved handicap parking at 58 Providence St (3 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Approved handicap parking at 76 Florence St (2 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Approved handicap parking at 921 Pleasant St (2 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Approved handicap parking at 35 Columbia St (3 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Approved handicap parking near 41 Stoneland Rd (3 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Approved wheelchair‑accessible curb at Flagg & Pleasant St pending funding (2 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Chairman's order: request City Manager to notify residents when a handicap space is removed

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a zoning map amendment affecting Charlton Street, Hermon Street, Beacon Street and other locations. It will also consider definitive site plan meetings for properties at 0 Farrington Street, 0 Chester Street, 73 Wall Street, 449 Southwest Cutoff, and 41 Abrasives Way. Additional agenda items include extensions of subdivision performance agreement sureties, a private street betterment petition for Nixon Street, and approvals of several ANR plans.

• Public hearing – Zoning Map Amendment (ZA-2025-015) for multiple streets
• Public Meeting – Definitive Site Plan for 0 Farrington Street (PB-2024-065)
• Public Meeting – Definitive Site Plan for 0 Chester Street (PB-2025-048)
• Subdivision Performance Agreement Surety – extensions under the Permit Extension Act
• Private Street Betterment petition for Nixon Street (ST-2025-009)

The Board voted 3‑0 to postpone the public meetings for 0 Farrington Street to Jan 7 2025 (grant deadline Jan 29 2025) and for 0 Chester Street to Dec 3 2025 (grant deadline Dec 18 2025). It also approved the definitive site plans for 449 Southwest Cutoff and 73 Wall Street, each with waivers and staff recommendations, by 3‑0 votes. The Board closed the public hearing on a zoning map amendment for eight parcels and unanimously recommended the amendment to City Council.

• Postponed 0 Farrington St public meeting to Jan 7 2025, grant deadline extended to Jan 29 2025 (3‑0)
• Postponed 0 Chester St public meeting to Dec 3 2025, grant deadline extended to Dec 18 2025 (3‑0)
• Approved definitive site plan for 449 Southwest Cutoff with waivers & staff recommendations (3‑0)
• Approved definitive site plan for 73 Wall Street with waivers & staff recommendations (3‑0)
• Closed public hearing on zoning map amendment for eight parcels (3‑0)
• Recommended zoning map amendment for eight parcels to City Council (3‑0)

Lake Quinsigamond Commission

The Commission will hold a public hearing to discuss the fair use of the lake for competitive and recreational activities. The body will also review bills and provide updates on the Lake Management Plan.

• Public hearing on fair use of the lake for recreational and competitive activities
• Update on Lake Quinsigamond drawdown
• Discussion regarding Newton Pond
• Review and approval of bills and expenses

The Lake Quinsigamond Commission approved several expenses, including dock fee deposits, community‑advocate publications, a seasonal porta‑potty rental for the SPD boat house, and a Flint Pond survey. The board also voted unanimously (7‑0) to approve up to $3,000 for a laptop and printer for commission use. No action was taken on the public hearing about water‑skiers versus crew rowers, and the board decided the December meeting will not be held.

• Approved dock fee deposits (no vote specified)
• Approved community‑advocate drawdown notice publication (no vote specified)
• Approved community‑advocate public hearing publication for 11/19/2025 (no vote specified)
• Approved seasonal porta‑potty rental for SPD boat house (no vote specified)
• Approved Solitude Flint Pond survey (no vote specified)
• Approved purchase of laptop and printer up to $3,000 (7‑0 unanimous)
• Decided December LQC meeting will not be held
• No action taken on water‑skiers vs. crew rowers public hearing

Chapter 139 Hearing

The Inspectional Services Department is holding a Chapter 139 meeting to discuss a list of 16 addresses. No specific actions or decisions for these properties are detailed in the agenda.

• 103 Blackstone River Road
• 35 Bowdoin Street
• 159 Cambridge Street
• 99 Downing Street
• 24 Ferraro Street

Chapter 139 Hearing - Vacant Properties

The Vacant Properties Committee will meet on November 18, 2025 at 10:00 am in Room 109, 25 Meade Street. The agenda lists a series of vacant property locations that will be considered. No specific actions or decisions are detailed in the agenda.

• 63 Charlotte Street
• 4 Congress Street
• 3 Harvard Place
• 2 Stevens Road
• 27 Tirrell Street

Commission on Elder Affairs

The Worcester Commission on Elder Affairs Senior Center Committee will approve the October 14, 2025 meeting minutes, discuss current funding and a $37,000 grant for kitchen equipment, and consider the Rogerson Communities senior‑housing development proposal. The board will also address facility issues such as recent water leaks and plan upcoming senior programs and events.

• Approve October 14, 2025 meeting minutes
• Review $37,000 grant for kitchen equipment
• Discuss Rogerson Communities senior housing development in the senior center vacant space
• Address three water leaks reported in the past 10 days
• Plan upcoming senior programs, including veterans, Thanksgiving, and craft fair events

Board of Election Commissioners

The Board of Election Commissioners will discuss certifying hand recount petitions submitted by candidate Jermoh Kamara for the November 4, 2025 Municipal Election. The board will also review the schedule and rules for the recount process.

• Certification of hand recount petitions for At-Large City Council candidate Jermoh Kamara (Wards 1–10)
• Ballot blocking scheduled for November 20 and 21 at Levi Lincoln Chamber, City Hall
• Hand recount scheduled for November 22 and 23 at North High School Gymnasium
• Review of recount rules, including the limit of 62 observers per candidate

City Council

The City Council will approve the September 30, 2025 meeting minutes and hold public participation. It will hear requests to grant National Grid permission for conduit locations on Chatham Street, Lakeside Avenue, and Wa Verly Street. Mayor Joseph M. Petty is asking the Council to reconsider its October 21 vote on the Curtis Apartments Phase II UCH‑TIF plan. Councilors and residents will consider a series of petitions for street‑level improvements, including guardrails, sidewalk resurfacing, and speed‑hump installations.

• Hearings to grant National Grid conduit locations at Chatham St., Lakeside Ave., and Wa Verly St.
• Mayor Joseph M. Petty requests reconsideration of the Council’s October 21 vote on the Curtis Apartments Phase II UCH‑TIF plan.
• Petition for a 100‑foot guardrail at the dead‑end of Pilgrim Ave.
• Petition for sidewalk resurfacing on May St. from Barr St. to Pleasant St.
• Petition for installation of speed humps on various streets, including Paradox Dr. and Ludlow St.

The City Council adopted the minutes from the September 30, 2025 meeting. It granted National Grid permission to install conduits on Chatham Street, Lakeside Avenue, and Wa Verly Street. The council adopted a mayoral order to reconsider the Curtis Apartments Phase II UCH‑TIF plan and then referred that item to the Economic Development Committee. Several resident petitions were referred to the Planning Board, Public Works Committee, and Traffic and Parking Committee for further study.

• Approved September 30, 2025 council minutes (adopted)
• Granted National Grid conduit permission at Chatham St (adopted by voice vote)
• Granted National Grid conduit permission at Lakeside Ave (adopted)
• Granted National Grid conduit permission at Wa Verly St (adopted)
• Adopted mayoral order to reconsider Curtis Apartments Phase II UCH‑TIF plan (10 yeas, 0 nays)
• Referred Curtis Apartments Phase II UCH‑TIF plan to Economic Development Committee (10 yeas, 0 nays)
• Referred Hooper St. petition to Planning Board (referred)
• Referred multiple infrastructure petitions to Public Works Committee (referred)

Advisory Commission on Youth

The Youth Advisory Commission will meet online to receive updates from the Division of Youth Opportunities. The body will discuss youth employment and commission member terms.

• Division of Youth Opportunities updates
• Youth Employment discussion
• Youth Advisory Commission Member Terms

The commission reported that the Division of Youth Opportunity received a state earmark of $300,000 for FY 26. Members discussed the need for additional funding and new strategies to support youth employment as summer job opportunities decline. The commission noted a new two‑step appointment process and the need to add two members, and planned to invite Jeff Turgen to the next meeting for expertise. No formal decisions, approvals, or votes were recorded.

Standing Committee on Traffic and Parking

The Traffic and Parking Committee will approve the minutes from its October 22, 2025 meeting. It will consider a series of resident and councilor requests for speed hump installations on streets such as Yukon Ave, Barry Rd, and 23 Freeland St. The City Manager will also provide an informational communication about the 2025 speed hump installations.

• Approve minutes of the Traffic and Parking Committee meeting held on October 22, 2025
• Review speed hump petition for Yukon Ave (District 1)
• Review speed hump petition for Barry Rd (District 1)
• Review speed hump petition for 23 Freeland St (District 4)
• City Manager communication regarding 2025 speed hump installations

The Traffic and Parking Committee approved the minutes of its October 22, 2025 meeting by a 3‑yea, 0‑nay vote. It then considered a series of resident and official requests for speed humps and, for each, the chair moved to recommend the item be filed. The committee voted 2 yeas to 1 nay on each recommendation, effectively rejecting the requests.

• Approved minutes of Oct 22, 2025 meeting (3-0)
• Recommend file speed hump request for Yukon Ave (2-1)
• Recommend file speed hump request for Barry Rd (2-1)
• Recommend file speed hump request for Barry Rd near 111 & 114 (2-1)
• Recommend file speed hump request for St. Nicholas Ave (2-1)
• Recommend file speed hump request for Hunnewell Rd (2-1)
• Recommend file speed hump request for Norrback Elementary crosswalks (2-1)
• Recommend file temporary speed hump request for Thornton Rd (2-1)

Green Worcester Advisory Committee

The committee will discuss the 'Climate Stories from the Community' event and vote on the 2026 meeting calendar. Members will also receive updates on decarbonization goals, school sustainability, and various Department of Sustainability and Resilience projects.

• Approval of 2026 Proposed Meeting Calendar
• Energy Savings Performance Contract RFP with bids closing December 3, 2025
• Zero Waste Master Plan upcoming online survey
• Heat Pumps for Homeowners webinar on November 20, 2025
• Miyawaki Forests Project award from the 2025 American Planning Association Massachusetts Chapter

The Green Worcester Advisory Committee unanimously approved the minutes from the September 8, 2025 meeting. It also unanimously approved the proposed 2026 meeting calendar presented by Vice Chair Herwitz. The meeting was then adjourned by a unanimous motion.

• Approved September 8, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved GWAC 2026 meeting calendar (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Worcester Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings on several applications, including a request to convert 172‑174 Shrewsbury Street into 44 residential units with a rear parking area of 17 spaces. Other items include variances and special permits for properties on 264 Shrewsbury Street, 91 Cambridge Street, 6 Carl Street, and 304 Lovell Street. The board will vote on each petition after the hearings.

• 172‑174 Shrewsbury Street – variance and special permit to convert building to 44 residential units and add 17 rear parking spaces (BG‑3.0, CCOD‑S, USOD zones)
• 264 Shrewsbury Street – variance to relieve minimum rear yard setback for a rear stairwell egress (BG‑2.0, CCOD‑S, USOD zones)
• 91 Cambridge Street – special permit to convert gas‑station kiosk to storage and add a ~560 SF convenience store (RG‑5 zone)
• 6 Carl Street – variance to exceed maximum height for an accessory detached garage (RS‑7 zone)
• 304 Lovell Street – multiple variances and special permit for a ~4‑unit low‑rise multi‑family dwelling with ~14 parking spaces (RL‑7 zone)

The board approved continuances and postponements for four pending items (items #1, #6, #8, #9) with a unanimous 5‑0 vote. It also approved the withdrawal of item #5 by a 5‑0 vote. The public hearing on 304 Lovell Street was closed and the application was approved with amended conditions, recommendations, and waivers, each by a 5‑0 vote. A new variance request for 6 Carl Street was presented but no decision was recorded.

• Approved continuances/postponements for items #1, #6, #8, #9 (5-0)
• Approved leave to withdraw item #5 (5-0)
• Closed public hearing for 304 Lovell Street (5-0)
• Approved 304 Lovell Street application with amended conditions, recommendations, and waivers (5-0)

Board of Health

The Worcester Board of Health will conduct tobacco hearings for two specific businesses. The meeting also includes reports on communicable diseases and a presentation from Environmental Health and Inspectional Services.

• Tobacco Hearing: Big W Smoke Shop, 345 Hamilton St.
• Tobacco Hearing: Family Mini Mart, 241 Lincoln St.
• Communicable Diseases Updates from Amelia Houghton
• Environmental Health & Inspectional Services Presentation

The Board of Health approved the previous meeting's minutes unanimously. Members agreed to move the Tobacco Hearings to the start of the agenda. By unanimous vote, the Board accepted the Division of Public Health’s recommendation to suspend Big W Smoke Shop’s tobacco sales permit for 7 days and keep the $2,000 fine for a second violation.

• Approved prior meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Reordered agenda to place Tobacco Hearings first (unanimous agreement)
• Approved 7‑day suspension of tobacco sales for Big W Smoke Shop (unanimous)

Public Schools Standing Committee on Teaching, Learning and Student Success

The Worcester Public Schools Standing Committee will meet to review Chapter 74 programs, including enrollment processes and new course proposals. The agenda also includes requests to explore the COMPASS program for foster students and updates on the preppy kindergarten program.

• Review of Chapter 74 programs in comprehensive high schools
• Approval of proposed new Chapter 74 courses
• Request to explore piloting the COMPASS program for foster care students
• Update on the preppy kindergarten program
• Review of the Dual Language Program Plan

Retirement Board

The agenda provided is procedural boilerplate and does not list specific items for decision or discussion.

The Retirement Board voted 3‑0 to deny a waiver request from Mr. Fundador Morales and ordered an official denial letter. It also approved listed superannuation retirements (3‑0) and promoted Vicki Cabezas to Retirement Executive Assistant (3‑0) with a salary increase for Lori Cutroni (3‑0). Two items – the legal RFP summary and a salary survey – were tabled until the next meeting.

• Denied waiver for Mr. Morales refund request (3‑0)
• Approved listed superannuation retirements (3‑0)
• Promoted Vicki Cabezas to Retirement Executive Assistant, effective 1/1/26 (3‑0)
• Increased Lori Cutroni’s salary to Max Step NU 30/7, effective 1/1/26 (3‑0)
• Tabled legal RFP summary until next meeting (3‑0)
• Tabled salary survey until next meeting (vote not specified)
• Set December 11, 2025 Finance meeting at 8:30 am and Regular meeting at 9:30 am
• Adopted October Regular and Finance meeting minutes (3‑0)

Designer Selection Board

The Designer Selection Board will meet to shortlist, rank, and deliberate on firms for a specific project. This process determines which designers are selected for city work.

• Shortlisting and ranking of firms for project DSB-1-W6, Facilities Master Plan / DSB

Trust Funds Commission

The Trust Funds Commission will open the meeting, confirm a quorum, and approve the minutes from the prior session. City department leaders will present their goals and objectives related to trust funds. Commissioners will discuss how these objectives align with trust fund proposals and city priorities. No formal actions beyond the presentations and discussion are listed.

• Approve minutes from previous meeting
• Departmental presentations on trust fund goals and objectives
• Discussion on alignment of department objectives with trust fund proposals
• Call to Order and quorum confirmation

Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board of Trustees

The Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board of Trustees will meet virtually on November 13, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. The agenda includes approval of recent meeting minutes and several requests to amend contracts to extend time for the Colony on Grove Phase 1, Lagrange Lofts, and Lakeside Phase 2 projects. The board will also discuss Tier 2 application updates, a pre‑application round for the Community Preservation Program, and the creation of a Vice Chair position. A financial status update and other announcements will be provided.

• Contract amendment request: Colony Retirement Homes, Inc. – Colony on Grove Phase 1 (extension of time)
• Contract amendment request: Worcester Lagrange LLC – Lagrange Lofts (extension of time)
• Contract amendment request: Lakeside Developer LLC – Lakeside Phase 2 (extension of time)
• Update and discussion of Fall 2025 Tier 2 affordable‑housing applications
• Discussion of Fall 2025 Community Preservation Program funding round pre‑application

Worcester Arts Council

The Worcester Arts Council will meet on November 13, 2025, via Zoom to consider routine agenda items. The board will vote to move $206.02 from the administrative budget to the grant‑funding budget, making the grant budget an even $253,000.

• Vote to move $206.02 from admin budget to grant funding budget
• Budget Report
• Public Questions
• Final Reports
• Upcoming #WACFunded Events

Worcester Ballpark Commission

The Worcester Ballpark Commission will accept the minutes from the October 8, 2025 meeting. It will note that there are no Community Day applications. Commissioners will hear an update on preventative maintenance and repairs for the WooSox ballpark and a review of past and future event highlights. The next meeting is scheduled for December 10, 2025 at 10:00 AM.

• Accept meeting minutes from October 8, 2025
• Community Day applications: none
• WooSox preventative maintenance and repairs update
• WooSox past and future events highlights
• Next meeting set for December 10, 2025

The Worcester Ballpark Commission approved the minutes from the October 8, 2025 meeting with a 5-0 vote. The commission then adjourned the November 12 meeting by a 6-0 vote. A next meeting was scheduled for December 10, 2025 at 10:00 AM.

• Approved October 8, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (6-0)
• Scheduled next meeting for Dec 10, 2025 at 10:00 AM

Citizen Advisory Council

The Worcester Citizen Advisory Council will meet to approve minutes from a previous meeting and interview current job applicants. The body will also discuss recruitment outreach and set the date for the next meeting.

• Approval of minutes from September 9, 2025
• Interviews with current job applicants
• Recruitment and outreach information session briefing
• Upcoming meeting scheduled for December 12, 2025
• Meeting held at Esther Howland South Chambers or via Microsoft Teams

Board of Election Commissioners

The Board of Election Commissioners is discussing pending recount petitions for the November 4, 2025, Municipal Election At-Large City Council contest. The City Clerk provided a memo detailing the procedures and estimated costs for both hand and machine recount options.

• Discussion of recount petitions for candidates Jermoh Kamara and Morris A. Bergman
• Estimated hand recount cost: $106,600
• Estimated machine recount cost: $14,100
• Proposed hand recount location: North High School Gymnasium
• Approval of September 9, 2025 meeting minutes

Standing Committee on Public Works

The committee will consider petitions for a new sidewalk on Mower St. and making Royal Rd. public. Members will also discuss a rate increase for plowing and sanding equipment and the city's Zero Waste Program.

• Sidewalk installation request for 410 Mower St. from Westmorland Dr. to 334 Mower St.
• Petition to make Royal Rd. from Edlin St. west to Heard St. public
• Honorary naming of Elm St. from Chestnut St. to Linden St. as 'William Wallace Way'
• Proposed rate increase for hired plowing and sanding equipment
• Public input request regarding Zero Waste proposals and trash/recycling program changes

The Public Works Committee approved the honorary street name for Elm St. from Chestnut to Linden as “William Wallace Way” with a 3‑yea, 0‑nay vote. It denied the sidewalk petition on Mower St. (2‑yea, 1‑nay) and denied the Royal Rd. public petition (3‑yea, 0‑nay). Several items were placed on file or held for future action.

