City Manager Eric Batista Defends Mill Street Safety Efforts, Discusses Supermarket Expansion and Ballpark Development

By Hank Stolz | Radio Worcester

Photo-Radio Worcester

WORCESTER, MASS. – There is an ongoing debate around the city’s “Vision Zero” plan to make Mill Street safer for pedestrians and cyclists, with some residents disputing the city’s data on reduced accidents and speeding. City Manager Eric Batista stops by the Talk of the Commonwealth to set things straight. He is clear that the city is committed to making streets safer. “We’re trying to find ways to reduce speed, and we need to find ways to make it safe for people who are residing there so that they can come out, and kids can ride their bikes, and kids can walk the streets. Families can feel safe in walking the streets and don’t have a vehicle going 50 or 60 miles an hour down the road.” The conversation begins with an exploration of how the city is incentivizing and supporting the opening of new supermarkets, including through tax incentives and partnerships with non-profit organizations. The City Manager also tells us the city is in active negotiations with Denis Dowdle of Madison Properties to bring in new development and revenue streams around the ballpark.