Gov Lamont Joins Mayor Sanchez in New Britain to Mark “Promise Kept” on Allen Street Construction, Relief for Impacted Homeowners

Gov Ned Lamont (D) joined Mayor Bobby Sanchez (D), together with State Comptroller Sean Scanlon (D). State Rep David DeFronzo (D-26), other New Britain legislators, City Council Majority Leader, Ald John McNamara (D-5) and Ald Luz Ortiz Luna at Andrews Park, “to mark the full funding of the Allen Street drainage and flood mitigation project and to launch the New Britain Homeowner Flood Compensation Program for residents who have already paid for flood damage.”

“A number of factors have resulted in the area around Allen Street experiencing flooding during heavy rain, and I am glad that we can get this aid to the city so that we can make these necessary infrastructure upgrades, prevent future flooding from occurring, and get relief to the people who live in this neighborhood,” Gov Lamont said. “I appreciate those who live in the area for their advocacy—we hear you and we are taking action.”

“When I ran for mayor, I came to this neighborhood and made a promise,” said Mayor Sanchez. “I told families who had been pumping water out of their basements after every storm that this problem would not be ignored any longer. For years, they were told by the city to wait. Today, that waiting is over. We fix the cause, and we help the people who were hurt. Promises made, promises kept.”

The project, the Mayor’s office said, “is funded through local, state, and federal sources, including $6.9 million in state funding delivered by Governor Lamont with support from the New Britain legislative delegation, $6 million in local grants, and nearly $1 million in federal funding secured by Congresswoman Jahana Hayes. The work includes a new stormwater system, replacement of sewer and water lines, and rebuilt roads across the Allen Street community.”

Majority Leader John McNamara and Ald Luz Ortiz Luna, who represent Ward 4, which includes the Allen Street neighborhood, said that, “We have stood with our neighbors on Allen Street through every storm, every flooded basement, and every meeting where they were asked to be patient. Today, they finally have both a permanent fix and real help for the damage they’ve already paid for. We thank Mayor Sanchez for keeping his word, and we thank Frank Chase and every resident who refused to let this issue be forgotten. This is their victory.”

Rep DeFronzo said, “This is what it looks like when a delegation works as a team. Senator Rick Lopes, Representative Manny Sanchez, Representative Iris Sanchez, Representative Gary Turco and I made Allen Street a priority together, fought for the funding in this year’s session, and worked side by side with Mayor Sanchez and the Governor’s Office to deliver both a long-term fix and direct relief for homeowners. I want to thank Governor Lamont and Comptroller Scanlon for their partnership, and the Allen Street residents who never stopped pushing. This is their win.”

Mayor Sanchez also recognized neighborhood activist Frank Chase and neighbors, saying that his strong advocacy kept the importance of taking action to address the flooding and its affects in front of city leaders over many years. Frank and Sharon Chase have, for years, advocated for action on the New Britain Progressive’s Neighborhood Flooding Series.

“Construction is scheduled to begin early next year,” the Mayor’s office said, adding, “The City plans to partner with organized labor to put New Britain residents to work on what will be the most complex project the Department of Public Works has ever undertaken.”

In addition, the Governor’s office said, the officials announced, “the launch of the New Britain Homeowners Flood Compensation Program, which will provide financial assistance to homeowners in the area who have been disproportionately impacted by flooding and need to make repairs to their homes. This program is supported by $250,000 in state funding that was approved by Governor Lamont and the Connecticut General Assembly during the 2026 legislative session and will be administered by the Office of the State Comptroller.”

“Fixing the future isn’t enough for families who have already paid for flood damage,” Sanchez added. “This program gets relief directly into the hands of the people who need it.” The Mayor’s office said that applications for the program are open today, and that, “Eligible homeowners will be contacted with information on how to apply.”

Former New Britain State Rep Peter Tercyak (D-26) will serve as the administrator, the Governor’s office said, “overseeing the final approval of eligible applications.”

“I spent years representing these neighborhoods,” said former Rep Tercyak, “and I know how hard these floods have been on the families who live there.When Mayor Sanchez asked me to help get this program off the ground, I was glad to say yes. My job is to make sure the process is fair, that it moves quickly, and that the help gets to the homeowners who need it most.”

Comptroller Scanlon noted that, “The New Britain Homeowners Flood Compensation Program will provide much-needed relief to New Britain residents most impacted by flooding. Like we did with a similar program in Hartford, I’m proud my office will be playing a role in giving people the compensation they need to replace what’s been lost and fortify against future damage to their homes and lives.”

“Allen Street is what it looks like when a city finally decides a neighborhood can’t wait any longer,” said City Council President Francisco Santiago (D-5). “Mayor Sanchez made a commitment to these families, and the Common Council was proud to stand with him to get it done. This project protects homes, strengthens our infrastructure, and shows residents across New Britain that when they speak up, their city government will listen and act.”

Editor’s note: The cover photo is by photojournalist Gregory L Gerratana