• Approved honorary street name for Elm St. (Chestnut–Linden) as “William Wallace Way” (3 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Denied Rocco DeMalia sidewalk request on Mower St. (2 Yeas, 1 Nay)
• Denied Milagros Ortiz petition to make Royal Rd. public (3 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Approved minutes of Oct. 21, 2025 meeting (adopted unanimously)
• Placed rate‑increase recommendation for plowing equipment on file (no vote recorded)
• Placed Zero Waste program communications on file (no vote recorded)
• Held Zero Waste communication until Dec. 2025 meeting (no vote recorded)
• Filed request to hold a public meeting on Zero Waste proposals (no vote recorded)

Public Schools Standing Committee on Finance, Operations and Governance

The Worcester Public Schools Standing Committee on Finance, Operations, and Governance will meet to review the FY26 budget, approve mastery grading policies, and discuss student discipline data. The meeting will be held in person at the Durkin Administration Building and virtually.

• Review FY26 budget status and make transfers
• Approve mastery-based grading practices policy
• Request student discipline data for 2024-2025
• Discuss funding for GearUp Program at North High School
• Review naming of a space at Doherty High School for Lt. Jason J. Menard

Worcester Arts Council

The Worcester Arts Council will meet via Zoom to discuss the budget and receive staff updates. The agenda includes a budget report and a review of upcoming #WACFunded events.

• Budget Report
• Admin Budget
• Upcoming #WACFunded Events

License Commission

The License Commission will review several one‑day liquor and entertainment license requests, including for J.T. Ethier at Worcester Common and Saint Joseph & Saint Stephen Parish. It will also consider operating‑hour requests from Cali Urban Grill and Queiroz Meat Market, a malt & wine license request from Taste Experience Bistro, and violations for Creed Lounge and Macao Restaurant. Additionally, the board will hear an amendment to the financing application for Punta Cana Bar & Grill and a status hearing for Suveroo, LLC dba Maya Lounge.

• One‑day liquor license request for J.T. Ethier, Worcester Common (Dec 5, 2025, 4‑9 p.m.)
• One‑day liquor and entertainment license request for Saint Joseph & Saint Stephen Parish, 10 Dupont Street (Nov 16, 2025, 6‑10 p.m.)
• Malt & wine license request for Taste Experience Bistro, LLC, 162 Harding Street
• Violation notices for Creed Lounge, Inc., 41 Pleasant Street and Macao Restaurant, 181 Millbury Street
• Amendment to financing application for Punta Cana Bar & Grill Restaurant, Inc., 795 Main Street

The License Commission approved the minutes from the October meetings and granted several one‑day liquor licenses, including for J.T. Ethier, Saint Joseph & Saint Stephen Parish, and Denise Kapulka‑Cariglia. It also approved common victualer licenses for Cali Urban Grill and Queiroz Meat Market, a restaurant malt & wine license for Taste Experience Bistro, and an amendment to the financing application for Punta Cana Bar & Grill. Hearings for violations and a status hearing were postponed to the November 20 meeting, and the session adjourned at 10:23 a.m.

• Approved minutes of Oct 23 & Oct 28, 2025 (2-0)
• Approved one‑day liquor license for J.T. Ethier (3-0)
• Approved one‑day liquor and entertainment licenses for Saint Joseph & Saint Stephen Parish (3-0)
• Approved one‑day liquor licenses for Denise Kapulka‑Cariglia (2-0)
• Approved common victualer license for Cali Urban Grill (2-0)
• Approved common victualer license for Queiroz Meat Market (2-0)
• Approved restaurant malt & wine license for Taste Experience Bistro, LLC (2-0)
• Approved amendment to financing application for Punta Cana Bar & Grill Restaurant, Inc. (2-0)

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will consider building demolition delay waivers for projects at 84 Burncoat Street, 100 Institute Road, and 1 Lincoln Square. The body will also address a postponement request for a solar panel installation at 106 Elm Street.

• 106 Elm Street: Request to postpone solar panel installation review to December 4, 2025
• 84 Burncoat Street: Demolition delay waiver to replace a three-season porch
• 100 Institute Road: Demolition delay waiver to replace windows
• 1 Lincoln Square: Demolition delay waiver to replace roof, rooftop utilities, and masonry
• Commission officer elections

The commission postponed the hearing for the 106 Elm Street solar panel request to Dec. 4, 2025. It approved Building Demolition Delay Waivers for 84 Burncoat Street, 100 Institute Road, and 1 Lincoln Square, finding none detrimental to historic resources. Commissioners elected Santos‑Restivo as Vice Chair, Helnarski as Chair, and Northway as Clerk. Minutes from Aug. 28, 2025 were approved.

• Postponed 106 Elm Street hearing to Dec 4, 2025 (6‑0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 84 Burncoat Street (5‑0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 100 Institute Road (6‑0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 1 Lincoln Square (6‑0)
• Elected Santos‑Restivo Vice Chair, Helnarski Chair, Northway Clerk (6‑0)
• Approved minutes of Aug 28, 2025 (6‑0)

Status of Women Advisory Committee

The Advisory Committee on the Status of Women will meet virtually to elect leadership positions. Members will also discuss the plan and speakers for the International Women’s Day Celebration.

• Nominations and elections for leadership positions
• Planning and speaker selection for International Women’s Day Celebration

Conservation Commission

The Worcester Conservation Commission will meet to review 10 wetlands protection applications, including residential construction and utility upgrades, and discuss updates to the city's Wetlands Protection Ordinance.

• Review wetlands applications for 32 Meena Drive, 30 Quinsigamond Avenue, and 24 Lakeside Avenue
• Discuss updates to the Worcester Wetlands Protection Ordinance
• Review enforcement orders for 15 properties including 133 Lake Avenue North and 570 Lincoln Street
• Review Certificate of Compliance for M165 Transmission Line
• Receive notifications on stormwater maintenance at Worcester Regional Airport

The commission voted 4‑0 to postpone public hearings for four pending projects and extend their constructive grant deadlines to November 24 and December 16, 2025. It also voted 4‑0 to issue a negative applicability determination for 32 Meena Drive and 3‑0 to close the hearings and adopt orders of conditions for 342 Lake Avenue and the Lakeside Apartments Phase 3 project. Additionally, the commission voted 3‑0 to continue the public hearing for the 284 Grove Street redevelopment to November 24, 2025.

• Postponed public hearings for 31 Randolph Rd, 30 Quinsigamond Ave, 483 Sunderland Rd, 939 Southbridge St; extended grant deadlines (4-0)
• Issued negative determination of applicability for 32 Meena Drive (4-0)
• Closed public hearing for 342 Lake Avenue (3-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for 342 Lake Avenue (3-0)
• Closed public hearing for Lakeside Apartments Phase 3 at 24 Lakeside Ave (4-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for Lakeside Apartments Phase 3 (4-0)
• Continued public hearing for 284 Grove Street to Nov 24, 2025 (3-0)

Doherty Memorial High School Naming Committee

The Doherty Memorial High School Naming Committee will meet on Oct. 30, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. in the Guidance Seminar Room E230, 299 Highland Street. After a public comment period, the committee will consider General Business item gb 4-30, which proposes naming a space in the new school after fallen Worcester Fire Department firefighter Lt. Jason J. Menard. The meeting is open to the public, who may speak for two minutes on any item.

• General Business gb 4-30: proposal to name a space in the new school after fallen WFD firefighter Lt. Jason J. Menard

Civic Center Commission

The Civic Center Commission is meeting remotely to discuss one application. The body will consider a Community Day application from the MA Dental Society Foundation.

• Community Day Application: MA Dental Society Foundation

Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs

The commission will review reports from the City of Worcester's Health and Human Services and the Executive Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Members will also discuss the current state of Latino affairs within the city.

• Review and approval of April 23, 2025 meeting minutes
• Presentation from Health and Human Services
• Presentation from Executive Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Discussion on the State of Latino Affairs in the City

Urban Forestry Tree Commission

The Urban Forestry Tree Commission will review old business items, including setting goals and updates on planting strategies at Newton Hill. New business includes a request for a Massachusetts DCR representative to speak about ongoing tree work and a request to finalize a tree species list for submission to planning. The commission will also discuss current board organization and other procedural matters.

• Review of EAB and successional planting strategies at Newton Hill
• Request for DCR speaker on tree work in Worcester
• Finalization of a tree species list to submit to city planning
• Discussion of current board organization

The Urban Forestry Tree Commission approved all motions presented, each with a 3‑0 vote. Items included accepting prior minutes, filing reports, adding discussion topics, and moving a tree species list request to Old Business. The scheduled November 10, 2025 meeting was cancelled. All decisions were unanimous.

• Accepted October 9, 2025 minutes (3‑0)
• Filed Third Quarter 2025 work type report (3‑0)
• Added Beach Leaf Disease for discussion at next meeting (3‑0)
• Kept EAB updates under Old Business (3‑0)
• Filed DCR presentation on tree work under New Business (3‑0)
• Moved tree species list request to Old Business (3‑0)
• Tabled board organization discussion (3‑0)
• Removed November 10, 2025 meeting (3‑0)

Abby Kelley Foster Charter Board of Trustees

The trustees will consider several governance and finance actions, including approving by‑law changes, appointing a new board member, and adopting the FY2025 fiscal audit and FY26 budget restatement. They will also vote to allocate up to $325,000 for schematic design of the school’s expansion project. The meeting includes a public comment period and an MCAS presentation.

• Approve FY2025 fiscal audit as presented
• Approve restatement of the FY26 budget
• Approve spending up to $325,000 for additional schematic design for the expansion project
• Vote to approve AKFCS by‑law changes
• Appoint Kathleen Greenwood to the Board of Trustees for a three‑year term

Lake Quinsigamond Commission

The Lake Quinsigamond Commission will review and act on the July and September 2025 meeting minutes, approve bills and expenses, and discuss the Spring 2026 Regatta schedule. Commissioners will receive updates on the Lake Management Plan, including the lake drawdown and Newton Pond. The agenda also provides for public participation and reports from city and watershed representatives.

• Introduce new Lake Quinsigamond Commission Secretary
• Accept July & September 2025 meeting minutes
• Review and approve bills and expenses
• Discuss and act on QRA Spring 2026 Regatta Schedule
• Update Lake Management Plan (drawdown and Newton Pond)

License Commission

The License Commission is holding a special remote meeting to review requests for continuances, extensions, postponements, and withdrawals. The body is also considering a one-day liquor and entertainment request.

• One-day liquor license request for Roman Catholic Diocese of Worcester at 144 Granite Street for October 30, 2025

The Worcester License Commission met remotely on October 28, 2025. Commissioners Anthony Vigliotti and Charran Fisher voted 2‑0 to approve a one‑day liquor license for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Worcester's event on October 30, 2025. The application was received on October 22, 2025.

• Approved one‑day liquor license for Roman Catholic Diocese of Worcester (2-0 vote)

MassHire Central Region Workforce Board Career Center-Adult Career Pathways Committee

The Career Center-Adult Career Pathways Committee will hear a guest speaker and discuss updates to career center services, including hot jobs, upcoming career fairs, and new programs. It will also receive updates from the MassHire Central Region Workforce Board on program developments, board projects, and partner grants. The meeting includes routine items such as approval of minutes and announcements.

• Guest speaker: Franklin Peralta, Director of Business Engagement and Policy at English for New Bostonians
• Discussion of hot jobs and upcoming career fairs
• Presentation of new career center programs and updates
• MassHire Central Region Workforce Board updates on programs, projects, and partner grants
• Approval of August 26, 2025 meeting minutes

Advisory Commission on Youth

The Worcester Youth Advisory Commission will meet online on October 28, 2025 at 3:00 PM. The agenda includes an update from the Division of Youth Opportunities on the youth agenda. No specific decisions or actions are listed. Participants may join via Zoom or phone and can submit written comments at least two business days in advance.

• Division of Youth Opportunities updates Youth Agenda

The Youth Advisory Commission shared updates on program shifts, staffing, and upcoming contracts. Members discussed funding strategies, coalition collaboration, and youth employment concerns, but no motions were voted on or approved. The City Manager requested that coalition collaboration be included in the budget, and future information‑session participation was noted.

Standing Committee on Municipal and Legislative Operations

The Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee will review informational updates on the City's FY2025 finances and hold a petition for a special act to amend the Worcester Charter to allow for municipal recall elections.

• Approval of minutes from May 29, 2025
• FY2025 financial updates through June 30, 2025
• Summer 2025 employment initiatives
• Petition for special act to amend Worcester Charter for recall elections
• Held items from previous meetings

The Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee voted 3 Yeas, 0 Nays to place on file a petition requesting a state‑legislated charter amendment to allow recall elections. The committee also recommended filing several FY 2025 financial updates, a summer employment initiative report, and the meeting minutes, each with a 3‑yea, 0‑nay vote.

• Recommend filing petition to amend charter for recall elections (3 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Recommend filing FY 2025 financial update as of March 31 2025 (3 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Recommend filing FY 2025 financial update as of April 30 2025 (3 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Recommend filing FY 2025 financial update as of May 31 2025 (3 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Recommend filing FY 2025 financial update as of June 30 2025 (3 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Recommend filing summer 2025 employment initiatives report (3 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Approve minutes of the May 29 2025 committee meeting (adopted)
• Recommend filing the petition item (3 Yeas, 0 Nays)

Community Preservation Committee

The Worcester Community Preservation Committee will first approve the September 16th meeting minutes. It will then receive an update on the Community Preservation Program, discuss and vote on a special application for Pilgrim Church, review and vote on changes to the CPA scoring rubric, and vote to open the Fall 2025 CPA pre‑application form.

• Approve minutes from the September 16, 2025 CPC meeting
• Community Preservation Program update by Manager Jacquelyn Burmeister
• Discussion and vote on the Special Application for Pilgrim Church
• Discussion and vote on changes to the CPA Scoring Rubric
• Vote to open the Fall 2025 CPA Pre‑Application Form

Commission on Elder Affairs

The Commission on Elder Affairs will meet to hear from Rogerson Communities regarding the development of senior housing in a vacant portion of the senior center. The body will also review reports on operations, senior services, and education and outreach.

• Guest presentation by Rogerson Communities leadership on senior housing development
• Approval of September 29th Commission meeting minutes
• Approval of October 14th Senior Center Committee Report
• Director's report on goals and outcomes
• Discussion of senior services, education, and outreach

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will consider several pending applications, ranging from special permits for fill placement to variances for setbacks and parking. Key items include a variance and multiple permits for 172‑174 Shrewsbury Street to convert office space into 44 residential units and add parking. The board will also hear a special permit for a convenience store at 91 Cambridge Street and other site‑specific requests. The meeting concludes with routine business such as policy discussion and approval of prior minutes.

• 172‑174 Shrewsbury Street – variances for front‑yard setback, off‑street parking, and compact parking; proposal for 44 new residential units and rear parking (Parkside Holdings Inc).
• 264 Shrewsbury Street – variance to reduce rear‑yard setback for a stairwell egress (264 Shoes, LLC).
• 91 Cambridge Street – special permit to convert a kiosk to storage and add a 560 SF convenience store at a gas station (Nirav Raj Borad).
• 10 Whitla Drive – variance for front‑yard setback to build a deck and resolve driveway nonconformity (Maria Keiser).
• 14 Emery Street – multiple special permits and a variance to divide the lot into three parcels for single‑family attached dwellings (Gold Star Builders).

The Zoning Board of Appeals voted 5‑0 to approve the application for 14 Emery Street, granting special permits for three single‑family attached dwellings and a small lot‑area variance, with amended conditions including an impervious‑surface limitation and additional landscaping. The Board also voted 5‑0 to close the public hearing on the case. Earlier, the Board approved continuances and postponements for four other items, extending their constructive grant deadlines to December 9, 2025.

• Approved continuance of public hearing for 17 Montclair Drive (ZB-2023-095) to Nov 17, 2025 and extended constructive grant deadline to Dec 9, 2025 (5‑0)
• Approved postponement of public hearing for 91 Cambridge Street (ZB-2025-080) to Nov 17, 2025 and extended constructive grant deadline to Dec 9, 2025 (5‑0)
• Approved postponement of public hearing for 264 Shrewsbury Street (ZB-2025-083) to Nov 17, 2025 and extended constructive grant deadline to Dec 9, 2025 (5‑0)
• Approved postponement of public hearing for 172‑174 Shrewsbury Street (ZB-2025-084) to Nov 17, 2025 and extended constructive grant deadline to Dec 9, 2025 (5‑0)
• Closed public hearing for 14 Emery Street (ZB-2025-059) (5‑0)
• Approved 14 Emery Street application with amended conditions, recommendations, and waivers (5‑0)

Human Rights Commission

The Human Rights Commission will approve prior meeting minutes and address housekeeping matters. Members will remind the public about a film screening at Clark University on November 3. Two guest speakers will present: Alex Mooradian on immigration relief and Vice Chair Randy Feldman on recent immigration law changes. A brief public comment period will be offered.

• Approval of prior month minutes
• Public comment period (up to 30 minutes total)
• Reminder of public invitation to Clark University film screening on Nov 3
• Guest speaker Alex Mooradian presentation on immigration relief
• Guest speaker Vice Chair Randy Feldman presentation on immigration law changes

The commission unanimously approved the prior month’s meeting minutes. The meeting was then unanimously adjourned at 8:33 PM. No other formal actions were taken during this session.

• Approved prior month’s minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:33 PM (unanimous)

Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board

The Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board will hold a hybrid meeting on October 23, 2025, to discuss business and approve minutes. The meeting will be held at 60 Foster Street and via Zoom.

• Approval of September 18, 2025 minutes
• Administrators Report
• Public comment period
• Potential roll call vote to adjourn

Civic Center Commission

The Civic Center Commission will meet to receive a project status update from the City of Worcester and a comprehensive report from ASM Global. The meeting includes the acceptance of minutes from September 25, 2025.

• City of Worcester Project Status Update
• ASM Global reporting on finance, sales, and operations
• ASM Global updates on community initiatives and marketing
• Review of Savor food and beverage reporting

The Worcester Redevelopment Authority voted 5‑0 to authorize its chair or vice‑chair to execute Amendment No. 1 to the Land Disposition and Development Agreement with Aroli Group, LLC for 484‑500 Main Street. The board also approved the August 21, 2025 meeting minutes by a 4‑0 roll call and adjourned the meeting unanimously.

• Authorized chair or vice‑chair to execute Amendment No. 1 to the Land Disposition and Development Agreement with Aroli Group, LLC for 484‑500 Main Street (5‑0)
• Approved August 21, 2025 meeting minutes (4‑0)
• Adjourned the meeting (5‑0)

License Commission

The License Commission will consider several one-day liquor licenses and permanent restaurant alcohol licenses. The body will also review requests for changes in management and ownership for multiple businesses and hold hearings regarding business cessations and rule violations.

• One-day liquor license requests for 891A Main Street, 341 June Street, and 48-50 Green Street
• Restaurant alcohol license requests for 162 Harding Street, 185 Shrewsbury Street, and 333 Pleasant Street-B
• Operating hour requests for Checkers (99 Gold Star Boulevard) and Raising Cane’s (494 Lincoln Street)
• Cessation of business hearing for Beth’s on Grafton at 271 Grafton Street
• Violation hearings for Creed Lounge (41 Pleasant Street) and Shannon’s Ale House (65 Green Street)

The License Commission approved one‑day liquor licenses for Our Lady of Mercy and Cameron Brigham, and approved common victualer licenses for Checkers and Raising Cane’s. It also approved manager and officer changes for multiple businesses and granted a restaurant all‑alcohol license to Callo Imperial Bistro. Finally, the commission found a violation at Shannon’s Ale House and issued a three‑day suspension.

