Banner
City Updates Purchasing and Bid Policy for First Time in 11 Years
NEW BRITAIN COMMON COUNCIL UPDATES Municipal bidding procedures for the purchase of supplies and contractual services have been revised “for greater consistency and efficiency” for the first time in more than 11 years. The Common Council amended Chapter VIII of the ordinances at its June 10th meeting, increasing the threshold for competitive bidding from $7,500 to $25,000, The […]
Water Is Life: Citizen Opposition Nixes Another Threat to Wetlands and Watershed
Withdrawn Plan for Truck Stop Near Batterson Pond Echoes Past Fights Over New Britain Watershed by John McNamara http://nbpoliticus.com Residents of Farmington and New Britain rose up as one voice in recent weeks to oppose the plan of Noble Gas Real Estate Holdings to build a diesel-gas refueling facility and warehouse on about six acres […]
Batterson Park Reopens: Nature Awaits This Summer
By John McNamara – nbpoliticus.com FARMINGTON – Batterson Park, closed and unused for more than a decade, will be open to all visitors this summer as a place for picnicking, short hikes, birding, bald eagle watching, kayaking, fishing, splash padding or just communing with nature on the New Britain-Farmington line. Officials from Farmington, Hartford and […]
Independent Report Alleges Erin Stewart Gave Herself Massive Improper Payouts, Pensions and Tuition Perks
A bombshell independent investigation report released today details allegations of a sweeping, multi-year pattern of fiscal misconduct, unauthorized compensation, and potential fraud by and under the administration of former Mayor Erin Stewart (R). The report, compiled by the Crumbie Law Group, alleges that Stewart systematically bypassed city protocols to secure hundreds of thousands of taxpayer […]
Attorney General and Consumer Protection Commissioner Investigating Stewart and Mayor’s Trophy Charitable Fund
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong and Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli have announced a formal investigation into the handling by former New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart (R) of the “Mayor’s Trophy Charitable Fund.” The probe focuses on how charitable money was managed between an official fund run by the Community Foundation of Greater […]
Frisbies Dairy Barn for Sweet Summer Fun in New Britain
A Review by Sean Gallager Recently, a visit to Frisbie’s Dairy Barn on 951 Farmington Avenue In New Britain provided a highly memorable ice cream experience. One thing that stood out was how vibrant and colorful the inside of the shop was, as the inside was decorated with blue and pink paint, setting a proper […]
New Pavements Scheduled for 23 Streets This Summer
Roadwork Begins June 22 Using State Local Capital Improvement Funds from NBpoliticus.com NEW BRITAIN – All or portions of 23 streets in the city have been selected for the 2026 re-paving program this summer by the Department of Public Works. The work will be performed by contractors retained by the city and is scheduled to […]
City Council Approves Budget With Education Increase and No Tax Increase
The New Britain City Council approved a city budget that provides $14,742,120 million more in new funding and savings for the city’s schools, with no tax increase, by a 9 to 5 vote. The budget incorporates the $13.3 million increase state education aid and the $4.6 million in other state aid to the city that […]
Mayor Sanchez Announces Full Funding Secured for Allen Street Drainage Project
Mayor Bobby Sanchez (D) has announced that the long-delayed Allen Street Drainage Project is now fully funded, through his work as Mayor, in partnership with Sen Rick Lopes (D-6), Rep Manny Sanchez (D-24), Rep Dave DeFronzo (D-26), Rep Iris Sanchez (D-25) and Rep Gary Turco (D-27) and the support of Gov Ned Lamont (D) and […]
Farmington Commission Hears Public Opposition to Travel Center Near Batterson Park and Slater Rd. Neighborhood
A Fourth Hearing Will Be Held on June 3 By John McNamara NBpoliticus.com FARMINGTON – The Inland Wetlands and Environment Commission heard residents from Farmington and New Britain on May 20th strongly oppose an application to build a Travel Center and a gas/diesel fueling station on the town line near Interstate 84 off ramps. In response […]
NB News Briefs: Dems discuss Absentee Vote Law…Council Hikes Fines for Blight, Code Violations…School District Recognizes Faculty, Staff at Awards Night
by John McNamara – NBpoliticus.com State Representative Matt Blumenthal on “No Excuse” Absentee Voting: “We Have Finally Caught Up with the Rest of Nation” State Rep. Matt Blumenthal (D-147), Co-Chair of the Government Administration and Elections (GAE), says Connecticut’s newly adopted election law allowing “no excuse” absentee voting and other provisions will promote more participation in […]
Mail in Voting Now Available to All Eligible Voters Under Law Signed by Gov Ned Lamont
Gov Ned Lamont (D) has officially signed into law legislation that provides all eligible voters in Connecticut with the option to cast their ballots using absentee ballots, without needing a specific excuse. The legislation removes long-standing state restrictions that limited absentee voting only to those who met specific criteria, such as illness, physical disability, or […]
Stewart Suspends Governor Campaign After Investigation Report Says She Misused City Funds
An independent investigation has concluded that former New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart (R) engaged in a pattern of behavior that violated public trust by misusing her city-issued credit card for personal, family, and campaign expenses. In the wake of the report’s findings, Stewart has suspended her campaign for Governor of Connecticut, while current Mayor Bobby […]
City Council Allocates 2026 HUD Funding
The City Council approved a resolution allocating funds provided to New Britain by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the federal dollars meant to support viable communities, provide decent housing, and expand economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents. Funding is provided annually to the city by HUD and distributed by the […]
Hayes Easily Wins Democratic Endorsement; Bronin Wins Upset Against Larson; Possible 3 Way Primary in 1st CD
Photojournalism by Dr Frank Gerratana and Rhona Cohen. Cover photo by Dr Frank Gerratana. Staff reports. US Rep Jahana Hayes (D-5) easily won the Democratic endorsement for re-election, but longtime US Rep John Larson (D-1) narrowly lost the Democratic endorsement to former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin (D). Both votes were at the Democratic Party Congressional […]
2026 Race in the Park Held to Support Breast Cancer Education and Research
Photojournalism by Gregory L Gerratana The Connecticut Breast Health Initiative (CT BHI) held its 2026 Race in the Park on Saturday, May 9th, continuing a Mother’s Day weekend tradition in New Britain. People come to the event each year to honor breast cancer survivors, and remember loved ones while supporting the work of the Connecticut […]
Council to Review Budget with Department Heads; May 15 is Deadline for Elderly Tax Relief
The Common Council will hold three meetings (May 5,6,7) to review the Mayor’s proposed budget for the July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027. City departments under the jurisdiction of the Planning, Zoning and Housing Committee (PZH) will be reviewed Tuesday, May 5. The Administration, Finance, Law and Public Services Committee (AFLPS) will continue the review on […]
Mayor and Legislators Announce $13 Million More in State Aid for New Britain Schools
New Britain Mayor Bobby Sanchez (D) joined with Sen Rick Lopes (D-6), Rep Manny Sanchez (D-24), Rep David DeFronzo (D-26), Rep Iris Sanchez (D-25) and Rep Gary Turco (D-27) in announcing that New Britain schools will receive an additional $13.3 million in state aid. The Mayor and legislators said that the increase is, “a significant […]