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Council to Hold Hearing on Charges Against Ald Smedley for Online Comments
The New Britain City Council has scheduled a special meeting and hearing to determine whether Ald Robert Smedley should be disciplined or removed from office following a series of online comments that the charges against him said appeared defamatory, dangerous, profane and “disgraceful”. This formal proceeding follows the Council’s approval of Resolution No. 37071 in […]
Stanley’s 183-Year Legacy Ends: Cost-Cutting and Closures
By John McNamara News of the end of the line for making Stanley tools in New Britain came early on February 26. By the afternoon Stanley Black & Decker (SBD) officially announced the closing of its Myrtle Street facility where up to 300 workers will lose their jobs later this year. The dominance of the […]
City Seeks $5 Million Grant For Allen Street Stormwater Project
By John McNamara City officials confirmed last week they are seeking a major grant to close the gap in the funding of the Allen Street Utility-Road Phase II project where flooding and sewage overflows have caused problems in the neighborhood for decades. The regional Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program (LOTCIP) received the New Britain application for $5 million to […]
Council Approves Resolution to Consider Actions Against Ald Robert Smedley for Online Comments; Smedley Apologizes
The New Britain City Council has approved a resolution that starts a process that could lead to the removal from Council or some other again against Council member, Ald Robert Smedley (R-4), due to comments Smedley made online that the resolution said appeared defamatory, dangerous, profane and “disgraceful”. Ald Smedley spoke at the meeting, saying […]
City Tax Collector Cheryl S Blogoslawski Placed on Administrative Leave
The City of New Britain has announced that its Tax Collector, “has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation into years of alleged financial malfeasance within City Hall.” The Tax Collector, according to the city’s website, is Cheryl S Blogoslawski. Blogoslawski became Tax Collector as a Republican when the […]
Council Fills Ward 3 Vacancy…City Backs Immigrant Rights…Events Mark Black History Month
News briefs for week ending February 14, 2026 By NB Politicus Council fills Ward 3 vacancy Democrat Alberto Borrero, a Concord Street homeowner, is the new Alderman from Ward 3 on the New Britain Council succeeding State Rep. Iris Sanchez (D-25) who was elected to the state House of Representatives in a January 6 special election. The Common […]
Rep. Iris Sanchez joins legislature…State grant boosts Mt. Pleasant Phase 1…Schools seek 14.82% more…City mourns Ald. Hargraves
News Briefs for Week Ending February 7, 2026 By NB Politicus State Rep. Sanchez Joins Legislature for 2026 Session State Rep. Iris Noemi Sanchez (D-25) was one of two new members of the House of Representatives to take their seats for the first time at the Connecticut General Assembly’s 2026 session on opening day, February […]
Alderman Hargraves Brought People Together
Remembering A Life of Public Service, Helping Others Alderman Jerrell Hargraves, who died unexpectedly this week, brought a quiet, unassuming demeanor to his work as the city’s human rights officer and on the Common Council representing Ward 2. When Jerrell spoke in that baritone voice on any issue before the Council he had something substantive […]
Lawmakers Discuss Issues on Tap for 2026 Legislature at LWV Brunch
By John McNamara School aid, affordable housing and countering unlawful Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were key topics discussed at a January 31 Legislative Brunch organized by the New Britain area League of Women Voters (LWV). State Representatives Rebecca Martinez (D-22) of Plainville and Iris Noemi Sanchez (D-25) and David DeFronzo (D-26) of New Britain […]
New Britain Week in Review
Short Takes on local news and occurrences for week ending 1/31/26 By NB Politicus Storm Benjamin On Sunday January 25th the biggest storm in a decade dumped 16.4 inches of snow in New Britain prompting city government to replenish its supply of road salt with more than seven weeks left in winter. It took more […]
Network Disruption Affects City – Officials Assure that Public Safety Services Remain Fully Operational
The office of New Britain Mayor Bobby Sanchez is assuring residents that, “New Britain’s Public Safety operations are functioning as they should and the City will continue to provide services,” after what city officials are calling, “a network disruption affecting certain City systems.” WFSB reported that the incident is, “a suspected cyber attack on City […]
Officials Provide Update On Allen Street Project to Upgrade Stormwater System
By John McNamara City officials have provided an update on plans and financing to complete the Allen Street project to replace an outmoded storm water and sewage system that causes neighborhood flooding during heavy rains and extensive damage to basements and property. Mayor Bobby Sanchez said Allen Street improvements have been the priority for his […]
City Audit For 2025 Fiscal Year Finalized on Time
Independent auditors delivered New Britain’s financial statements for the year ending June 30, 2025 to city officials and the state Office of Policy and Management ahead of a December 31st deadline after several years of the reports being filed late. Material weaknesses and noncompliance found in prior years have been corrected, according to the CliftonLarsonAllen […]
City to Honor the Birthday of Rev Dr Martin Luther King, Jr.
Mayor Bobby Sanchez, the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, the Mary McLeod Bethune Club, and the Black Ministers Alliance are cordially inviting the public to join them in honoring the birthday of Reverend Dr Martin Luther King Jr. The citywide event, scheduled for Monday, January 19, 2026, will focus on the theme “Unity through […]
Iris Sanchez sworn in as State Rep for New Britain’s 25th District
State Rep. Iris Sanchez (D-25) has been sworn in as the State Representative from New Britain’s 25th District. The swearing-in ceremony occurred in the House Chamber on Tuesday, January 13th. The 2026 Legislative Session is set to begin on February 4th, 2026. Rep. Sanchez, a multi-term member of the New Britain Common Council from Ward […]
Task Force Hearing on Traffic Cameras To Be Held Thursday, Jan. 15th
by John McNamara The City of New Britain will take the next step in selecting locations for speed enforcement traffic cameras at a January 15th public hearing of the Vision Zero Task Force. A Vision Zero public hearing is set for Thursday, Jan. 15th, at 6:30 p.m. at the New Britain Police Department Community Room, […]
Community Budget Forum Planned on New Britain School District Budget Proposal
The Consolidated School District of New Britain is inviting the public to a Community Budget Forum on the school system’s budget for the upcoming 2026-2027 budget year. “Join Superintendent Dr. Tony Gasper for a presentation and community conversation about how the proposed budget supports student needs and district priorities,” the school district says, The Community […]
Iris Sanchez Wins Special Election to Become New Britain’s Newest State Legislator
Editor’s note: The cover photo is by Dr Frank Gerratana on Veterans Day. City Council member, Ald Iris Noemi Sanchez (D-3) was overwhelmingly elected in the special election in the 25th State Assembly district, to become New Britain’s newest state legislator. Sanchez appears to have won, unofficially, 354 to 180. The special election was to […]
Mayor Sanchez Establishes Task Force on Public Safety
Editor’s note: The cover photo is by Dr Frank Gerratana on Veterans Day. Mayor Bobby Sanchez (D) has announced that he has established a new Mayor’s Task Force on Public Safety, saying, “Public safety is the foundation of a strong community.” The Task Force, established under Mayor Sanchez’ Executive Order Number 1, is to serve […]
Early Voting Underway in 25th District Special Election.
Early voting will continue this weekend for voters in New Britain’s 25th Assembly District in the special election to fill the state representative seat left vacant following Mayor Bobby Sanchez’s recent election to the city’s top office. Election Day is Tuesday, January 6, 2026, when voters who have not yet voted by they will be […]