• Approved two one‑day liquor licenses for Our Lady of Mercy (3‑0)
• Approved one‑day liquor license for Cameron Brigham (3‑0)
• Approved common victualer license for Checkers (3‑0)
• Approved common victualer license for Raising Cane’s (3‑0)
• Approved change of managers for Interstate Management Co. at 72 Grove St and 65 Prescott St (3‑0)
• Approved change of officers/directors/manager for Jolo Inc. dba Hurricane Betty’s (3‑0)
• Approved restaurant all‑alcohol license for Callo Imperial Bistro (3‑0)
• Issued three‑day suspension (one day served) to Shannon’s Ale House for violations (3‑0)

Worcester Redevelopment Authority

The board will consider authorizing a purchase option for a ground lease at 36 Washington Square. Members will also review a demonstration project plan and a deed acceptance from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation for 611 Main Street.

• Option to purchase in the ground lease for 36 Washington Square
• Demonstration Project Plan and deed acceptance for 611 Main Street
• Status reports on Union Station / MBTA Working Group
• Status reports on Downtown Urban Revitalization Plan / Denholm
• Status reports on Madison Properties

The board amended the August 21, 2025 ground lease for 36 Washington Square to include a lessee’s option to purchase, approving the motion 5‑0. It also authorized a demonstration project plan and accepted a deed from MassDOT for the property at 611 Main Street, also approved 5‑0. The minutes were approved and the meeting was adjourned, each by a 5‑0 roll call.

• Approved October 23, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Amended Washington Square ground lease to add lessee’s option to purchase (5-0)
• Authorized demonstration project plan and acceptance of deed for 611 Main Street (5-0)
• Adjourned the meeting (5-0)

School Committee Meeting

The Worcester School Committee will meet to approve various grants, including $9,988 for Safe and Supported Schools and $50,000 for English language learner reading materials. The committee will also vote on a three-year lease for the Jacob Hiatt Magnet School at the YMCA and discuss mastery-based grading policies.

• Vote on FY2026 Safe and Supported Schools Grant ($9,988)
• Vote on Fair Share Earmarks Grant ($50,000)
• Vote on Whole Kids Garden Grant ($7,000)
• Vote on 3-year YMCA lease for Jacob Hiatt Magnet School
• Discussion on mastery-based grading practices

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will consider five Certificate of Non-Applicability requests and related demolition delay waivers for properties on Fruit, Merrick, Edward, Burncoat, and William Streets. It will also discuss policy updates, comment invitations for projects at 15 Marsh Avenue and 35 Winfield Street, and officer elections. Minutes from four previous meetings will be approved.

• Certificate of Non-Applicability for 42 Fruit Street – repair damaged siding
• Certificate of Non-Applicability for 101 Merrick Street – replace roof
• Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 30 Edward Street – new fire escape and ramp
• Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 84 Burncoat Street – replace three‑season porch
• Certificate of Appropriateness for 75 William Street – replace windows

The Worcester Historical Commission unanimously approved Certificates of Non‑Applicability for 42 Fruit Street and 101 Merrick Street. It also granted a Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 30 Edward Street to allow a new fire escape and accessibility ramp. A waiver and a Certificate of Appropriateness were approved for 75 William Street, and discussion on 84 Burncoat Street was continued to the next meeting. Minutes from October 9 were approved and officer elections were postponed.

• Approved Certificate of Non‑Applicability for 42 Fruit Street (6‑0 vote)
• Approved Certificate of Non‑Applicability for 101 Merrick Street (7‑0 vote)
• Granted Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 30 Edward Street (7‑0 vote)
• Continued discussion on 84 Burncoat Street until Nov 26, 2025 (7‑0 vote)
• Granted Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 75 William Street (7‑0 vote)
• Granted Certificate of Appropriateness for 75 William Street (7‑0 vote)
• Postponed commission officer elections to next meeting
• Approved minutes of Oct 9, 2025 (unanimous)

Planning Board

The board voted 4‑0 to postpone public meetings for 0 Farrington Street, 0 Chester Street, and Nixon Street, extending the constructive grant deadline to Dec 4, 2025. It also voted 4‑0 to approve the definitive site plan for 43 Heywood Street with staff‑recommended conditions, the definitive site plan for 9 Ashland Street with conditions, and the definitive site‑plan amendment for 225 Shrewsbury Street with conditions.

• Granted postponement for 0 Farrington Street public meeting to Nov 19, 2025; deadline extended to Dec 4, 2025 (4-0)
• Granted postponement for 0 Chester Street public meeting to Nov 19, 2025; deadline extended to Dec 4, 2025 (4-0)
• Granted postponement for Nixon Street private street betterment public meeting to Nov 19, 2025; deadline extended to Dec 4, 2025 (4-0)
• Approved definitive site plan for 43 Heywood Street with staff conditions and Condition 10 (4-0)
• Approved definitive site plan for 9 Ashland Street with staff conditions (4-0)
• Approved definitive site‑plan amendment for 225 Shrewsbury Street with staff conditions (4-0)

Public Library Board of Directors - CANCELLED

The Worcester Public Library Board of Directors meeting scheduled for October 22, 2025 was cancelled. The agenda listed routine items such as approval of previous minutes, reports from the Executive Director, and updates from Friends of the Library, but no decisions or proposals were set to be acted upon. Because the meeting did not occur, no concrete actions or votes were taken.

Standing Committee on Traffic and Parking

The committee adopted the minutes of the Oct. 15 Traffic and Parking meeting by a 2‑0 vote. It recommended filing every speed‑hump petition presented, except one request that was recommended to be withdrawn. All votes were 2 Yeas, 0 Nays with Vice Chair King absent.

• Approved Oct. 15 meeting minutes (2 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Recommend file speed‑hump petition for 35 Colby Ave (2 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Recommend leave to withdraw speed‑hump petition for Sherbrook Ave & Lake View St (2 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Recommend file speed‑hump petition for Amanola Ave (2 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Recommend file speed‑hump petition for Rosemary St (2 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Recommend file speed‑hump petition for Montgomery Ave (2 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Recommend file speed‑hump petition for Hooper St (2 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Recommend file speed‑hump petition for 226 Coburn Ave (2 Yeas, 0 Nays)

Standing Committee on Public Works

The Public Works Committee adopted the minutes from the September 24, 2025 meeting by a roll‑call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays. It also accepted the Planning Board’s recommendation to discontinue a portion of the former Foster Street layout at Washington Square to enable construction of a second hotel, again by a 3‑0 vote. No other actions were taken.

• Approved September 24, 2025 Public Works minutes (3-0)
• Approved discontinuance of part of former Foster Street layout at Washington Square for hotel project (3-0)

City Council

The City Council approved a resolution and UCH‑TIF plan for Curtis Apartments Phase II with a 9‑yea, 0‑nay vote after Councilor Mero‑Carlson recused herself. It also granted conduit permissions to Charter Communications at 103 Cantbury St. and 63 Williamsberg Dr., and to National Grid at Dana A Ve., all by voice vote. A hearing for three additional National Grid conduit sites was scheduled for November 18, 2025. The council approved the September 16, 2025 meeting minutes and referred numerous petitions to the Planning Board, Public Works Committee, and Traffic and Parking Committee.

• Adopted Curtis Apartments Phase II UCH‑TIF plan (9‑0 roll call vote, Mero‑Carlson recused)
• Granted permission to Charter Communications for conduit at 103 Cantbury St. (voice vote)
• Granted permission to Charter Communications for conduit at 63 Williamsberg Dr. (voice vote)
• Granted permission to National Grid for conduit at Dana A Ve. (voice vote)
• Set hearing for National Grid conduit locations on Chatham St., Lakeside Ave., and Wa Verly St. for Nov 18 2025 at 6:30 p.m.
• Approved minutes of the Sep 16 2025 City Council meeting (adopted)
• Referred zoning map amendment request for BG‑3 and CCOD‑E overlay to Planning Board
• Referred multiple sidewalk, curb, parking, and speed‑hump petitions to Public Works or Traffic and Parking Committee

Standing Committee on Public Safety

The committee approved the minutes of the September 9, 2025 Public Safety Committee meeting by a roll‑call vote of 3 yeas and 0 nays. The members also moved to place on file several items requesting reports on police drone usage, fire‑blanket safety, fire department language translation, fire‑safety school outreach, and tornado response, but no formal votes were recorded on those items.

• Approved minutes of Sep 9, 2025 Public Safety Committee meeting (3-0)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold public hearings to determine if various construction and demolition projects comply with the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and city ordinances. The body will review new and old business regarding residential and commercial site work across the city.

• Notice of Intent for a multi-family residential structure at 24 Lakeside Avenue
• Notice of Intent to construct four single-family homes at Lots 9, 10, 11, & 12 Chester Street
• Notice of Intent for a 4-story residential building at 485 Grove Street
• Notice of Intent for demolition of buildings and a pedestrian bridge at 17 Mill Street
• Request for Determination of Applicability for a driveway at 75 Quinsigamond Avenue

The commission voted 3‑0 to postpone the public hearings for items 2, 6, 7, 9, 10 and 11 and to extend the constructive grant deadlines. It also voted 3‑0 to issue a negative determination of applicability for 75 Quinsigamond Avenue. Several projects (Chester Street lots 9‑12, 555 Plantation Street, 134 Gold Street & 5 Sargent Street, and 485 Grove Street) had their public hearings closed and orders of conditions approved. The hearing for 30 Quinsigamond Avenue was continued to the next meeting on November 3.

• Postponed hearings and extended grant deadlines for items 2,6,7,9,10,11 (3‑0)
• Issued negative determination of applicability for 75 Quinsigamond Avenue (3‑0)
• Closed Chester Street Lots 9‑12 hearing and issued Order of Conditions (3‑0)
• Closed 555 Plantation Street hearing and issued Order of Conditions (3‑0)
• Closed 134 Gold Street & 5 Sargent Street hearing and issued Order of Conditions (3‑0)
• Continued 30 Quinsigamond Avenue hearing to Nov 3 (3‑0)
• Closed 485 Grove Street hearing and issued Order of Conditions (3‑0)

Board of Health

The Worcester Board of Health meeting will review minutes from the prior session, receive updates on communicable diseases, and hear a tobacco hearing concerning Fire and Ice Smoke Shop at 8 Boylston Street. The board will also receive legal guidance on tobacco regulations, an orientation for ISD/BOH members, and a signing of the Body Arts Regulation that was approved on June 3, 2024. Additional reports include Dr. Hirsh’s medical director update and the division director’s review of the ILRC Guide. The meeting will conclude with setting the next meeting date and topics.

• Tobacco Hearing – Fire and Ice Smoke Shop, 8 Boylston Street
• Signing of Body Arts Regulation (approved June 3, 2024)
• Communicable Diseases Updates – Amelia Houghton
• Dr. Hirsh’s Report – Medical Director, WDPH
• Law Guidance on BOH and Tobacco Regulations – City Solicitor

The Board of Health approved the minutes from the prior meeting on a motion made by Leo Negrón Cruz and seconded by Gary Rosen. The motion carried unanimously. No other substantive actions or approvals were recorded.

• Approved previous meeting minutes (unanimous)

WRTA Advisory Board - Rider Community Population Representative

The Worcester Regional Transit Authority is seeking a volunteer for a one-year voting position on its Advisory Board. The role is open to residents of the sixteen communities served by Fixed-Route.

• Deadline for responses is October 17, 2025
• Position is a volunteer one-year term
• Monthly Board Meetings held third Thursday of each month at 8:00 a.m.

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Facilities and Finance Committee

The Facilities and Finance Committee will review audit results, the FY26 budget, and a proposal to borrow $550,000 for campus improvements. The body will also vote on a $17,500 allocation for a parking lot investigation.

• Vote to borrow $550,000 for campus building projects
• Vote to approve FY26 budget restatement
• Vote to approve $17,500 for parking lot investigation
• Review of FY25 audit presentation
• Review of May, June, and September 2025 meeting minutes

Worcester Retirement Board Finance Committe

The board will receive an economic and market update and review retirement performance data for August and September 2025. It will also hear presentations from finalist managers for the multi‑asset credit portfolio. The committee will interview the finalists—KKR, ICG, Brigade, and Wellington—to assess suitability for future investment allocations.

• Economic and market update
• Retirement performance as of August 31, 2025
• Retirement performance as of September 30, 2025
• Multi‑asset credit finalist presentations
• Interviews with KKR, ICG, Brigade, and Wellington

The Finance Committee reviewed presentations from KKR, ICG, Brigade, and Wellington. After discussion, the board chose to table the decision on which manager to select for further review. The board also noted that the custody‑account contract renewal will be decided at the December meeting. No vote tallies were recorded.

• Board tabled discussion on investment manager selection (no vote recorded)
• Board deferred custody‑account contract renewal decision to December meeting (no vote recorded)

MCRWB Full Borad

The MCRWB board will approve the July 17, 2025 meeting minutes and hear a guest presentation by Ashley Bregman, Executive Director of the Blackstone Valley Hub for Workforce Development. The board will also discuss its activities and programs, receive an update on MassHire Central Career Centers, and share member announcements and upcoming events.

• Approval of July 17, 2025 meeting minutes
• Guest presentation by Ashley Bregman, Executive Director, Blackstone Valley Hub for Workforce Development
• Discussion of MCRWB activities and programs
• Update on MassHire Central Career Centers
• Member announcements and events

The board voted to approve the July 17, 2025 MCRWB meeting minutes, with all members in favor. After that, members moved to adjourn the session, which also passed unanimously. No other motions or votes were recorded during the meeting.

• Approved July 17, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Worcester Housing Authority

The Board of Commissioners will review requests to increase Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher payment standards. The board will also consider a RAD application for 40 Belmont Street and various maintenance contracts.

• Proposed increase to Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher payment standards
• Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) application for 40 Belmont Street
• Asbestos Remediation Services contract award not to exceed $150K
• Change Order No. 3 for Triumph Roofing, Inc. at 24 Mill Street
• Change Order No. 7 for Stutman Contracting, Inc. for fire alarm replacement

Public Schools Standing Committee Finance, Operations and Governance

The Standing Committee on Finance, Operations, and Governance will consider two administrative policies. The first is the proposed changes to the Career Technical Education Admissions Policy for the 2025‑2026 school year. The second is the Middle School Pathway Exploration Policy. Both items are recommended for approval.

• Approve proposed changes to the Career Technical Education Admissions Policy (2025‑2026)
• Approve the Middle School Pathway Exploration Policy

Public Schools Standing Committee on Teaching, Learning and Student Success

The Standing Committee on Teaching, Learning and Student Success will meet to discuss grading practices. The committee is considering the approval of a High School Mastery-Based Grading Practice Information and Proposed Mastery-Based Grading Practices Written Policy Recommendation.

• Approval of High School Mastery-Based Grading Practice Information and Proposed Mastery-Based Grading Practices Written Policy Recommendation

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Parks and Recreation Commission will discuss proposed fee increases and policy updates for the Green Hill Golf Course. The body will also consider a request to name the East Park playground in honor of Gary Vecchio.

• Proposed $50 increase for Green Hill Golf Course season passes
• Proposed $20 nonrefundable fee for early tee time bookings
• Proposal to name the East Park (Cristoforo Colombo Park) playground after Gary Vecchio
• Proposed range ball fee increases of $2.00 to $3.00 per bucket
• Discussion of permitting changes and park land used for non-park purposes

The Parks and Recreation Commission voted to name the East Park playground in honor of Gary Vecchio. It also approved the Green Hill Golf Course 2026 fee and policy changes. Several items were filed for further action, including a request for legal input on park land and verification of the William A Richardson Park Fund.

• Approved naming East Park playground after Gary Vecchio (6‑0)
• Approved Green Hill Golf Course 2026 fee and policy changes (6‑0)
• Approved request to City Solicitor for legal input on park land matters (6‑0)
• Approved verification of William A Richardson Park Fund status and uses (6‑0)
• Approved filing of holiday event information request (6‑0)
• Approved filing of speed‑bump request for park streets (6‑0)
• Approved filing of handball and basketball court grant discussion (6‑0)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:34 PM (5‑0‑1)

Central Massachusetts Metropolitan Planning Organization

The Central Massachusetts Metropolitan Planning Organization will meet to discuss transportation and housing studies. The body may take action to approve the first proposed adjustment to the FFY2026-2030 Transportation Improvement Program highway project listing.

• Potential approval of Proposed Adjustment #1 to the FFY2026-2030 TIP Highway Project Listing
• Presentation of preliminary findings from Housing and Transportation Study
• Presentation of the 2025 Bicycle Plan
• Updates on Vernon Connected Transportation Study
• Updates on Safe Streets for All (SS4A)

Standing Committee on Traffic and Parking

The committee is considering multiple petitions for the installation and removal of handicap parking spaces, resident permit parking, and traffic signage. The meeting also includes requests for a new crosswalk and traffic-calming reviews at specific intersections.

• 21 petitions for installation or removal of handicap parking spaces at various city locations
• Request for a crosswalk across Holden St. at the intersection with Saratoga Rd.
• Resident permit parking requests for Lodi St., Washington St., and 87 West Boylston St.
• Request for 30-minute parking at 391 Shrewsbury St. and 15-minute parking at 85 Green St.
• Traffic-calming reviews for the intersection of Electric St. and Davenport St. and lane markings on St. Nicholas Ave.

The Traffic and Parking Committee approved the minutes from its October 15, 2025 meeting. No actions were taken on the numerous speed‑hump petitions presented. The City Manager’s informational communication was noted.

• Approved minutes of Oct. 15, 2025 meeting (no vote tally recorded)

Learning First Charter Public School Academic Excellence Committee

The Academic Excellence Committee will review schoolwide assessment data and discuss curriculum integration. The meeting is scheduled for October 14, 2025, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. via Google Meets.

• Review STAR Data Powerpoint
• Review current curriculum integration
• Discuss teacher professional learning cycle

Chapter 139 Hearing

The Chapter 139 Committee will meet on October 14, 2025 at 9:00 am in Room 109, 25 Meade Street, Worcester. The agenda lists several property addresses that will be addressed under Chapter 139 (building code enforcement). No other agenda items are provided. Public comments must be submitted in writing at least two business days before the meeting.

• 35 Bowdoin Street
• 119 Dewey Street
• 133 Dewey Street
• 17 Hacker Street
• 103 Holden Street

Chapter 139 Hearing - Vacant Properties

The Worcester Inspectional Services Department will hold a Vacant Properties meeting on October 14, 2025 at 25 Meade Street, Room 109. The committee will review a list of vacant property locations, including 4 Congress Street and other addresses. No specific decisions or proposals are detailed in the agenda.

• 4 Congress Street
• 194 Dewey Street
• 70 Green Hill Parkway
• 419 Grafton Street
• 50 King Street

Commission on Elder Affairs

The committee will meet to approve September minutes and reschedule the November meeting. The agenda includes discussions on finances, funding, allocations, licenses, and development, as well as operations regarding staffing, programs, and the facility.

