Gubernatorial Candidate Ganim to Hold “Meet and Greet” in New Britain
New Britain supporters of Joe Ganim’s candidacy for governor have announced that the Bridgeport Mayor will have a “Meet and Greet” event in New Britain. “Come out tomorrow and find out why people are supporting JOE, why he has raised more money than other candidates, why did the people reelected him to the City of Bridgeport, and […]
The Tale of Two Monuments
by Ald. Aram Ayalon On Saturday, April 28 I attended the ceremony unveiling a monument in New Britain for the Borinqueneers – the Puerto Rican Infantry Regiment of the US Army. The audience was dressed up for the occasion holding Puerto Rican flags, veterans in full uniforms, and a festive environment full of pride. It […]
Stewart Vetoes Hiring Freeze Resolution
Republican Mayor Erin Stewart has vetoed a resolution approved by the City Council to institute a hiring freeze all city positions except for public safety and temporary seasonal parks and recreation positions. The resolution had been introduced by all nine Council Democrats and all five Council Council Republicans in attendance voted against the hiring freeze. With the […]
Arch Area NRZ to Meet May 7th at Police Station Community Room
The Arch Area Neighborhood Revitalization Zone (NRZ) will hold its May monthly meeting on May 7, 2018. The NRZ says that, “This will be a working meeting to discuss plans for the May 19 ‘Clean-up/Plant-up’ day and the June 2 ‘Build A Better Block’ event.” The May 7th meeting will be from 5:45pm to 6:45pm in the […]
Council Resolution Would Officially Cancel Ramanauskas Monument
Ald. Aram Ayalon (D-3) has introduced a City Council Resolution to cancel, “any agreement between the mayor of the City of New Britain and the Lithuanian government regarding the monument for [Adolfas] Ramanauskas and the vote by the Parks and Recreation Commission from December 15, 2017, approving this monument.” The resolution says that, “the agreement […]
School District Names Maria Lopez Paraeducator of the Year
The Consolidated School District of New Britain has announced that it named Maria Lopez as its “Paraeducator of the Year,” noting her for her dedication to the students at the Gaffney Elementary School. “My dedication and love to Gaffney School and the Consolidated School District of New Britain is for the success of our students,” said […]
New Britain Legislators and Residents Celebrate Polish Day at the Capitol
New Britain legislators and residents joined many others at the State Capitol to celebrate the 227th Anniversary of the 1791 Polish Constitution, widely regarded, along with the United States Constitution, as an historic advance in world history toward democracy. Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman (D-CT), State Senator Theresa Bielinski Gerratana (D-6), State Rep. Peter Tercyak (D-26), […]
Possible $11 Million Long-Term Deficit Apparently in Stewart’s Budget Proposal
Republican Mayor Erin Stewart proposed budget appears to cover a possible $11 million long-term deficit with non-recurring budget items that may leave a sizable shortfall in future years’ city budgets. Stewart’s budget proposal has already been criticized for increasing property taxes, despite her claim of “no tax increase”, as well as for freezing the city’s annual […]
New Britain Ald. Manny Sanchez Announces Candidacy for Congress
Democratic New Britain Alderman Emmanuel “Manny” Sanchez (D-AL) has announced that he is running as a candidate in for the Fifth Congressional District, saying, “This is a pivotal moment in our state and our country. We need leaders who are willing to champion issues that matter most to working families.” “I have earned their support […]
Community Activists Organizing for City Budget Hearing
Community activists are organizing city residents to turn out and make their views known at today’s hearing on Republican Mayor Erin Stewart’s proposed budget. Stewart’s proposal has been criticized for increasing property taxes despite her claim of “no tax increase”, as well as for freezing the city’s annual education allocation and continuing to rely on increased city […]
Sun Shines on Little Poland for 2018 Festival
The morning’s rain broke and blue skies and sun came out to greet the thousands of people who gathered for the 2018 Little Poland Festival on April 29, 2018. The Festival, which has been held annually each spring since 2011 continued the successful attendance that it has grown to in just a few years. New Britain’s […]
Monument Dedicated to Honor 65th Infantry Borinqueneers
New Britain is now home to the largest monument on the U.S. mainland to the highly decorated 65th Infantry Regiment, known as the Borinqueneers. The new monument, at the corner of Washington and Beaver Streets, prominently graces the main route from the north into the city’s center. Governor Ricardo Rosselló. Frank Gerratana photo. The dedication ceremony was held on April […]
“The Hunchback of Notre Dame” Opens at the Connecticut Theater Company, May 4th
The Connecticut Theater Company will open its presentation of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” on May 4, 2018. The play will have nine performances at the Theater, through May 20th. In the production, directed by Duane Campbell and Susan Smith, the Theater presents a musical version of Victor Hugo’s classic novel, including songs from the Disney animated feature version […]
OIC to Hold Annual Gala June 1st
The Opportunities Industrialization Center of New Britain (OIC) will hold its Annual Gala on June 1, 2018, celebrating with the theme, “Through trials and tribulations, let the good times roll.” The event supports the programs of the OIC. OIC of New Britain provides services to economically empower people in the community, such youth employment and job training. […]
Council Approves Hiring Freeze, With Republicans Opposing
The City Council has approved a hiring freeze on all city positions except for public safety and temporary seasonal parks and recreation positions. All five Council Republicans in attendance voted against the hiring freeze. The resolution was approved, with nine votes in favor and five in opposition. With the exception of police, fire, emergency dispatch […]
Arch Area NRZ Plans Meetings to Organize “Build A Better Block” Event
The Arch Area Neighborhood Revitalization Zone (NRZ) has announced two upcoming meetings for neighborhood residents to prepare for the “Build a Better Block” event that is planned for June 2, 2018. The NRZ is planning the Build a Better Block event as a day of activities to, 1. bring the community together, 2. highlight the positive qualities […]
Interfaith Concert for Peace and Unity, Apr 29th.
Rev. Bryan Sirchio and the Spottswood African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Choir will perform at an, “Interfaith Concert for Peace and Unity,” that the community is invited to join on Sunday, April 29, 2018. The concert, “”Many Voices, One Song,” is sponsored by New Britain Area Interfaith Conference (NEWBAIC) and will be held at the First Church of […]
Council Democrats Propose Freeze on Hiring and Promotion
The nine Democrats on the City Council are proposing, “an immediate hiring freeze and promotion freeze on all positions in the City,” citing, “fiscal challenges facing the City.” The proposed Council resolution says that, because of budgetary challenges, “it is necessary and desirable to achieve cost savings by appropriate measures to ensure the funds of the […]
Community Comes Together for North Oak Neighborhood Clean Up
An estimated two hundred neighborhood residents, other community members and elected and other officials volunteered in the North Oak neighborhood clean up on April 21st. The event began with a breakfast for volunteers, provided by Central Connecticut State University. Volunteers then divided into teams who cleaned up trash in different parts of the North Oak […]
North Oak NRZ: Moving the Neighborhood Forward
by Antonio C. Lavoy, Sr. Contributing Columnist The North Oak NRZ‘s newly-elected officers are moving the city of New Britain and Ward 3 forward. President Marie Bachand, along with Vice President-Pablo Rodriguez, Secretary Yvette Ghannam, Public Safety Chair Edgar Lopez, Economic Development Chair Lawrence Sanchez, Human Resources Chair Vicky Ramos, Housing Chair Manuel Sandovar, Jessica Hernandez from […]