Mayor Joe Petty Addresses Toomey Investigation and Worcester Encampment Ordinance

Petty Defends Review of the Kate Toomey Accident

By-Hank Stolz
Graphic-Radio Worcester

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Worcester, MA-Worcester Mayor Joe Petty appeared on Talk of the Commonwealth to discuss two major issues facing the city: City Councilor Kate Toomey’s decision to temporarily step down as chair of the Public Service and Transportation Committee following her September 2 accident, and a proposed ordinance addressing homeless encampments on public property.

Radio Roundtable Discussion on Kate Toomey Incident, 9/15 2026

The proposed ordinance would allow the Worcester Police Department to prevent people from establishing tents and other encampments on public property. It also includes a possible $25 fine.

Petty Defends Review of the Kate Toomey Accident

Petty expressed confidence in the internal police review of Toomey’s late-night vehicle accident and said he did not believe officers had shown her preferential treatment.

“I don’t think I saw any favoritism. First of all, I thought Kate Toomey did the right thing, and this is a person who’s pretty much dedicated her life to public service, over 28 years of service here, and recused herself in these matters involving the Worcester Police Department,” Petty said.

Before Toomey voluntarily stepped down as committee chair, several community groups called on Petty to remove her from the position.

“Where’s the line drawn when I take someone off, whether it be committees altogether who don’t show up or who don’t go to the committee meetings…this is the first time someone’s asked me to remove people from their spots and I haven’t done it,” Petty said.

Toomey’s decision removes her from the committee’s consideration of matters involving the Worcester Police Department while the internal investigation continues.

Petty Opposes the Proposed $25 Encampment Fine

Petty also addressed the proposed ordinance intended to prevent homeless encampments from being established on public property.

While acknowledging that the issue has become deeply polarizing, Petty said he did not support the ordinance’s proposed $25 fine.

“I wish that the $25 fine wasn’t in there, probably would’ve been less of a meeting time-wise and people were upset about it. I don’t blame them. And that’s something that Councilor Rosen and the committee can look at and remove,” Petty said.

Petty emphasized the need to balance the dignity and safety of people experiencing homelessness with concerns raised by residents and businesses affected by encampments.

“How do you do that balance? We got to figure out that people can live with dignity while homeless and the problem is getting worse. It’s not getting better. I think this is a good start, a good conversation,” he said.

Petty Calls for Better Coordination of Homeless Services

Petty said Worcester County has experienced a reduction in its homeless population count, but Worcester continues to carry a disproportionate share of the region’s demand for services.

The concentration of shelters and service providers within the city can draw people from surrounding communities that offer fewer resources.

Petty called for greater coordination among service providers, improved data sharing and stronger collaboration with state and federal officials. He also warned that potential cuts to health-care funding could place additional pressure on people experiencing homelessness and the organizations serving them.