• Approval of September 9, 2025 minutes
• Rescheduling of November meeting due to Veterans Day
• Discussion of finances, funding, and allocations
• Review of operations, staffing, and facility/grounds

Public Schools Standing Committee Finance, Operations and Governance - CANCELLED

The Worcester Public Schools Standing Committee on Finance, Operations, and Governance cancelled its scheduled meeting for October 14, 2025. The agenda included a proposal to approve changes to the Career Technical Education Admissions Policy for 2025-2026.

• Meeting cancelled for October 14, 2025
• Proposed changes to Career Technical Education Admissions Policy for 2025-2026

Learning First Charter Public School Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will review September 2025 financial reports and vote on recommending the second budget revision for fiscal year 2026 to the Board of Trustees. The committee will also review two CDs opened following a previous board vote.

• Vote on FY26 Budget Revision #2
• Approval of September 15, 2025 meeting minutes
• Review of September 2025 cash balances, balance sheet, and Budget vs P&L
• Review of two CDs opened per September board vote
• Review of FY25 Draft Financials

Learning First Charter Public School Governance Committee

The Governance Committee will approve September's meeting minutes and review reflections from a charter renewal focus group. Members will consider Leo’s FY25 evaluation and begin planning for his contract renewal at the end of FY26. The committee will confirm that the governance body has five members, add Marlena Eastty, and address pending financial disclosures and a board term vote for Denise Fogarty.

• Approve September’s governance minutes
• Discuss reflections from charter renewal 2026 focus group session
• Review Leo’s FY25 evaluation and initiate contract renewal planning for FY26
• Confirm governance committee size of five and add Marlena Eastty as a member
• Reminder of DESE financial disclosures and upcoming vote for Denise Fogarty’s third term

Learning First Charter Public School Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees will review the FY25 audit presented by CBIZ and a superintendent update. The board is scheduled to vote on the FY26 Quarterly Budget Revision 2 and the FY25 Audit.

• Vote on FY26 Quarterly Budget Revision 2
• Vote on FY25 Audit
• CBIZ FY25 Audit Presentation by Kevin Petrosino and Ryan Dylan
• Enrollment report as of September 11, 2025: 666 enrolled and a waitlist of 263

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Education Committee

The Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School Education Committee will meet to review student performance data and receive updates from principals. The committee will also vote on the approval of the September 12, 2025, meeting minutes.

• Review of iReady Results
• Review of MCAS Results
• Principals updates from Rob Kerr, Michael Cournoyer, and Megan Noonan
• Approval of September 12, 2025, meeting minutes

Retirement Board

The Worcester Retirement Board will hold its regular meeting to review old business, including legal RFP results and PTG contract updates, and new business such as PERAC memos and warrants.

• Legal RFP Results
• PTG Contract Updates
• PERAC Memos 2025
• Warrants
• September Executive Session Minutes

The board accepted the September regular meeting minutes by a 5‑0 vote. It approved the monthly superannuation payments and filed the monthly financial reports, each unanimously (5‑0). Members also voted 5‑0 to adopt the PTG contract amendment. In executive session, the board approved sending the ADR case of David Grajales to a panel (5‑0).

• Accepted September regular meeting minutes (5‑0)
• Approved monthly superannuation payments (5‑0)
• Filed monthly financial reports (5‑0)
• Adopted PTG contract amendment (5‑0)
• Accepted ADR case of David Grajales, send to panel (5‑0)
• Approved warrants collectively

Historical Commission

The Worcester Historical Commission will vote on a request to postpone the Certificate of Appropriateness for 106 Elm Street, which seeks to install solar panels on a 1902 historic building. It will also review several other historic preservation applications, including a Certificate of Non-Applicability for roof work at 14 Oxford Street and demolition delay waivers for properties on Shrewsbury Street, Institute Road, Diamond Street, and Elm Street. Additional agenda items cover policy updates, a comment invitation from EBI Consulting on a Section 106 project at 161 West Mountain Street, and officer elections.

• Postponement request for Certificate of Appropriateness – 106 Elm Street (solar panels)
• Certificate of Non-Applicability – 14 Oxford Street (roof replacement)
• Building Demolition Delay Waiver – 333 Shrewsbury Street (window and door work)
• Building Demolition Delay Waiver – 10 Diamond Street (demolition of ca. 1920 building)
• Invitation from EBI Consulting to comment on Section 106 project at 161 West Mountain Street

The commission voted unanimously to postpone the solar‑panel petition for 106 Elm Street to Nov 6, 2025. It approved a Certificate of Non‑Applicability and a Certificate of Appropriateness for 14 Oxford Street, and approved Building Demolition Delay Waivers for 333 Shrewsbury Street, 10 Institute Road, and 86 Elm Street. The commission denied historic integrity for 10 Diamond Street, voting 5‑1, and issued a leave to withdraw the National Register listing request. All motions to close public comment were approved unanimously (6‑0).

• Postponed 106 Elm Street solar‑panel petition to Nov 6 2025 (6‑0)
• Approved Certificate of Non‑Applicability for 14 Oxford Street (6‑0)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for 14 Oxford Street (6‑0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 333 Shrewsbury Street (6‑0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 10 Institute Road (6‑0)
• Denied historic integrity for 10 Diamond Street, issuing leave to withdraw (5‑1)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for 86 Elm Street (6‑0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 86 Elm Street (6‑0)

Urban Forestry Tree Commission

The Urban Forestry Tree Commission will accept minutes from May 14 and June 16, hear a commissioner report on capital improvements, and consider several old‑business items such as setting commission goals, updates on emerald ash borer and successional planting at Newton Hill, a BMP review, a review of city ordinances, and a street‑tree species list from other communities. In new business, the commission will receive information from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources about the invasive spotted lanternfly and will discuss commission communications. Public comments are limited to three minutes per speaker.

• Request of Commissioner Winbourne for the commission to set goals
• Request of Commissioner Winbourne on updates on EAB and successional planting at Newton Hill
• BMP Review
• Review of City Ordinances
• MDAR Spotted Lanternfly Information

The Urban Forestry Tree Commission approved the minutes from May 14 and June 16, 2025. All motions to keep several agenda items under Old Business and to file new informational items were approved unanimously. The meeting was then adjourned at 7:07 PM.

• Approved May 14, 2025 minutes (3‑0)
• Approved June 16, 2025 minutes (3‑0)
• Kept goal‑setting item under Old Business (3‑0)
• Kept Newton Hill update under Old Business (3‑0)
• Kept BMP review under Old Business (3‑0)
• Kept ordinance review under Old Business (3‑0)
• Filed news articles item (3‑0)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:07 PM (3‑0)

Worcester Arts Council

The Worcester Arts Council will review its budget and discuss the 'Make Music Day' project. The body will also determine dates for grant application review sessions.

• Canva Pro subscription cost: $12.99/month or $119.99/year
• Scheduling of grant application review sessions
• Discussion of 'Make Music Day' council-led project

School Committee Meeting

The Worcester School Committee will vote on a $500,000 donation from the Gene Haas Foundation to renovate and remodel the Advanced Manufacturing space at Worcester Technical High School. The meeting also includes approval of several other donations and grants, including $15,000 from Bay State Bank for student food insecurity and a $626,558 Food Security Infrastructure Grant from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources. Additional items under discussion are the adoption of a JROTC program in a public high school and updates to career technical education admissions and middle school pathway policies.

• $500,000 Gene Haas Foundation donation for Advanced Manufacturing renovations at Worcester Technical High School
• $15,000 Bay State Bank donation to address food insecurity among WPS students
• $626,558 Food Security Infrastructure Grant from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
• $10,000 Early Literacy Consortium Grant from DESE
• Proposal to implement an Army JROTC program in a Worcester public high school

License Commission

The License Commission is holding a special remote meeting to review a single liquor and entertainment request. The commission will discuss a one-day permit for an outdoor event.

• One-day liquor license request for Chris Besaw at 90 Commercial Street (outside) for October 18, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The Worcester License Commission met remotely on October 8, 2025. It considered a request from Chris Besaw for a one‑day liquor license for an event at 90 Commercial Street on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The commission voted 3‑0 to approve the license.

• Approved one‑day liquor license for 90 Commercial Street event (3-0)

Worcester Ball Park Commission

The Worcester Ballpark Commission will consider and vote on a Community Day application for an active shooter exercise. The meeting will also approve the minutes from August 29, 2025, receive an update on WooSox preventative maintenance and repairs, and review past and upcoming WooSox events. The next meeting is scheduled for November 12, 2025.

• Approve minutes from the August 29, 2025 meeting
• Review and vote to approve the Community Day Active Shooter Exercise application
• Receive update on WooSox preventative maintenance and repairs
• Discuss highlights of past and future WooSox events
• Set next meeting for November 12, 2025 at 10:00 AM

The Worcester Ballpark Commission accepted the August 29, 2025 meeting minutes (4‑0). It approved the Community Day active‑shooter training event, moving the date to June 5, with a unanimous 6‑0 vote. The meeting was adjourned with a 6‑0 vote.

• Accepted August 29, 2025 minutes (4-0)
• Approved Community Day active‑shooter training event for June 5 (6-0)
• Adjourned meeting (6-0)

Status of Women Advisory Committee

The committee will receive a presentation on the "Worcester Wall of Women" mural project at the YWCA. Members will also discuss the Woman/Young Woman of Consequence event and potential leadership elections.

• Guest presentation by Anne Marie Murphy regarding the "Worcester Wall of Women" mural project at the YWCA
• Debriefing discussion on the Woman/Young Woman of Consequence event
• Discussion on holding leadership elections

Citizens Advisory Council- CANCELLED

The Worcester Citizen Advisory Council meeting scheduled for October 7, 2025, has been cancelled. The next meeting is set for November 12, 2025.

• Meeting cancelled for October 7, 2025
• Next meeting scheduled for November 12, 2025
• Agenda includes accepting minutes and interviewing applicants

WORCESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS FINANCE, OPERATIONS, AND GOVERNANCE

The Finance, Operations, and Governance Committee will review a donation for school renovations and administrative reports. The body is discussing the adoption of the OneMeeting platform and quarterly building maintenance reports.

• Proposed $500,000 donation from Gene Haas Foundation for Worcester Technical High School Advanced Manufacturing space renovations
• Review of Facilities Report Q1 FY2026 regarding building maintenance timeframes
• Review of FY25 Budget status and potential transfers
• Proposal to utilize the OneMeeting platform for the School Committee

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals is holding public hearings to consider variances and special permits for several properties. Key proposals include converting a church rectory into an 8-unit dwelling and dividing lots for new housing.

• 14 Emery Street: Proposal to divide property into 4 lots for 4 single-family attached dwellings
• 51 Illinois Street: Proposal to convert a former church rectory into an 8-unit multi-family dwelling
• 304 Lovell Street: Proposal to divide lot and construct a ±4-unit multi-family low-rise dwelling
• 32 Canterbury Street: Proposal for a ±2,400 SF industrial garage and landscaping business
• 91 Cambridge Street: Proposal to construct a ±560 SF convenience store at an existing gas station

The board voted 5‑0 to close the public hearing and approve the variance and related waivers for 80 Prudential Road. It also voted 5‑0 to close the hearing and approve the amended conditions, recommendations, and waivers for 353 Chandler Street. Earlier, the board voted 4‑0 to approve continuances and postponements for three pending items. The board voted 5‑0 to approve a continuance for 32 Canterbury Street to October 27, 2025.

• Approved variance and waivers for 80 Prudential Road (5-0)
• Approved amended conditions, recommendations, and waivers for 353 Chandler Street (5-0)
• Approved continuance/postponement countenances for 14 Emery St, 304 Lovell St, and 91 Cambridge St (4-0)
• Approved continuance for 32 Canterbury Street to 10/27/25 (5-0)

Board of Health

The Board of Health will receive updates on communicable diseases and legal guidance regarding tobacco regulations. The board is scheduled to sign the Body Arts Regulation that was approved on June 3, 2024.

• Signing of Body Arts Regulation Approved June 3, 2024
• Law guidance on BOH and Tobacco Regulations from City Solicitor Alexandra Kalkounis
• Communicable Diseases Updates from Chief-Public Health Nursing Amelia Houghton
• Review of the ILRC Guide by WDPH Director Tamara Lundi
• ISD/BOH Orientation with Emma Stefanski Cano and Devon Thornton

Hope Cemetery Commission

The Hope Cemetery Commission will meet on October 6, 2025 to review the FY 2025 productivity report and lot sales for the cemetery. The agenda also includes a capital improvement update and a discussion of commission communications. Minutes from the September 15, 2025 meeting will be accepted.

• Acceptance of Minutes (September 15, 2025)
• Commissioner Report – Capital Improvement Update
• Hope Cemetery Productivity FY 2025
• Hope Cemetery Lot Sales FY 2025
• Commission Communication

Lake Quinsigamond Commission

The Commission is meeting to address the management of invasive sacred lotus in approximately 0.3 acres of Flint Pond. The proposal includes herbicide permitting and treatment.

• Herbicide Treatment and DEP Permitting for Flint Pond: $1,625

Building Futures, Inc. Board of Directors

The Building Futures, Inc. Board of Directors is holding a special meeting to review a specific approval request. The board will consider financial closing resolutions for Phase 1 of the Lakeside Apartments Section 18 project.

• Approval request for Lakeside Apartments Section 18 – Phase 1 Financial Closing Resolutions

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Governance Committee

The Governance Committee will vote to approve the August 1, 2025 meeting minutes and the June 6, 20205 executive‑session minutes. It will discuss a new board‑member candidate and plan to bring recommendations to the June annual meeting to approve new trustees for three‑year terms. Additional items include an Open Meeting Law update, board policy and bylaw changes, and a discussion of board goals.

• Approve August 1, 2025 meeting minutes
• Approve June 6, 20205 executive‑session minutes
• Recommend new board members for three‑year terms at June annual meeting
• Open Meeting Law update
• Board policy and bylaw changes

Worcester Housing Authority

The Board of Commissioners is holding a special meeting to discuss administration and finance. The primary action item is a request for approval of financial closing resolutions for Lakeside Apartments Section 18.

• Approval request for Lakeside Apartments Section 18 financial closing resolutions

License Commission

The License Commission will consider several one-day liquor license requests and permanent alcohol and entertainment licenses. The body will also review operating hours for five food establishments and address two rule violations.

• One-day liquor license requests for Ecotarium, J.T. Ethier, Denise Kapulka-Cariglia, and Hellenic Arts Society
• Entertainment license requests for Punta Can Bar & Grill (795 Main Street) and The Basement, LLC (225 Shrewsbury Street)
• Alcohol license requests for Rio Viejo Cocina De Mexico (50 Franklin Street), Seabra Foods XVII (333 Pleasant Street-B), and Boski’s Market (291 Burncoat Street)
• Operating hour requests for Broadway Restaurant & Catering, Subway, D&A Spanish Restaurant, Belen’s Clark Brunch, and Shawarma Palace
• Violation hearings for Creed Lounge, Inc. (41 Pleasant Street) and Havana Holdings, LLC (258 Park Avenue)

The Worcester License Commission approved all requested one‑day liquor licenses and several common victualer licenses, each by a 3‑0 vote. It postponed the Tatnuck Post officer change request to the Oct 23 meeting. It denied the transfer of an all‑alcohol license to Restaurants, Bars, Lounges, LLC (3‑0) and approved new restaurant and victualer licenses for Rio Viejo and a malt & wine license for Seabra Foods (each 3‑0).

• Approved one‑day liquor licenses for Ecotarium, J.T. Ethier, Denise Kapulka‑Cariglia, and Hellenic Arts Society (3‑0 each)
• Approved common victualer licenses for Broadway Restaurant, Subway, D&A Spanish Restaurant, Belen’s Clark Brunch, and Shawarma Palace (3‑0 each)
• Postponed Tatnuck Post officer/director change request to Oct 23, 2025 (3‑0)
• Denied restaurant all‑alcohol license transfer to Restaurants, Bars, Lounges, LLC (3‑0)
• Approved restaurant all‑alcohol license and common victualer license for Rio Viejo Cocina De Mexico (3‑0)
• Approved restaurant malt & wine license for Seabra Foods XVII (3‑0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold public meetings and hearings to review definitive site plans and special permit requests. The board will also consider a zoning map amendment and several Approval Not Required (ANR) plans.

• Public hearing for a zoning map amendment at 108 & 112 Beacon Street
• Special permit request for mixed use residential conversion at 333 Shrewsbury Street & 68 Chilmark Street
• Special permit requests for parking and landscaping relief at 485 Grove Street (Colony Apartments Redevelopment)
• Definitive site plan reviews for 0 Farrington Street, 0 Chester Street, 284 Grove Street, 1A Corrine Street, 18 Bowker Street, and 6 Claremont Street
• Request to modify Performance Agreement Surety from Bond to Letter of Credit for Malden Woods Subdivision

The Planning Board granted postponements for the public meetings on 0 Farrington Street and 0 Chester Street, moving them to October 22, 2025. It then approved the definitive site plan for 284 Grove Street, an 8.5‑acre retail project with recommended conditions, by a 4‑0 vote. The Board also approved definitive site plans for 1A Corrine Street and 18 Bowker Street single‑family homes, each with staff‑recommended conditions, also by 4‑0 votes.

• Postponed public meeting for 0 Farrington Street to Oct 22, 2025 (3-0)
• Postponed public meeting for 0 Chester Street to Oct 22, 2025 (3-0)
• Approved definitive site plan for 284 Grove Street retail building (4-0)
• Approved definitive site plan for 1A Corrine Street single‑family home (4-0)
• Approved definitive site plan for 18 Bowker Street single‑family home (4-0)

AFFORDABLE HOUSING TRUST FUND BOARD OF TRUSTEES

The Board of Trustees will receive an overview of Tier 1 applications and hear presentations from nine housing project applicants. The meeting will conclude with a discussion on next steps for these projects.

• Colony on Grove – Beech (Rental)
• 12 Benefit Project (Rental)
• 26 Claridge Renovation (Homeownership)
• 36 Fifth Avenue (Rental)
• Seeds of Hope Tiny Homes (Rental)

City Council

The City Council will consider numerous resident petitions for speed humps, sidewalks, and parking changes. The body is also reviewing salary amendments for city personnel and the adoption of a $438,000 grant from the Department of Mental Health.

• Grant of $438,000.00 from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Mental Health
• Transfer of $75,654.00 to fund costs for a $30,364,339 BAN dated September 18, 2025
• Proposed honorary street name 'William Wallace Way' for Elm St. from Chestnut St. to Linden St.
• Salary amendments for Snow Customer Service Representatives, Snow Inspectors, and Deputy City Solicitors
• Public hearings set for October 21, 2025, regarding conduit locations for Charter Communications and National Grid

The council approved the minutes of the September 9, 2025 meeting. It confirmed the reappointments of Mary Leovich and Patricia Austin to the Green Worcester Advisory Committee by a 10‑0 vote. The council referred numerous citizen petitions to the Planning Board, Public Works Committee, and Traffic and Parking Committee, set hearings for conduit projects on Oct. 21, 2025, and voted 10‑0 to advertise two proposed ordinances.

• Approved September 9, 2025 meeting minutes (adopted)
• Confirmed reappointments of Mary Leovich and Patricia Austin to Green Worcester Advisory Committee (10 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Referred Curtis Alexander sewer drain request on Nixon Ave to Planning Board
• Referred Natalie Turner sidewalk request on Parker St to Public Works Committee
• Referred traffic and parking petitions (items #7g‑#7v) to Traffic and Parking Committee
• Set hearing for conduit locations at 103 Canterbury St, 63 Williamsberg Dr, and Dana Ave for Oct 21, 2025
• Voted to advertise proposed ordinance #8.3A (10 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Voted to advertise proposed ordinance #8.3C (10 Yeas, 0 Nays)

Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School - Board of Trustees Meeting

The Board of Trustees will consider a motion to approve a merit increase for the Executive Director, proposed at 3½ % to 4 % based on the 2025 annual performance review. The meeting also includes routine items such as call to order and adjournment.

• Motion to approve Executive Director’s merit increase of 3½ %–4 %

Commission on Elder Affairs

The Worcester Commission on Elder Affairs will approve prior meeting minutes, hear a guest speaker from the Department of Health & Human Services, and receive reports on goals, operations, and senior services. The meeting will also confirm the date for the next session on October 27, 2025. All items are presented for discussion by the commission members.

• Approve June 23 and May 19 Commission minutes and September 9 Senior Center Committee Report
• Guest speaker: Dr. Mattie Castiel, M.D., Commissioner of Health & Human Services
• Director’s Report – goals and outcomes
• Operations & Special Projects report
• Senior Services, Education & Outreach report

Conservation Commission

The Worcester Conservation Commission will meet to discuss wetlands protection projects, including determinations of applicability for utility work and construction permits, as well as updates on enforcement orders.

• Determination of applicability for 7 Pitt Street porches
• Notice of Intent for 24 Lakeside Avenue multi-family construction
• Notice of Intent for 30 Quinsigamond Avenue safety upgrades
• Enforcement Order updates for 26 properties
• Discussion of active projects and open space

The Worcester Conservation Commission voted unanimously to postpone the public hearings for items 3, 4, 6, 10, and 11 to October 20 2025 and extend the constructive grant deadlines to November 11 2025. It also issued negative determinations of applicability for 7 Pitt Street and the Bridle Path Right‑of‑Way. Additionally, the commission closed hearings and issued Orders of Conditions for 0 McAvey Way & 1393 Grafton Street.

• Postponed public hearing for 31 Randolph Road (Item 3) to Oct 20 2025; extended grant deadline to Nov 11 2025 (3‑0)
• Postponed public hearing for Lots 9‑12 Chester Street (Item 4) to Oct 20 2025; extended grant deadline to Nov 11 2025 (3‑0)
• Postponed public hearing for Lakeside Avenue & Garland Street Right‑of‑Way (Item 6) to Oct 20 2025; extended grant deadline to Nov 11 2025 (3‑0)
• Postponed public hearing for 30 Quinsigamond Avenue (Item 10) to Oct 20 2025; extended grant deadline to Nov 11 2025 (3‑0)
• Postponed public hearing for 18 Kiara Drive (Item 11) to Oct 20 2025; extended grant deadline to Nov 11 2025 (3‑0)
• Issued negative determination of applicability for 7 Pitt Street (3‑0)
• Issued negative determination of applicability for Bridle Path Right‑of‑Way (3‑0)
• Closed public hearing and issued Order of Conditions for 0 McAvey Way & 1393 Grafton Street (3‑0)

Civic Center Commission

The Civic Center Commission will meet to receive status updates on city projects and reports from ASM Global regarding finance, sales, and operations. The commission will also consider a Community Day application for a holiday party on December 21, 2025.

• Acceptance of June 26, 2025 meeting minutes
• City of Worcester Project Status Update
• Community Day Application for DCF Annual Holiday Party on 12/21/25
• ASM Global reporting on finance, sales, operations, and marketing

The Civic Center Commission approved several funding items and a community event. A $140,000 budget was authorized to replace storage equipment for the network upgrade, and $72,000 was allocated for fire‑alarm panel modifications. Additional approvals included a $5,369.10 minor change order for the cooling tower, $29,850 for walk‑in cooler repairs, and the DCF holiday party. All items passed with a unanimous 5‑0 vote.

• Accepted June 26, 2025 minutes (5-0)
• Approved minor change order proposals approx $5,369.10 (5-0)
• Approved storage equipment replacement funding up to $140,000 (5-0)
• Approved fire alarm panel modification funding $72,000 (5-0)
• Approved walk‑in cooler and freezer door repairs $29,850 (5-0)
• Approved DCF holiday party for foster children and families (5-0)

OPEB Board Meeting

The Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Board of Trustees will review the trust's net position and investment performance as of June 30, 2025. The board will also consider payments for airport retiree health insurance.

• Approval of FY25 final $38,222 airport retiree health insurance payment
• Approval of FY26 preliminary $40,230 airport retiree health insurance payment
• Review of PRIM Board Quarterly Investment Updates for Q1 and Q2 2025

Worcester Housing Authority

The Board of Commissioners will consider approvals for maintenance contracts, change orders for roofing and drainage, and a housing assistance payments contract. The board will also review financial statements and status reports across several administrative departments.

• Agreement for eight Project-Based Vouchers at 237 Chandler Street
• Change Order No. 2 for roof replacement at 24 Mill Street (Triumph Roofing, Inc.)
• Change Order No. 2 for drainage improvements at 32 Oberlin Street (Sun Construction)
• Award recommendations for locksmith and Plumbing & HVAC/R services
• Approval of EOHLC Public Housing Notice 2023-03 Wage Match for State Housing Programs Tenants

Lake Quinsigamond Commission

The Lake Quinsigamond Commission will review the October 2024 meeting minutes, approve bills and expenses, and elect the At‑Large Commissioner and officer positions. It will also consider two event requests from the Worcester Boat Club: the 3rd Annual Rocket Regatta on July 27 from 5:30 am to 12:00 pm, and the Quinsig 10k Conquest on September 14 from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm, which may involve boat‑ramp closures. Additional agenda items include updates to the Lake Management Plan and reports from city and watershed officials.

• Decision on Worcester Boat Club’s 3rd Annual Rocket Regatta (July 27, 5:30 am–12:00 pm)
• Decision on Worcester Boat Club’s Quinsig 10k Conquest (Sept 14, 7:00 am–2:00 pm, includes boat‑ramp closures)
• Review and acceptance of October 2024 meeting minutes
• Review and approval of bills and expenses
• Election of the At‑Large Commissioner and officer positions

Worcester Technical High School Naming Committee

The Worcester Technical High School Naming Committee will meet on September 24, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. in an executive session followed by an open session at Worcester Technical High School, 1 Officer Manny Familia Way. In executive session, the committee will discuss an Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Nicole Apostola against the naming committee. The committee will consider a recommendation to accept a $500,000 donation from the Gene Haas Foundation, to be used for renovations of the Advanced Manufacturing space and to name the Gene Haas Center for Advanced Manufacturing for twelve years. Public comment will be allowed for two minutes per speaker.

• Discuss Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Nicole Apostola (executive session)
• Consider acceptance of $500,000 donation from Gene Haas Foundation for Advanced Manufacturing space renovations and naming
• Public comment period – speakers may address the committee for two minutes each

Public Library Board of Directors

The Board of Directors will meet to approve previous minutes and receive reports from the Executive Director and Administration Committee. The meeting includes updates from the Worcester Public Library Foundation and a review of community reports.

• Approval of June 25, 2025 meeting minutes
• Review of Monthly Library, Safety, and Community reports
• Acceptance of Administration Committee minutes from August 12, 13, and 25, 2025
• Worcester Public Library Foundation updates

Standing Committee on Public Works

The Standing Committee on Public Works will consider multiple petitions for street resurfacing, sidewalk repairs, and honorary street name designations. The body will also review requests for sewer main extensions and guardrail installations.

• Honorary street name requests for Gardner St. (William S. Coleman III Way) and Winfield St. (Bethany Veney Way)
• Sidewalk repair and resurfacing petitions for 22 different locations, including Neptune Rd. and Haviland St.
• Street resurfacing petitions for 10 locations, including Manor St., Morgan St., and Ludlow St.
• Sewer main extension requests for Marmion Ave. and Myrick Ave.
• Guardrail installation requests for Bittersweet Blvd., Ingalls St., and Grafton St.

The Public Works Committee unanimously approved the minutes from the June 17, 2025 meeting. It also approved honorary street name designations for Gardner Street as “William S. Coleman III Way” and for Winfield Street as “Bethany Veney Way.” In addition, the committee approved a series of sidewalk repair, resurfacing, and curb‑installation requests, and ordered site visits for several streets, with one item placed on file.

• Approved June 17, 2025 Public Works Committee minutes (3 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Approved honorary naming of Gardner St. as “William S. Coleman III Way” (3 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Approved honorary naming of Winfield St. as “Bethany Veney Way” (3 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Approved sidewalk resurfacing on Neptune Rd. (3 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Approved curb installation in front of 586 Salisbury St. (3 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Approved sidewalk resurfacing on Haviland St. and ordered site visit (3 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Approved site‑visit order for Davidson Rd. to address utility pipe issue (3 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Filed request for sidewalk resurfacing on Airlie St. (no vote)

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Board of Trustees

The Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School Board of Trustees will meet to discuss committee reports and executive director evaluations. The board is scheduled to vote on a Chapter 149A application. The meeting also includes a discussion of I-Ready data.

• Vote to approve the Chapter 149A application
• Discussion of I-Ready Data
• Executive Director Evaluation
• Review of June 25, 2025, meeting minutes
• Release of Executive Committee June 6, 2025, meeting minutes

Human Rights Commission

The Human Rights Commission will meet to approve minutes, discuss 'Know Your Rights' and host guest speakers on affordable housing and supportive housing programs. The meeting will be held in-person at City Hall with a remote option.

• Approval of prior month's minutes
• Discussion of 'Know Your Rights' presentation
• Guest Speaker Peter Dunn on Affordable Housing Development
• Guest Speaker Ian Gendreau on Permanent Supportive Housing Program
• Meeting held at Esther Howland Chamber, City Hall

The Human Rights Commission approved the prior month’s minutes (7‑0). It unanimously requested the City Manager fill the two vacant seats on the Affordable Housing Trust Fund board. The commission voted 6‑2 to have the City Manager research the feasibility of a universal basic income or cash assistance program. It also unanimously affirmed support for inclusionary zoning and CPA funding and urged continued collaboration with the city manager.

• Approved prior month minutes (7-0)
• Requested City Manager fill vacant Affordable Housing Trust Fund board seats (unanimous)
• Requested City Manager research feasibility of universal basic income or cash assistance program (6-2)
• Affirmed support for inclusionary zoning and CPA funding, encouraging city manager collaboration (unanimous)

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School, Facilities & Finance Committee

The Facilities and Finance Committee will review a QPD presentation and consider recommending a Chapter 149A application to the Board of Trustees. The meeting also includes reviews of the 10-year budget and 10-year capital projects.

• Vote to recommend Chapter 149A Application to the Board of Trustees
• Review of 10 Year Budget
• Review of 10 Year Capital Projects
• Investment update

MCRWB Executive Committee

The Executive Committee will approve the August 15, 2025 meeting minutes and receive updates on grants and the career center. They will discuss membership outreach and the agenda for the full board meeting on Oct. 16, 2025. General announcements and scheduling of the next meeting for Nov. 21, 2025 are also included.

• Approval of meeting minutes – August 15, 2025
• Grants & Program Update (USDOL Employment and Training Administration grants)
• Career Center Updates
• Membership Outreach
• Full Board Meeting Agenda – Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025

Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board

The Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board will meet to approve previous minutes and receive administrative reports. Discussions include project timelines for fixed route technology, a bus stop study, and a rebrand.

• VIP Task Force update
• Fixed Route Technology project timeline update
• Bus Stop Study update
• Demand Response Survey update
• Transdev update

Worcester Housing Authority - CANCELLED

The scheduled meeting for the Board of Commissioners was cancelled. The agenda included proposed approvals for locksmith services, roofing and drainage change orders, and a housing assistance payments contract.

• Change Order No. 2 for Triumph Roofing, Inc. at 24 Mill Street
• Change Order No. 2 for Sun Construction drainage improvements at 32 Oberlin Street
• Agreement for eight Project-Based Vouchers at 237 Chandler Street
• Award recommendation for locksmith services
• Fire suppression improvement design services for 32 Oberlin Street, 309 Hamilton Street, and 8-10 Hudson Street

School Committee Meeting

The Worcester School Committee will meet to discuss successor contract negotiations for multiple employee units in executive session. The open session includes voting on several state grants and reviewing financial audit reports for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.

• Approval of FY26 FC325 Targeted Assistance Grant for $320,000
• Approval of DESE English Learner Education Support grant for $58,566
• Approval of DESE Proficiency Outcomes in World Languages grant for $27,391
• Donation of 400 backpacks from Joyner Lucas and 1,800 pairs of work boots from BRUNT
• Review of annual audit and internal controls for the City of Worcester and Worcester Public Schools

Worcester Redevelopment Authority

The Worcester Redevelopment Authority will meet to discuss an amendment to a land disposition and development agreement. The board will also receive status reports on downtown revitalization and financial updates.

• Amendment No. 1 to the Land Disposition and Development Agreement with Aroli Group, LLC (Menkiti Group) for 484-500 Main Street
• Status report on Union Station / MBTA Working Group
• Status report on Downtown Urban Revitalization Plan / Denholm
• Status report on Madison Properties
• Financial report on prior month's executed contracts and payments

The board approved an amendment to the Land Disposition and Development Agreement with Aroli Group, LLC for 484-500 Main Street, authorizing the chair or vice‑chair to execute it. The motion passed unanimously with a 5‑0 vote. The board also approved the August 21, 2025 minutes (4‑0) and adjourned the meeting unanimously (5‑0).

• Approved amendment to Land Disposition and Development Agreement with Aroli Group, LLC for 484-500 Main St (5-0)
• Approved August 21, 2025 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

License Commission

The Worcester License Commission meeting will review minutes from September 4, 2025 and address requests for continuances, extensions, and withdrawals. Commissioners will decide on multiple one‑day liquor and entertainment license applications for events in October and September. The agenda also includes common victualer operating‑hour requests, changes of managers or officers for several businesses, and a status hearing for a cessation of business.

• One‑day entertainment license for live music at Shrewsbury Street Italian Heritage Parade, Shrewsbury Street & East Park – Sunday, Oct 5, 2025, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
• One‑day entertainment license for live and recorded music at Worcester County Walk to End Alzheimer’s, 100 North Parkway – Sunday, Oct 19, 2025, 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
• One‑day liquor license for Tapped Beer Trucks, 100 Research Drive – Wed, Sep 24, 2025, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
• Request to change manager/officers/directors for Off the Rails, LLC, 90 Commercial Street.
• Transfer of restaurant all‑alcohol license for Punta Cana Bar & Grill Restaurant, Inc., 795 Main Street, from Sazon Bar & Grill, Inc.

The Worcester License Commission approved one‑day entertainment licenses for the Shrewsbury Street Italian Heritage Parade and the Worcester County Walk to End Alzheimer’s, a one‑day liquor license for Tapped Beer Trucks, and a full‑service restaurant alcohol license for Brave Family Corp. It also approved a common victualer license for Nahomie Restaurant, a manager/officer change for Off the Rails, LLC, and a location transfer and common victualer license for The Basement, LLC. The commission postponed the liquor‑license application for J.T. Ethier. Votes ranged from 2‑0 to 3‑0, with one record showing a vote of 2‑.

• Approved one‑day entertainment license for Shrewsbury Street Italian Heritage Parade (2‑0)
• Approved one‑day entertainment license for Worcester County Walk to End Alzheimer’s (2‑)
• Approved one‑day liquor license for Tapped Beer Trucks (3‑0)
• Approved common victualer license for Nahomie Restaurant (2‑0)
• Approved change of manager/officers/directors for Off the Rails, LLC (2‑0)
• Approved restaurant all alcohol license for Brave Family Corp (3‑0)
• Approved transfer of location and common victualer license for The Basement, LLC (2‑0)
• Postponed one‑day liquor license for J.T. Ethier to Oct 2 2025 (2‑0)

Historical Commission

The Worcester Historical Commission will consider six Building Demolition Delay Waiver applications for historic buildings, including 17 Jefferson Street, 31 Elizabeth Street, 316 Main Street, 55 Salisbury Street, 96 Elm Street, and 106 Elm Street. Each petition seeks permission for window replacements, masonry repairs, roof work, or other alterations while preserving historic character. The meeting will also address policy and procedure items, invite public comment on a HUD‑funded project at 61 Reed Street, and approve minutes from previous meetings.

• 17 Jefferson St – waiver to open three new windows and perform MEP work
• 31 Elizabeth St, Unit G‑4 – waiver to replace windows on a State and National Register property
• 316 Main St – waiver to replace windows, add glazing, and upgrade MEP systems
• 55 Salisbury St – waiver to replace windows, infill some windows, repair masonry, and replace doors
• 96 Elm St – waiver and Certificate of Appropriateness to replace the roof

The Worcester Historical Commission approved Building Demolition Delay Waivers for 17 Jefferson Street, 31 Elizabeth Street Unit G‑4, 316 Main Street, and 55 Salisbury Street, each by a 6‑0 vote. It also approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for 96 Elm Street and both a Certificate of Appropriateness and a Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 106 Elm Street, each by a 6‑0 vote. The commission accepted the minutes of the July 24 and August 7 meetings unanimously.

• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 17 Jefferson Street (vote 6‑0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 31 Elizabeth Street Unit G‑4 (vote 6‑0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 316 Main Street (vote 6‑0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 55 Salisbury Street (vote 6‑0)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for 96 Elm Street (vote 6‑0)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for 106 Elm Street (vote 6‑0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 106 Elm Street (vote 6‑0)
• Accepted minutes of July 24 and August 7 meetings unanimously

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Worcester Parks & Recreation Commission will accept the minutes from May 8 and June 12, 2025, and then hear public participation. New business includes a request from District 2 City Councilor Candy Mero‑Carlson to begin naming the East Park playground after Gary Vecchio, a request for an update on the Elm Park playground, an update on the Community Preservation Committee, and a discussion of issues at Beaver Brook Park. No decisions are recorded in the agenda; the items are presented for discussion and possible future action.

• Request to begin naming East Park playground after Gary Vecchio
• Request for an update on the Elm Park playground
• Request for an update on the Community Preservation Committee
• Discussion of issues at Beaver Brook Park
• Acceptance of minutes from May 8, 2025 and June 12, 2025

The commission approved naming the East Park playground after Gary Vecchio. It filed the Elm Park playground safety issue and the Community Preservation Grants update, which awarded $4,388,009 to 18 projects. It also filed the Beaver Brook Park concerns and approved the May 8 minutes while tabling the June 12 minutes.

• Approved naming East Park playground after Gary Vecchio (5‑0)
• Filed Elm Park playground safety surfacing issue (5‑0)
• Filed Community Preservation Grants update awarding $4,388,009 to 18 projects (5‑0)
• Filed Beaver Brook Park issues discussion (5‑0)
• Approved minutes for May 8, 2025 (4‑0)
• Tabled minutes for June 12, 2025 (4‑0)

Standing Committee on Traffic and Parking

The Traffic and Parking Committee will approve minutes from the June 18 meeting and consider a series of petitions for handicap parking, crosswalks, no‑parking signs, resident permits, stop signs, traffic signs, and turn‑restriction changes. The most significant items are three recommended ordinances to establish all‑way stop controls at Granite & Loxwood/Holcombe, Elm & Sever, and Providence & Holcombe streets.

• Approve minutes of the June 18, 2025 Traffic and Parking Committee meeting
• Consider handicap parking space requests at locations including 194 Hamilton St, 3‑5 Fourth St, and 53 Elm St
• Review petitions for new or modified crosswalks, such as an audible signal at Chandler & Mill St
• Evaluate recommended ordinances to create all‑way stop controls at Granite & Loxwood/Holcombe, Elm & Sever, and Providence & Holcombe streets
• Discuss various no‑parking, resident permit, stop sign, and traffic sign petitions

The Traffic and Parking Committee adopted the minutes from the June 18, 2025 meeting. It approved five handicap parking space petitions, including locations on Stowell Ave, Strathmore Rd, Front St, Stoneland Rd, and Caroline St. All approvals were passed unanimously or with all yeas recorded.

• Approved minutes of June 18, 2025 meeting (2 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Approved handicap parking space at 2A Stowell Ave (2 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Approved handicap parking space at 18 Strathmore Rd (2 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Approved handicap parking space at 120 Front St (3 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Approved handicap parking space at 32 Stoneland Rd (2 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Approved handicap parking space at 15 Caroline St (2 Yeas, 0 Nays)

Accessibility Advisory Committee

The Accessibility Advisory Committee will review the ongoing ADA inventory and draft transition plan for public rights-of-way. The body will also discuss emergency preparedness, including city shelters and the State Disability Emergency Form.

• Ongoing ADA inventory and Draft Transition Plan for the public right-of-way
• Updates on State Disability Emergency Form and city heating/cooling shelters
• Debrief of July 23, 2025, Disability Pride/35th ADA Anniversary Event
• Discussion on actions for Dysautonomia Month
• Review of AAB applications for 30 Welington Street and 425 Pleasant Street

Community Preservation Committee

The Committee will vote on the approval of previous meeting minutes and FY26 Community Preservation Coalition dues. Members will review FY25 administrative expenditures and discuss the Fall 2025 funding round timeline.

• Vote on Community Preservation Coalition Dues for FY26
• Review of FY25 Administrative Expenditures and FY26 Proposals
• Discussion on Affordable Housing Trust Fund
• Discussion on application and review process improvements (Rubric) and CPA signage
• Discussion on the Fall 2025 Funding Round timeline

City Council

The City Council will consider a request to rezone a Stafford Street property from single-family to general residence and approve the acceptance of two state grants totaling over $1 million for public health preparedness.

• Request to rezone 232 Stafford St. from RS-7 to RG-5
• Accept $1,061,230 grant from Mass. Dept. of Public Health
• Accept $3,942 grant from UMass Chan Medical School
• Accept $25,000 donation from Hanover Insurance Group Foundation
• Accept $3,027.60 for prior year Public Works invoices

The council approved the minutes from the August 19, 2025 meeting. Several resident petitions were referred to the Planning Board, Public Works Committee, and Traffic and Parking Committee. Updates from city departments were sent to the appropriate committees. The council adopted three grant/donation resolutions, including a $1,061,230 health grant, with unanimous votes.

• Approved August 19, 2025 council minutes (unanimous)
• Referred zoning amendment petition for 232/242 Stafford St. to Planning Board
• Referred sidewalk resurfacing petition for 75 Providence St. to Public Works Committee
• Referred multiple traffic improvement petitions (speed humps, parking, crosswalks) to Traffic and Parking Committee
• Referred Transportation & Mobility update to Public Works Committee
• Referred Fire Department update to Public Safety Committee
• Adopted $1,061,230 grant from Massachusetts Department of Public Health (10 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Adopted $25,000 donation from Hanover Insurance Group Foundation (10 Yeas, 0 Nays)

Hope Cemetery Commission

The Hope Cemetery Commission will review and discuss a capital improvement update as part of its regular agenda. The meeting will also handle routine items such as acceptance of the June 9, 2025 minutes and standard reports. No new business or decisions are listed beyond the update.

• Acceptance of June 9, 2025 meeting minutes
• Commissioner report: Capital Improvement Update
• Roll call and call to order

The Hope Cemetery Commission approved the minutes from the June 9, 2025 meeting. The motion to accept was made by Christopher Faucher and seconded by John Deedy, with all commissioners voting yes. No other business was acted upon.

• Accepted June 9, 2025 minutes (unanimous)

Learning First Charter Public School Finance Committee

The Finance Committee is reviewing school financial reports and the status of the FY25 audit. Members are discussing a roof replacement project involving asbestos abatement. The committee will coordinate with the Learning First Foundation regarding payment for the repairs.

• Estimated $150,000 cost for roof replacement and asbestos abatement
• Review of FY25 Audit currently being processed by CBIZ
• Approval of August 18, 2025, meeting minutes
• Discussion on opening a long term CD

Learning First Charter Public School Governance Committee

The Learning First Charter Public School Governance Committee will approve the August governance minutes. The committee will receive updates on the 2026 charter renewal process, including distribution of preparation documents and scheduling of a virtual interview on September 29 at 2:00 p.m. The board will finalize the narrative and goals section of Leo’s evaluation. The meeting will include an opportunity for new business.

• Approve August governance minutes
• Review 2026 charter renewal updates and schedule virtual interview on 9/29 at 2:00 p.m.
• Finalize narrative and goals section of Leo’s evaluation
• Discuss any new business items

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hear seven public hearings regarding zoning variances and special permits for residential development and accessory structures across Worcester.

• 14 Emery Street: 4 single-family attached dwellings on 4 lots
• 304 Lovell Street: 4-unit multi-family dwelling with shared parking
• 36A Barrows Road: 27 FT tall garage in front yard
• 10 Trahan Avenue: Retroactive approval for front yard carport
• 80 Prudential Street: Lot division in Water Resource Protection zone

The Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously (5-0) to continue the hearing on the 14 Emery Street proposal to the October 6, 2025 meeting. No other motions or votes were recorded for the 304 Lovell Street application. The board will consider both items at the next meeting.

• Continue hearing on 14 Emery Street to Oct 6, 2025 (5-0)

Learning First Charter Public School Board of Trustees

The Learning First Charter Public School Board of Trustees will meet to discuss school operations and a forthcoming DESE site visit. The board is scheduled to vote on a new long-term CD and an updated staff discretionary time policy to align with Massachusetts law.

• Vote on updated Discretionary Time Policy for staff
• Vote on new Long-term CD
• Vote on Leo Flanagan FY25 Evaluation
• Discussion of DESE site visit scheduled for October 1
• Enrollment report as of September 11, 2025: 666 enrolled with a waitlist of 276

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Education Committee

The committee will review meeting minutes from June 2025, discuss International Baccalaureate scores, and review the instructional plan and enrollment for the 2025-26 school year.

• Review of June 13, 2025, meeting minutes
• Review of International Baccalaureate scores
• Review of Instructional Plan AY25-26
• Review of Enrollment data
• Principals Updates

Public Schools Standing Committee on Teaching, Learning and Student Success

The Standing Committee on Teaching, Learning and Student Success will review administration responses regarding high school mastery-based grading practices. The committee will also consider a report on American Sign Language (ASL) student numbers and program expansion as a career pathway.

• Proposed Mastery-Based Grading Practices written policy
• Report on American Sign Language (ASL) program enrollment for 2023 and 2024
• Proposal to expand ASL program via partnerships with local hospitals and institutions

Retirement Board

The Worcester Retirement Board meeting on September 11, 2025 will review old business items such as the July custody recap and August custody reports, and consider new business items including PTG updates, election results, retiree evaluations for Meola, M (91A), and a cybersecurity update. The agenda also lists warrants and items that will be handled in executive session. No specific decisions are indicated; the agenda outlines topics for discussion.

• PTG updates
• Election results
• Retiree evaluation for Meola, M (91A)
• Cybersecurity update
• Warrants

The Worcester Retirement Board approved the prior month’s minutes, the monthly superannuation, and survivor benefits, each by a 5‑0 vote. It voted 5‑0 to request a PERAC opinion on a member’s excess post‑retirement earnings and to file the financial statements as presented. The board accepted E. Early as the elected member (4‑0) and approved a series of warrants, including $8,838,840.09 in August retiree benefits.

• Approved prior month’s minutes (5‑0)
• Approved monthly superannuation (5‑0)
• Approved 12(2)d survivor benefits (5‑0)
• Motion to request PERAC opinion on excess earnings (5‑0)
• Filed financials as presented (5‑0)
• Accepted E. Early as elected member (4‑0)
• Approved warrants, including $8,838,840.09 August retiree benefits (vote not recorded)
• Adjourned meeting (5‑0)

Worcester Arts Council

The Worcester Arts Council will meet to vote on a new treasurer, discuss budget investments, and review survey results regarding grant applications. The meeting will be held online via Zoom.

• Vote for treasurer
• Admin Budget discussion
• Survey Results review
• Scheduling grant application review meetings
• Upcoming #WACfunded Events

Citizens Advisory Council

The Citizen Advisory Council will consider and vote to accept and approve the minutes from the 7‑8‑25 meeting. It will also interview current applicants for council positions. The agenda includes a recruitment/outreach item referencing www.worcesterculture.org and planning of future agenda items. The next meeting is set for October 7, 2025 at Levi Lincoln Chambers or via Teams.

• Accept and approve minutes from 7‑8‑25
• Interview current applicants (TBD)
• Recruitment/Outreach: www.worcesterculture.org
• Discuss future agenda items
• Next meeting scheduled for October 7, 2025 at Levi Lincoln Chambers or Teams

The council approved the September 8, 2025 meeting minutes by an 8‑0 vote. It appointed Jeffrey Burnett to the Historical Commission (8‑0) and, after a revote, to the Commission on Homelessness (6‑2). It also appointed Willdalize Perez‑Faria to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund (8‑0) and Sharon Boateng to the Advisory Commission on Youth (8‑0).

• Approved September 8, 2025 minutes (8‑0)
• Approved Jeffrey Burnett to Historical Commission (8‑0)
• Approved Jeffrey Burnett to Commission on Homelessness after revote (6‑2)
• Approved Willdalize Perez‑Faria to Affordable Housing Trust Fund (8‑0)
• Approved Sharon Boateng to Advisory Commission on Youth (8‑0)

Chapter 139 Hearing

The Inspectional Services Department will hold a Chapter 139 meeting on September 9, 2025, at 25 Meade Street. The agenda lists 15 properties for review, including 103 Blackstone River Road and 15 Larch Street. Written comments must be submitted at least two business days in advance.

• 103 Blackstone River Road
• 15 Larch Street
• 42 William Street
• 96-98 Uncatena Avenue
• Adjournment

Chapter 139 Hearing - Vacant Properties

The Vacant Properties Committee will meet on September 9, 2025 at 10:00 am in Room 109, 25 Meade Street, Worcester. The agenda lists several vacant property addresses that will be reviewed. No specific actions or decisions are detailed in the agenda.

• 63 Charlotte Street
• 419 Grafton Street
• 13 Sigel Street
• 2 Stevens Road
• 27 Tirrell Street

Senior Center Committee

The Senior Center Committee will approve minutes from previous meetings, discuss finances including $4,630 spent on emergency repairs and the upcoming FY‑26 elder‑service contract, and review operational updates such as facility improvements and program activities. The meeting will also allow brief public comments before adjourning.

• Review of $4,630 expended on emergency one‑time repairs and miscellaneous items
• Initiation of the FY‑26 elder service contract process
• Review of licenses, including extension of Prime Movement this summer
• City awarding a 2% cost‑of‑living adjustment to staff and new increases on the M pay scale
• Operations updates: bike racks installed, parking lot re‑lined, and speed bumps to be installed in June

Standing Committee on Public Safety

The Public Safety Committee will approve the minutes from the June 24, 2025 meeting and review several informational communications. Items include an update on the police body‑worn camera program, details of the ShotSpotter contract and its annual cost, and fire department reports on PFAS‑free gear and recruit demographics. The committee will also discuss and recommend adoption of MGL Chapter 148 Section 26I, which would require automatic fire sprinklers in residential buildings with four or more units.

• Approve minutes of the Public Safety Committee meeting held June 24, 2025
• Police Body‑Worn Camera program update: 275,328 pieces of evidence created since February 2023
• ShotSpotter contract (current term April 6, 2023 – April 5, 2026) with average annual cost $573,563 ($528,597 for ShotSpotter, $44,966 for Resource Router)
• Fire Department acquisition of PFAS‑free gear
• Recommendation to adopt MGL Ch 148 Sec 26I – mandatory fire sprinklers in residential buildings with four or more units

The Public Safety Committee approved the June 24, 2025 meeting minutes (3 yeas, 0 nays). It voted to place on file several requests for reports, including a language‑translation list for police body‑camera software, annual ShotSpotter cost and gun‑violence data, a comparison of 2023‑2024 police details, PFAS‑free fire gear updates, fire‑academy recruitment demographics, and a fire‑sprinkler policy adoption. All recorded votes were unanimous (3 yeas, 0 nays).

• Approved June 24, 2025 Public Safety Committee minutes (3 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Recommended file request for language‑translation report for police body‑camera software (3 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Recommended file request for ShotSpotter cost and gun‑violence arrest report (3 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Recommended file request for 2023‑2024 police details comparison report (3 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Recommended file of PFAS‑free fire gear acquisition update (no vote tally recorded)
• Recommended file request for fire academy recruitment demographics report (3 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Recommended file of fire‑sprinkler policy adoption (MGL Ch 148, Sec 26I) (3 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Adopted Chairman’s Resolution reaffirming city commitment to fire safety (no vote tally recorded)

Board of Election Commissioners

The Board of Election Commissioners will conduct a random drawing to determine the order of candidates on the November 4 municipal election ballot. The board will also discuss early voting preparations and feedback from the September 2 preliminary election.

• Ballot order drawing for Mayor, City Council, and School Committee
• Proposed advanced removal and counting of mail-in and early ballots on November 1 and 2
• Discussion of early voting for the November 4 municipal election
• Review of feedback from the September 2 preliminary election

City Council

The Worcester City Council will discuss a recommendation to amend the Urban Center Housing Tax Increment Financing (UCH‑TIF) Plan and Agreement for Lakeside Phase I Four LLC and Lakeside Phase I Nine LLC, which concerns an affordable housing project at 34‑46 Lakeside Avenue. The meeting also includes hearings to grant conduit permits to Charter Communications and National Grid on Hermon, Harrison, and Winfield Streets, and a petition to rename Gardner Street as “William S. Coleman III Way.” Additional public petitions on sidewalks, signage, and traffic calming will be heard.

• Adopt recommendation to amend UCH‑TIF Plan for affordable housing at 34‑46 Lakeside Ave.
• Hearings to grant conduit locations for Charter Communications (Hermon St.) and National Grid (Harrison St. and Winfield St.)
• Petition to rename Gardner St. (Main St. to Hollis St.) “William S. Coleman III Way.”
• Petition to extend Business General (BG‑6.0) and Commercial Corridors Overlay (CCOD‑D) zoning to 108 and 112 Beacon St.
• Multiple petitions for sidewalk resurfacing, speed humps, and “No Parking Anytime” signage on various streets

The council approved the minutes from the July 15, 2025 meeting. It adopted a recommendation to require automatic fire sprinkler systems in residential buildings with four or more units, passing 10 yeas to 0 nays. The council also approved conduit permits for Charter Communications on Hermon Street and for National Grid on Harrison and Winfield Streets, each by voice vote.

• Approved July 15, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adopted fire sprinkler mandate for residential buildings with ≥4 units (10‑yeas, 0‑nays)
• Approved Charter Communications conduit on Hermon St (voice vote)
• Approved National Grid conduit on Harrison St (voice vote)
• Approved National Grid conduit on Winfield St (voice vote)
• Referred Thornton Rd signage request to Department of Public Works and Parks
• Referred Beacon St zoning amendment request to Planning Board
• Placed water line extension request on Hastings Ave on file

Public Schools Standing Committee on Finance, Operations and Governance

The Finance, Operations, and Governance Standing Committee will meet virtually to vote on fully funding the Special Chorus at Worcester Arts Magnet School and accepting a $500,000 donation for renovations at Worcester Technical High School.

• Vote to fully fund Special Chorus at Worcester Arts Magnet School
• Vote to amend School Committee rules regarding tie votes
• Vote to accept $500,000 donation for Worcester Technical High School renovations
• Discussion on Gene Haas Foundation donation for Advanced Manufacturing space

Green Worcester Advisory Committee

The committee will hear a Clark University student presentation on property owner perspectives on trees and review preliminary research on artificial turf fields. The meeting also includes updates on the Zero Waste Master Plan and various energy and resilience projects.

• Clark University HERO student presentation on Worcester property/business owner perspectives on trees
• Preliminary research information on artificial turf fields
• Zero Waste Master Plan upcoming public workshops
• Green Communities Competitive Grant Award update
• Energy Savings Performance Contract Request for Proposals

The Green Worcester Advisory Committee unanimously approved the minutes from the July 28, 2025 meeting. Members discussed a tree‑planting study, artificial‑turf field concerns, and a regional climate action plan. The committee noted the city received about $1.1 million from a state Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness grant.

• Approved July 28, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Worcester Conservation Commission met on September 8, 2025 to consider pending wetland resource delineations, notice‑of‑intent applications, and other regulatory matters. Old business includes an abbreviated notice of resource area delineation for 31 Randolph Road (file CC‑2025‑051). New business includes notice‑of‑intent applications for projects at 0 McAvey Way & 1393 Grafton Street, 569 Millbury Street, 17 Mill Street, Lots 9‑12 Chester Street, 301 Green Hill Parkway, 24 Lakeside Avenue, and 18 Bowker Street. Additional items are requests for certificates of compliance, updates on numerous enforcement orders, discussion of active projects, open‑space discussion, and approval of minutes.

• Review of resource area delineation for 31 Randolph Road (file CC‑2025‑051)
• Notice of Intent for 0 McAvey Way & 1393 Grafton Street (file CC‑2024‑058)
• Notice of Intent for 569 Millbury Street multi‑family project (file CC‑2025‑032)
• Notice of Intent for 17 Mill Street demolition and site work (file CC‑2025‑050)
• Notice of Intent for 301 Green Hill Parkway golf course renovation (file CC‑2025‑061)

The Conservation Commission postponed five pending public hearings and extended their constructive grant deadlines. It continued the Chester Street hearing to September 29, 2025. The Commission closed the public hearings for the Green Hill Golf Course and Bowker Street projects and issued Orders of Conditions for each. It also issued a Certificate of Compliance for 173 Grove Street and a partial Certificate of Compliance for 12A Meadow Lane.

• Postponed public hearings and extended constructive grant deadlines for five projects (31 Randolph Rd, 0 McAvey Way & 1393 Grafton St, 569 Millbury St, 17 Mill St, 24 Lakeside Ave) – vote 4‑0
• Continued public hearing for Chester Street (Lots 9‑12) to Sept 29, 2025 – vote 4‑0
• Closed public hearing for Green Hill Golf Course project – vote 4‑0
• Issued Order of Conditions for Green Hill Golf Course renovation – vote 4‑0
• Closed public hearing for Bowker Street project – vote 4‑0
• Issued Order of Conditions for Bowker Street development – vote 4‑0
• Issued Certificate of Compliance for 173 Grove Street – vote 4‑0
• Issued partial Certificate of Compliance for 12A Meadow Lane – vote 4‑0

Standing Committee on Public Service and Transportation

The Public Service and Transportation Committee will meet to discuss the status of cable franchise negotiations with Charter/Spectrum. The committee will also review the impact of these negotiations on WCCA TV.

• Discussion on cable franchise negotiations with Charter/Spectrum and impact on WCCA TV
• Approval of minutes from the December 11, 2023 meeting

The Public Service and Transportation Committee approved the meeting minutes by a 3‑yea, 0‑nay vote. The committee voted to hold the discussion on the cable franchise negotiations. It adopted a series of Chairman’s Orders directing the City Manager to provide reports and consider actions related to Charter/Spectrum contracts, public‑access TV funding, easements, billing, and senior‑discount refunds.

• Approved meeting minutes (3 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Recommended holding the cable franchise negotiation discussion (Hold)
• Requested City Manager provide report on feasibility of voluntary contributions to public access TV
• Requested City Manager consider expediting appointments to the Cable Advisory Committee
• Requested City Manager provide report on timelines for easements granted to Charter/Spectrum
• Requested City Manager provide report on billing process for Charter/Spectrum public access fees
• Requested City Manager explore funding sources for WCCA TV, including CDBG monies
• Requested City Manager consider allowing WCCA TV representation on the Charter/Spectrum negotiation team

Board of Health

The Board of Health will receive updates on communicable diseases, including a rise in COVID-19 cases and CDC developments. Members will also review a water quality report and sign letters to healthcare providers and in support of Primary Care4You legislation.

• Review of Water Quality Report
• Signing of letter endorsing Primary Care4You Legislation
• Signing of letter to Healthcare Providers
• Presentation on SAPHE 2.0 by Grant Manager Cherry Tangri
• Presentation by HHS Commissioner Dr. Mattie Castiel

The Worcester Board of Health approved the corrected minutes after a motion and unanimous vote. The Board also agreed to follow up on the pending Primary Care4You legislation letter. No other formal actions were taken.

• Approved amended minutes (unanimous)
• Board will follow up on Primary Care4You legislation letter (pending)

License Commission

The License Commission will meet to consider several one-day liquor and entertainment permits for local events. The board will also review applications for restaurant alcohol licenses and a package store license transfer.

• Entertainment license for Pleasant Street Block Party on Hawley Street (Sept 7)
• One-day liquor licenses for 118 Main Street, 341 June Street, and Elms Café & Catering
• Restaurant malt & wine license request for Restaurant Sol of Mexico, Inc at 538 Pleasant Street
• Restaurant all alcohol license request for Brave Family Corp at 102 Green Street
• Violation hearing for Jolo. Inc. at 350 Southbridge Street regarding Rule #8

The commission approved several one‑day liquor and entertainment licenses, postponed a few pending applications, and voted 3‑0 to suspend Jolo Inc.'s liquor license due to a violation, keeping it suspended until October 23, 2025 pending required filings.

• Approved minutes of August 21, 2025 (3-0)
• Approved one‑day liquor license for Alexis Kelleher (3-0)
• Approved liquor and entertainment licenses for Our Lady of Mercy Maronite Catholic Church (3-0)
• Approved three one‑day liquor licenses for Elms Café & Catering (3-0)
• Approved transfer of package store malt & wine license to Sai Prashad Corporation (3-0)
• Approved restaurant malt & wine license for Restaurant Sol of Mexico (3-0)
• Postponed Off the Rails, LLC manager/officer changes to September 18, 2025 (3-0)
• Suspended Jolo Inc. liquor license until October 23, 2025 (3-0)

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will consider building demolition delay waivers and certificates of appropriateness for several historic properties. The body is reviewing requests for exterior renovations, roof replacements, and site improvements in local historic districts.

• Demolition delay waiver for 12 Jackson Street to perform brick repointing, window replacement, and roof work
• Demolition delay waiver for 403 Main Street to replace siding and roof and restore masonry
• Certificate of Appropriateness for 18 Oxford Street to repave and expand the driveway and parking lot
• Certificate of Appropriateness for 51 William Street to install solar panels
• Certificate of Appropriateness for 7-9 Oxford Street to install a fence and repair siding

The Worcester Historical Commission approved two Building Demolition Delay Waivers for 12 Jackson Street and 403 Main Street, finding the proposed work non‑detrimental to historic resources. It also approved six Certificate of Appropriateness applications for properties on Oxford, William, Somerset, and Congress Streets. All votes were unanimous except the 18 Oxford Street application, which passed 6‑1.

• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 12 Jackson St (7-0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 403 Main St (7-0)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for 18 Oxford St (6-1)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for 7‑9 Oxford St (7-0)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for 51 William St (7-0)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for 7 Somerset St (7-0)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for 13 Congress St (7-0)

School Committee Meeting

The School Committee will discuss updating the district cell phone policy to align with proposed state legislation for the 2025-26 school year. The body will also consider several grants and the transfer of property at 0 Northeast Cutoff from the City Manager.

• CPPI Implementation Grant: $750,000
• Intensive Assistance Grant (IAG): $223,739
• National Science Foundation Grant: $35,000
• Creative Experiences Initiative Grant: $30,000
• Property transfer of 0 Northeast Cutoff from the City Manager

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a zoning map amendment that affects properties on Belmont Street, Plantation Street, Innovation Drive, Research Drive, Skyline Drive, Green Hill Parkway, and others. Several site plan meetings and special permit hearings for individual projects will also be considered. The board will review performance agreement requests for the Whippoorwill Subdivision and approve several non‑required approval plans.

• Public Hearing – Zoning Map Amendment (ZA-2025-011) for numerous addresses including 361 Belmont St and 385 Plantation St
• Public Hearing – Special Permit (IZ) for 10 Diamond St parking and landscaping relief
• Public Hearing – Special Permit (IZ) for 24 Lakeside Ave parking, loading and driveway lot limits
• Public Hearing – Definitive Subdivision Plan for 270 Webster St & 21‑25 Clover St
• Performance Agreement request secured by a bond for Whippoorwill Subdivision

The Planning Board granted postponements for four site‑plan items and withdrew one application without prejudice. The Board held a public hearing on the 270 Webster Street & 21‑25 Clover Street subdivision, then voted 3‑0 to close the hearing and 3‑0 to approve the subdivision with staff‑recommended conditions of approval.

• Postponed public meetings for 0 Farrington, 0 Chester, 284 Grove, and 0 Chester Streets (3‑0)
• Withdrawn application for multiple Plantation and Innovation Drive sites without prejudice
• Closed public hearing on 270 Webster/21‑25 Clover Street subdivision (3‑0)
• Approved 270 Webster/21‑25 Clover Street subdivision with conditions (3‑0)

Board of Election Commissioners

The City of Worcester will open and deposit early voted ballots for the September 2, 2025, Municipal Preliminary Election. This process will take place on August 30 at City Hall. No results will be announced until polls close on election day.

• Early voted ballot processing on August 30 from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
• Location: Levi Lincoln Chamber, 455 Main Street, 3rd Floor

Worcester Ballpark Commission

The Worcester Ballpark Commission will meet to vote on a Community Day application for Wreaths Across America. The commission will also receive updates on WooSox maintenance and event highlights.

• Vote to approve Community Day Application for Wreaths Across America
• Update on WooSox Preventative Maintenance and Repairs
• Review of WooSox past and future events highlights

The commission accepted the May 14, 2025 meeting minutes with a 4-0 vote. It approved the Wreaths Across America community day event scheduled for December 9, 2025, by a 6-0 vote. The meeting was adjourned with a 6-0 vote.

• Accepted May 14, 2025 meeting minutes (approved 4-0)
• Approved Wreaths Across America Community Day event on Dec 9, 2025 (approved 6-0)
• Adjourned meeting (approved 6-0)

Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board

The Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board will hold an executive session via Zoom. The session is intended to discuss strategy related to collective bargaining with TransDev/Worcester Local 22 of the Amalgamated Transit Union. A roll‑call vote may be taken to enter the executive session. The board will also accept public questions and comments by email or phone.

• Roll‑call vote to enter executive session
• Discussion of collective bargaining strategy with TransDev/Worcester Local 22 (Amalgamated Transit Union)
• Public comments accepted via email (admin@therta.com) and phone (508.791.9782)

Historical Commission

The Worcester Historical Commission will meet to consider a request to postpone a solar panel project at 106 Elm Street and review building demolition delay waivers for properties at 15 Randolph Road and 246 Park Avenue.

• Postpone 106 Elm Street solar panel installation to October 9, 2025
• Review demolition delay waiver for 15 Randolph Road
• Review demolition delay waiver for 246 Park Avenue
• Consider Certificate of Appropriateness for 47 Sever Street
• Receive letter of support for Massachusetts Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit allocation

The Worcester Historical Commission postponed the 106 Elm Street solar‑panel petition to the October 9, 2025 meeting. It unanimously approved Building Demolition Delay Waivers for 15 Randolph Road and 246 Park Avenue, finding neither would harm historic resources. The commission also approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for a new shed at 47 Sever Street and an updated letter of support for the state historic rehabilitation tax‑credit for the Waldo Street Police Station, District Court and Fire Station.

• Postponed 106 Elm Street solar‑panel petition to Oct 9, 2025 (7‑0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 15 Randolph Road (7‑0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 246 Park Avenue (7‑0)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for shed at 47 Sever Street (7‑0)
• Approved updated letter of support for Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit for Waldo Street Police Station, District Court & Fire Station (7‑0)

MassHire Central Region Workforce Board Career Center-Adult Career Pathways Committee

The committee will discuss state and federal line item allocations for FY26 MassHire Career Centers. The meeting includes updates on new programs, career fairs, and a new grant for Sterile Processing Tech.

• FY26 State and federal MassHire Career Centers Line Item Allocations
• MassHire North Central grant for Sterile Processing Tech
• Approval of April 15, 2025 meeting minutes

Human Rights Commission

The commission will approve the July 2025 meeting minutes. It will acknowledge September as Worcester Pride month and announce related events. Members will hear a “Know Your Rights” presentation for refugees and immigrants. The commission will review and discuss recommendations for the Worcester Police Department’s K‑9 policy.

• Approve July 2025 meeting minutes
• Acknowledge September as Worcester Pride month
• Presentation: “Know Your Rights” by Attorney Susan Church
• Review and discuss recommendations for Worcester Police Department K‑9 policy
• Public comment period (up to 30 minutes total)

The commission approved the June 2025 meeting minutes by unanimous vote. A presentation on ICE enforcement and immigrant rights was given by Attorney Susan Church. Commissioners reviewed the Worcester Police Department K‑9 policy and agreed to work with the Executive Office of DEI and Chief Saucier on a new K‑9 Use‑of‑Force form. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved June 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)
• Chair will inquire about K‑9 Use‑of‑Force form and partner with HRC to develop it

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings on several requests for special permits and variances. The agenda primarily focuses on converting commercial spaces to residential use and constructing new multi-family dwellings.

• 82-84 Harrison Street: Proposal to convert vacant commercial space into a residential unit
• 14 Emery Street: Proposal to divide property into 4 lots for 4 single-family attached dwellings
• 43 Heywood Street: Proposal to raze current structure for 2 buildings with approximately 10 residential units
• 24 Lakeside Avenue: Proposal to raze current structures for a 4-story multi-family high-rise with approximately 75 parking spaces
• 393-397 Shrewsbury Street: Proposal to construct a multi-family high-rise dwelling with podium and surface parking

The Zoning Board granted continuances for 17 Montclair Drive, 14 Emery Street, and 304 Lovell Street, each by a 5‑0 vote. It also approved the special permit for 393‑397 Shrewsbury Street, the special permit for 82‑84 Harrison Street, and the variance and special permit for 43 Heywood Street, all with conditions and waivers, each by a 5‑0 vote.

• Granted continuance for 17 Montclair Drive (ZB-2023-095) – vote 5-0
• Granted continuance for 14 Emery Street (ZB-2025-059) – vote 5-0
• Granted continuance for 304 Lovell Street (ZB-2025-061) – vote 5-0
• Approved 393‑397 Shrewsbury Street special permit with conditions – vote 5-0
• Approved 82‑84 Harrison Street special permit with amended conditions – vote 5-0
• Approved 43 Heywood Street variance and special permit with amended conditions – vote 5-0

Public Library Committee on Administration

The Worcester Public Library Committee on Administration will meet virtually on August 25, 2025. The agenda includes a discussion of candidates for the Director of Innovation and Public Services. An executive session will be held in accordance with Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 30A, §21.

• Discussion of candidates for Director of Innovation and Public Services
• Executive session per Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 30A, §21 (confidential matters)

Retirement Board Finance Committee

The Worcester Retirement Board Finance Committee will meet on Aug 21, 2025 to review the retirement system’s recent performance and market conditions. Agenda items include an economic and market update, performance estimates as of July 31, 2025, a quarterly performance report for June 30, 2025, and reviews of multi‑asset credit and custody searches. The committee will also consider any new business or manager issues.

• Economic and Market Update
• Estimated Retirement System Performance as of July 31, 2025
• Quarterly Performance Report as of June 30, 2025
• Multi-Asset Credit Search Respondent Review
• Custody Search Update

Worcester Redevelopment Authority

The Worcester Redevelopment Authority will meet virtually to authorize amendments to land agreements with Aroli Group and Washington Circle Realty, LLC, and to receive status reports on downtown revitalization projects.

• Authorize Amendment No. 1 to Land Disposition Agreement with Aroli Group, LLC for 484-500 Main Street
• Authorize Amendment No. 5 to Terms of Conveyance with Washington Circle Realty, LLC for Washington Square
• Authorize Ground Lease with Washington Circle Realty, LLC for Washington Square
• Receive status reports on Union Station / MBTA Working Group and Downtown Urban Revitalization Plan
• Receive financial update on executed contracts and plan expenditures

The board approved the minutes from July 24, 2025. It authorized execution of Amendment No.1 with Aroli Group, contingent on the developer covering carrying costs, and set a deadline to rebid if the condition is not met. The board also approved Amendment No.5 and a ground lease with Washington Circle Realty for land at Washington Square. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved July 24, 2025 minutes (4-0)
• Authorized execution of Amendment No.1 with Aroli Group, conditional on carrying costs (4-0)
• Motion passed to rebid the Main Street development if Menkiti Group does not accept condition by post‑Labor Day deadline (4-0)
• Authorized execution of Amendment No.5 with Washington Circle Realty for Washington Square land (4-0)
• Authorized execution of Ground Lease with Washington Circle Realty for Washington Square land (4-0)

License Commission

The Worcester License Commission will meet to review requests for one-day liquor and entertainment licenses for events including festivals, block parties, and markets. The body will also hear status updates on existing license applications and a violation hearing.

• Friday Night Skate on the Common (455 Main Street)
• Brazilian Festival of Worcester (Institute Park)
• Pleasant Street Block Party (Hawley Street)
• Vivienne LLC restaurant license (446 Main Street)
• Broadway Catering & Restaurant violation hearing (100 Water Street)

The Worcester License Commission voted 3‑0 on each item to approve a package store malt & wine license and dozens of one‑day liquor and entertainment licenses for various events. It also approved changes of manager and officers for The Clock Beer and Wine Store and a restaurant all‑alcohol license for Vivienne LLC. Two applications were postponed to the September 4 meeting, and a leave‑to‑withdraw was granted for Theatre Café.

• Approved one‑day liquor and entertainment license for Friday Night Skate on the Common (3‑0)
• Approved entertainment license for Brazilian Festival of Worcester (3‑0)
• Approved one‑day liquor license for Worcester Center for Crafts (3‑0)
• Approved liquor and entertainment licenses for CASA Project Worcester County (3‑0)
• Approved package store malt & wine license for Seabra Foods (3‑0)
• Approved change of manager and officers/directors for The Clock Beer and Wine Store (3‑0)
• Approved restaurant all‑alcohol license for Vivienne LLC (3‑0)
• Postponed Pleasant Street Block Party application to September 6 meeting (3‑0)

Worcester Housing Authority

The Worcester Housing Authority Board will consider several approval requests, including amendments to the Housing Choice Voucher Administrative Plan and the Admission and Continued Occupancy Policy to meet new HOTMA requirements. It will also review financial statements through June 2025, status reports on admissions, property management, and public safety, and multiple contract change orders for maintenance and modernization projects. Additional items include notifications of grant awards, lease contracts, and performance reviews.

• Approve amendment to the WHA Housing Choice Voucher Administrative Plan to comply with HOTMA
• Approve amendment to the Admission and Continued Occupancy Policy related to HOTMA
• Approve award recommendation for contracting constable services
• Approve Change Order No. 2 to JJ Cardosi, Inc. for fire alarm system replacement at MA 12-6 Wellington Apartments and 12-9 Murray Avenue Apartments
• Approve award recommendation for contracting the Maintenance Department for roofing repairs

Building Futures Inc. Board of Directors

The Building Futures Inc. Board will consider several approval requests, including the final payment and closeout for the office building renovations performed by M. O’Connor Contracting Inc. at 630 Plantation Street. The board will also review the grant award from the George F. and Sybil H. Fuller Foundation for its 2025 Summer Camp program, and will consider rescinding the right of first refusal for the Curtis Innovations Phase 2 Economic Opportunity Center project. Additional items include approval of prior meeting minutes, financial statements through June 30 2025, and tenant accounts receivable write‑offs.

• Approval of minutes from May 15, 2025 regular meeting
• Approval of minutes from May 29, 2025 special meeting
• Notification of grant award from the George F. and Sybil H. Fuller Foundation
• Approval of final payment and closeout for M. O’Connor Contracting Inc. office renovations at 630 Plantation Street
• Rescission of right of first refusal for Curtis Innovations Phase 2 Economic Opportunity Center

Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board

The meeting agenda consists of procedural boilerplate. The board will review minutes from June 26, 2025, and hear an administrators report.

• Approval of minutes from June 26, 2025
• Administrators Report (Rickman)

Retirement Board

The Worcester Retirement Board will accept the July regular meeting minutes. It will review old business items from June and July, including custody recaps. New business includes discussion of warrants, items to be handled in executive session, and a cybersecurity update.

• Acceptance of July regular meeting minutes
• Review of June custody recap
• Review of July custody monthly report
• Discussion of warrants
• Cybersecurity update

The Retirement Board met on October 10, 2025 and reviewed the agenda items. A motion was made to approve the September 12, 2025 meeting minutes. The minutes do not record a vote result or final approval. No other actions were decided.

• Motion to approve September 12, 2025 minutes (outcome not recorded)

Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board of Trustees

The Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board will approve minutes from the July 30, 2025 meeting, consider a contract amendment requesting extra funds for T.G. 24 Jackson LLC at 24 Jackson Street, discuss the Fall 2025 board meeting schedule, and receive a financial status update. Additional updates, announcements, and potential future agenda items will also be addressed.

• Approve minutes from July 30, 2025 meeting
• Request contract amendment for T.G. 24 Jackson LLC – 24 Jackson Street – additional funding for Local Action Unit application preparation
• Discuss Fall 2025 board meeting schedule
• Financial status update
• Updates, announcements, and potential future agenda items

Standing Committee on Economic Development

The Standing Committee on Economic Development will consider a petition from Joshua Lee on behalf of Wolfe Farms LLC to change the zoning designation of several properties from Residence Single Family (RS-7) to Residence Limited (RL-7). The properties affected are located on Malden Street, Malden Terrace, Reynolds Street, and West Boylston Street. The committee will also approve the minutes from the July 15, 2025 Economic Development Committee meeting.

• Approval of the Economic Development Committee minutes from July 15, 2025
• Petition to amend the city zoning map for properties on 3, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 18, 40, 42, 44 Malden Street
• Petition to amend the city zoning map for properties on 1‑6 Malden Terrace
• Petition to amend the city zoning map for properties on 1‑3, 5‑7, 8, 9, 11‑17, 18 Reynolds Street
• Petition to amend the city zoning map for properties at 885, 915, 919, 921, 923 West Boylston Street

City Council

The City Council will consider suspending rules to take up a Planning Board report regarding a zoning map amendment for properties on Malden Street, Reynolds Street, and West Boylston Street. The council will also hold hearings on National Grid conduit locations and discuss litigation strategy in executive session.

• Zoning map amendment for Wolfe Farms LLC properties (Malden St, Reynolds St, West Boylston St)
• Hearings on National Grid conduit locations at Beverly Rd, Harrison St, and Hermon St
• Executive session on litigation strategy for Town of Holden vs. Department of Conservation and Recreation
• Installation of speed humps, crosswalks, and traffic calming measures on multiple streets
• Installation of guardrails and sidewalk resurfacing on various streets

The council adopted the minutes from the June 24, 2025 meeting by a 9‑0 vote. It approved a zoning map amendment that changes dozens of parcels from Residence Single‑Family (RS‑7) to Residence Limited (RL‑7) by a 9‑0 vote. The council also suspended its rules to hold an executive‑session discussion on litigation strategy in the Town of Holden case, also by a 9‑0 vote. Numerous petitions were referred to the Public Works, Traffic and Parking, and other committees, each with a unanimous 9‑0 vote.

• Approved June 24, 2025 meeting minutes (9 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Adopted zoning map amendment changing RS‑7 to RL‑7 for multiple parcels (9 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Suspended rules to convene executive session on Holden litigation strategy (9 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Adopted National Grid conduit petitions for Beverly Rd. and Harrison St. (9 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Referred shade‑tree petition on Duxbury Rd. to Public Works (9 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Referred sidewalk and road resurfacing petitions to Public Works Committee (9 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Referred truck‑ban/weight‑restriction petition on North Pkwy. to Traffic and Parking Committee (9 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Suspended rules to discuss honorary street‑name designation for Winfield St. (9 Yeas, 0 Nays)

City Council - Special Posting

The City Council will discuss a petition to change the zoning of several properties on Malden Street, Reynolds Street, and West Boylston Street from Single Family (RS-7) to Residence Limited (RL-7). The body will also hold hearings for National Grid conduit locations and enter an executive session regarding litigation strategy for the Town of Holden vs. DCR case.

• Zoning amendment request for properties at 3-44 Malden St, 1-18 Reynolds St, and 885-923 West Boylston St
• Hearings for National Grid conduit locations at Beverly Rd and Harrison St
• Executive session to discuss litigation strategy for Town of Holden vs. Department of Conservation and Recreation
• Request for Green Hill Golf Course Maintenance Contract exceeding three years
• Proposed Fiscal Year 26 Salary Ordinance Amendment

The City Council approved the June 24, 2025 meeting minutes. It granted National Grid conduit permissions on Beverly Road and Harrison Street. It adopted a zoning map amendment that changes the designation from Residence, Single Family (RS-7) to Residence, Limited (RL-7) for the listed properties.

• Approved June 24, 2025 council minutes (9 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Granted National Grid conduit permission on Beverly Rd (9 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Granted National Grid conduit permission on Harrison St (9 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Adopted zoning map amendment changing RS-7 to RL-7 for listed properties (9 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Suspended rules to discuss litigation strategy in executive session (9 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Referred shade tree request on Duxbury Rd to Public Works & Parks (9 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Referred numerous sidewalk and street improvement petitions to Public Works Committee (9 Yeas, 0 Nays)
• Referred truck ban/weight restriction request on North Pkwy to Traffic & Parking Committee (9 Yeas, 0 Nays)

Conservation Commission

The Worcester Conservation Commission will review several wetland‑related applications, including a request to determine jurisdiction for tree removal at 7 Rockwell Street and exploratory borings on Saint Paul Drive. It will also hear notices of intent for new residential construction at Chester Street, 56 May Street, 85 & 87 Boston Avenue, and a golf‑course renovation at 301 Green Hill Parkway. Additional agenda items cover enforcement updates, project change requests, and communications about a proposed cell‑phone tower lease.

• Request for applicability determination – 7 Rockwell Street (tree removal)
• Notice of Intent – 56 May Street: 9‑unit residential building, parking lot, stormwater infrastructure
• Notice of Intent – Lots 9‑12 Chester Street: four single‑family homes and related site work
• Notice of Intent – 85 & 87 Boston Avenue: 3‑unit addition to existing 2‑family dwelling
• Enforcement Order and Violation Updates – multiple properties listed

The commission postponed three public hearings and extended the constructive grant deadlines to September 8 and September 30, 2025. It issued negative determinations of applicability for the tree removal at 7 Rockwell Street and for the Saint Paul Drive Right‑of‑Way project. It closed the public hearings and adopted Orders of Conditions for the residential projects at 56 May Street and at 85 & 87 Boston Avenue. All votes were unanimous as recorded.

• Postponed public hearing for 31 Randolph Road and extended grant deadline (3-0)
• Postponed public hearing for Lots 9‑12 Chester Street and extended grant deadline (3-0)
• Postponed public hearing for 301 Green Hill Parkway and extended grant deadline (3-0)
• Issued negative determination of applicability for 7 Rockwell Street tree removal (3-0)
• Issued negative determination of applicability for Saint Paul Drive Right‑of‑Way (3-0)
• Closed public hearing for 56 May Street project (4-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for 56 May Street project (4-0)
• Closed public hearing for 85 & 87 Boston Avenue project (3-0)

Board of Health

The Worcester Board of Health will conduct a tobacco hearing involving Noamesco at 43 Pleasant Street and Metro Gas at 27 Shrewsbury Street. The board will receive updates on communicable diseases from Amelia Houghton and Dr. Hirsh. Members will sign a letter to healthcare providers and a letter endorsing the Primary Care4You legislation. The meeting also includes the WDPH Director’s Report and discussion of the next meeting date and topics.

• Tobacco hearing – Noamesco, 43 Pleasant Street
• Tobacco hearing – Metro Gas, 27 Shrewsbury Street
• Communicable diseases updates presented by Amelia Houghton and Dr. Hirsh
• Board members signing a letter to healthcare providers
• Board members signing a letter endorsing Primary Care4You legislation

The Worcester Board of Health approved the amended minutes from the previous meeting, correcting the measles case count. All five board members voted in favor, and the motion carried unanimously. No other actions or policy decisions were taken during this meeting.

• Approved amended minutes (5-0)

MCRWB Executive Committee

The MCRWB Executive Committee will meet to approve May 16, 2025, meeting minutes. The body will discuss grants, program updates, and career center updates. Members will also discuss membership outreach and the agenda for the October 16, 2025, Full Board Meeting.

• Approval of May 16, 2025 meeting minutes
• Grants & Program Update
• Career Center Updates
• Membership Outreach
• Full Board Meeting Agenda for Oct. 16, 2025

The committee voted unanimously to accept the August 15 meeting minutes. A motion to adjourn was also passed unanimously. No other substantive actions were decided. The next executive committee meeting is scheduled for November 21, 2025.

• Approved meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved motion to adjourn (unanimous)

School Committee Meeting

The School Committee will discuss several grants and donations, including a large sum for advanced manufacturing renovations. The meeting also includes executive sessions regarding collective bargaining and worker compensation litigation.

• Acceptance of a $500,000 Gene Haas Foundation grant for the Gene Haas Center for Advanced Manufacturing at Worcester Technical High School
• Approval of a $560,000 DESE/FC460 Early College Support grant
• Approval of grants totaling $225,480 from Nellie Mae Education Foundation, DESE/21 CCLC, and DESE Genocide Education
• Approval of an easement to National Grid for land on Lincoln Street and Tyler Prentice Road
• Discussion of successor contract negotiations for multiple Educational Association of Worcester units and Local Union 272

Worcester Arts Council

The Worcester Arts Council will review the meeting minutes and answer public questions. It will present a budget report and discuss the admin budget, noting that rollover does not occur and exploring investment uses. Survey results will be updated, and grant application review meetings will be scheduled, including a discussion on adding AI usage data to applications.

• Review and adopt meeting minutes
• Budget Report presentation
• Admin Budget discussion – rollover policy and future investment ideas
• Update on survey numbers
• Grant application discussion – AI usage data point and review scheduling

Public Library Committee on Administration

The Worcester Public Library Board of Directors Committee on Administration will meet to interview a candidate for the Director of Innovation and Public Services position. The meeting will be held in-person at the library's Green Room with no virtual option.

• Interview for Director of Innovation and Public Services
• In-person meeting at Green Room, 3 Salem Square
• No virtual meeting option available
• Written comments due 2 business days in advance
• Reasonable accommodations available upon request

Planning Board

The Worcester Planning Board will hold a public meeting to review definitive site plans and preliminary subdivision plans for multiple properties, including 10 Diamond Street and 270 Webster Street. The board will also consider approval of administrative plans and discuss board policy and procedures.

• Public Hearing – Definitive Subdivision Plan at 270 Webster Street
• Public Hearing – Preliminary Subdivision Plan at 34 Eskow Road
• Public Hearing – Definitive 'Frontage' Subdivision Plan at 7 Longworth Road
• Public Hearing – Special Permit for relief from parking requirements at 10 Diamond Street
• Approval of Minutes from July 23, 2025

The Planning Board voted 3‑0 to approve the definitive site plan for 67 Chester Street, subject to staff conditions and the DPW memo dated July 16, 2025. Earlier, the board also voted 3‑0 to postpone public meetings for five other items to September 3, 2025 and extend the constructive grant deadline to October 2, 2025. Discussion of Item 3 (preliminary subdivision plan) was postponed until the full board could be present. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved postponement of public meetings for Items 1, 2, 4, 9, and 10 to Sep 3, 2025 (3-0)
• Approved definitive site plan for 67 Chester Street subject to staff conditions (3-0)
• Postponed discussion of Item 3 (preliminary subdivision plan) until full board present

Chapter 139 Hearing

The Committee will meet to conduct Chapter 139 hearings. The agenda lists nine specific property addresses for review.

• 37-39 Bellevue Street
• 35 Bowdoin Street
• 133 Dewey Street
• 99 Downing Street
• 103 Holden Street

Chapter 139 Hearing - Vacant Properties

The Committee will hold a Chapter 139 meeting to discuss specific vacant properties. The session is scheduled for August 12, 2025, at 25 Meade Street.

• 63 Charlotte Street
• 4 Congress Street
• 194 Dewey Street
• 24 Ferraro Street
• 3 Harvard Place, 67 Hillcroft Avenue, 50 King Street, 2 Stevens Road, and 27 Tirrell Street

Public Library Committee on Administration

The Worcester Public Library Board of Directors Committee on Administration will meet to interview a candidate for the Director of Innovation and Public Services position. The meeting will be held in-person at the Green Room on August 12, 2025, with no virtual option available.

• Interview for Director of Innovation and Public Services
• Meeting held in-person at Green Room, 3 Salem Square
• No virtual option for the meeting

License Commission

The License Commission is meeting to consider one-day liquor and entertainment permits for events at the Worcester Common and other locations. The body will also review permanent alcohol license requests and transfers for several businesses.

• Entertainment license for Friday Night Skate on the Worcester Common (Aug 15, Aug 22, Sept 26)
• One-day liquor and entertainment licenses for Feast & Flamez Festival at Worcester Common (Aug 30-31)
• Package store malt & wine and restaurant malt & wine license requests for Seabra Foods at 333 Pleasant Street
• Transfer of package store all alcohol license from Greendale Liquor and Package Store to Greendale Discount Liquors at 444 West Boylston Street
• Violation hearings for The Clock Beer and Wine Store (22 Front Street) and Jolo. Inc. (350 Southbridge Street)

The License Commission approved several liquor and entertainment licenses, including the Feast & Flamez Festival and a library foundation meeting, and authorized two package‑store license transfers. It also approved a common‑victualer license for Market 32 and a change of officers for Brown Square Civic Club. The commission found a violation at The Clock Beer and Wine Store and issued a warning. Several other applications were postponed to future meetings.

• Approved Feast & Flamez Festival one‑day liquor and entertainment licenses (3‑0)
• Approved Worcester Public Library Foundation one‑day liquor license (3‑0)
• Approved transfer of package‑store all‑alcohol license to Greendale Discount Liquors (3‑0)
• Approved transfer of package‑store malt & wine license to Ashil’s First Inc. (3‑0)
• Approved common victualer license for Market 32 by Price Chopper (3‑0)
• Approved change of officers/directors for Brown Square Civic Club (3‑0)
• Found violation occurred at The Clock Beer and Wine Store and issued a warning (3‑0 each)
• Postponed Friday Night Skate entertainment license application to August 21, 2025 (3‑0)

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission is meeting to consider building demolition delay waivers for several historic properties. The body will also discuss a Building Demolition Delay Ordinance project with the CMRPC and review tax credit support letters.

• Building Demolition Delay Waivers for 7 Pitt Street, 33 Cheever Street, 159 Cambridge Street, and 3 Decatur Street
• Certificate of Appropriateness and Demolition Delay Waiver for 14 Oxford Street to replace a shed
• Discussion with CMRPC regarding the Building Demolition Delay Ordinance project
• Request for updated support letters for Massachusetts Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits for five sites including the Slater Building and Worcester Boys’ Club
• Request for comment on HUD sponsored projects at 91 Seymour Street and 130 Heywood Street

The Historical Commission granted demolition delay waivers for four properties after closing public comment, each vote seven in favor and zero opposed. The waivers permit specific alterations at 7 Pitt Street, 33 Cheever Street, 159 Cambridge Street, and 3 Decatur Street without harming historic or architectural resources. The commission also discussed revising Worcester’s demolition delay ordinance to an age‑based system (properties older than 75 years) and agreed to provide feedback on the CMRPC survey.

• Approved demolition delay waiver for 7 Pitt Street (7‑0)
• Approved demolition delay waiver for 33 Cheever Street (7‑0)
• Approved demolition delay waiver for 159 Cambridge Street (7‑0)
• Approved demolition delay waiver for 3 Decatur Street (7‑0)

Board of Election Commissioners

The Worcester Board of Election Commissioners will approve the minutes from the June 10 meeting. It will review preparations for the September 2 preliminary election and discuss plans for the November 4 municipal election, including mailing voter‑information postcards. The board will also set the date for the ballot‑order drawing for the November election.

• Approval of minutes from the June 10, 2025 Election Commission meeting
• Preparation for the September 2, 2025 preliminary election
• Discussion of the November 4, 2025 municipal election
• Mailing voter‑information postcards before the November election
• Scheduling the ballot‑order drawing meeting for September 9, 2025

Public Schools Standing Committee on Finance, Operations and Governance

The Standing Committee on Finance, Operations, and Governance will meet virtually to discuss one administrative item. The body will review and potentially approve recommendations regarding high school mastery-based grading practices.

• Review and approval of High School Mastery-Based Grading Practices Recommendation (gb 5-70)

Status of Women Advisory Committee

The Advisory Committee on the Status of Women will approve minutes from the July 2025 special meeting, then hold a final discussion on the Women/Young Woman of Consequence event, including details and assignments, before adjourning.

• Approve minutes from July 2025 special meeting
• Final discussion of the Women/Young Woman of Consequence event and assignments

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Worcester Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Monday, August 4, 2025, to consider 11 applications for zoning variances and special permits. The agenda includes requests for property divisions, new construction, and use changes across various residential and commercial zones.

• 17 Montclair Drive: Special permit for earth excavation
• 3 Wildey Avenue: Variance for 7 attached single-family units
• 9 Ashland Street: Variance for 8 additional residential units
• 220 Brooks Street: Special permit for an Ambulatory Infusion Suite
• 14 Emery Street: Special permit for 4 single-family attached dwellings

The Zoning Board voted 5‑0 to grant continuances and postpone hearings for 17 Montclair Drive and 14 Emery Street. It also voted 5‑0 to close the public hearing for 3 Wildey Avenue, withdraw the lot‑area variance, and approve the frontage variance with amended conditions. Additionally, the board voted 5‑0 to close the public hearing for 29 Dominion Road and to approve that variance with conditions, recommendations, and waivers.

• Granted continuance for 17 Montclair Drive (5-0)
• Granted continuance for 14 Emery Street (5-0)
• Closed public hearing for 3 Wildey Avenue (5-0)
• Withdrawn lot‑area variance for 3 Wildey Avenue (5-0)
• Approved frontage variance for 3 Wildey Avenue with amended conditions (5-0)
• Closed public hearing for 29 Dominion Road (5-0)
• Approved variance for 29 Dominion Road with conditions, recommendations, and waivers (5-0)

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Governance Committee

The Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Governance Committee will record attendance, consider a motion to approve the minutes from the June 6, 2025 meeting, hear a presentation of the MCPSA Diagnostic Board Survey by Mr. Robert Carpenter, discuss topics for the 2025‑2026 governance period, and then move to adjourn.

• Motion to approve June 6, 2025 meeting minutes
• Presentation of MCPSA Diagnostic Board Survey by Mr. Robert Carpenter
• Discussion of Governance Committee 2025‑2026 topics
• Motion to adjourn the meeting

Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board of Trustees - MEETING POSTPONED FROM JULY 23, 2025

The Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board will first approve the minutes from its June 11, 2025 meeting. It will then discuss and potentially approve a Request for Proposal to allocate Community Preservation Act funds for affordable housing development. The board will also consider establishing a fundraising subcommittee for the FY2026‑2030 strategic plan and receive updates on its financial status and other agenda items.

• Approval of minutes from the June 11, 2025 meeting
• Discussion and approval of an Affordable Housing Development CPA Funding Request for Proposal (RFP)
• Discussion of establishing a fundraising subcommittee for the FY2026‑2030 strategic plan
• Financial status update
• Potential future agenda items

Lake Quinsigamond Commission

The Lake Quinsigamond Commission will review and possibly act on several public requests and updates. Items include a floating lantern vigil request, a rowing regatta request, and updates to the Lake Management Plan. The commission will also hear reports from various agencies and review correspondence about wake surfing.

• Review and possibly act on request from the Center for Nonviolent Solutions for a floating lantern vigil (Sunday, August 6, 2025, 6:00 pm–9:00 pm) at Quinsigamond State Park Regatta Point
• Review and possibly act on request from Regatta Point Community Rowing for the Northeast Fall Shrewsbury Conservation Championship Crew Regatta (Sunday, October 12, 2025, 8:00 am–4:00 pm) with associated boat‑ramp closure
• Update Lake Management Plan, including input from Newton Pond Worcester Conservation Commission
• Update from Katie Liming, Lakes and Ponds Conservation Agent, City of Worcester Department of Sustainability and Resilience
• Review correspondence regarding Wake Surfing