Headlines
Engineering Report Confirms Residents’ Concerns About Effects of Neighborhood Flooding
A professional engineer has reported that the effects of repeated flooding, “can be structurally compromising,” of a home in the neighborhood to the southwest of CCSU that includes, Newbury, Hampton, Allen, Brighton and Stewart streets and Eton Place and Roxbury Road. Residents in the neighborhood have been seeking action by the city to address long-standing […]
Ten New Britain Schools Need Major Renovations in 10 Years – A New Report Suggests
On the January 8th 2024 Consolidated School District of New Britain Board meeting, the board heard a report titled “Facility Condition Assessment & Energy Audit” prepared by Bureau Veritas. In the current buildings’ conditions only Holmes Elementary was not classified as “well maintained” but as in “functional conditions.” Holmes Elementary School was original constructed in […]
Critical Neighborhood Flooding Update: 1-16-24
By Frank and Sharon Chase The following is a recent message sent to city officials. This updated record is being shared regarding the status of our neighborhood’s storm-sewage systems and city-state responses. Our concerns need to be given the highest priority. When the flooding water recedes we are forgotten by our city officials. To our […]
Martin Luther King and the Economic and Social Bill of Rights
By Tim O’Brien Editor’s note: The following commentary is a republication of an article originally published personally by the author in 2014. This weekend, our nation, state and communities celebrate and remember the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his accomplishments. It is a time when I have always felt inspired by his work, […]
Op-Ed: Council Democrats Address Stormwater, Audit and Shelter For Unhoused Issues
Hearing From Citizens Will Be Essential During City Budget Process Two months into a new term the new Democratic majority on the Common Council is working on key issues raised in last year’s municipal election and in responding to public concerns on housing and shelter for the unhoused, stormwater infrastructure and the status of the […]
Protesters Advocate for Palestinians, U.S. Money to Support Local Services Instead of War
Protesters gathered in downtown New Britain Thursday to call for a cease-fire in Gaza and an end United States funding for the ongoing war. Protesters chanted, “money for jobs and education, not for guns and occupation.” City Council member, Ald. Nate Simpson (D-1) thanked people for, “rallying today for nothing but peace.” He said that, […]
New Britain City Council Invites Public to Discussion on Homelessness
The New Britain City Council says that it, “is excited to invite residents, community leaders, business partners and collaborators to a vital discussion aimed at addressing the pressing issue of homelessness within our community.” The Council’s President Pro Tempore, Ald. Francisco Santiago (D-5), and the Majority Leader, Ald. John McNamara (D-4), issued a public statement […]
City Council To Establish A Committee On Housing And Homelessness
In response to recent testimonies by people who are homeless or at-risk to becoming homeless and due to substantial increase in the rate of homelessness in New Britain, the city council, under the leadership of the democratic caucus, is voting in its January 10th meeting to add to its ordinance a Committee on Housing and […]
Critical Neighborhood Flooding Update: 1-9-24
By Frank and Sharon Chase This updated record is being shared regarding the status of our neighborhood’s storm-sewage systems and city-state responses. Our concerns need to be given the highest priority. When the flooding water recedes we are forgotten by our city officials: Back in the mid 90’s, PW Director Joe Carilli wrote to my […]
Shaw Coaches 700th Game for New Britain High School
Coach Darwin Shaw has reach another milestone in his long career coaching for New Britain High School, leading the Boy’s Junior Varsity Basketball team for his 700th game and winning more than three-quarters of those games. Shaw said, All praise belongs to you, God , for allowing me to reach another milestone. I have been […]
New Britain Council President Says, “No Excuse For Domestic Abuse,” After Recent Death
The New Britain City Council’s President Pro Tempore, Ald. Francisco Santiago (D-5) says that, “There is no excuse for domestic abuse in our community,” in a statement expressing, “condolences to the family and friends of Sabrina Finch, who tragically lost her life as a result of domestic abuse.” Ald. Santiago said that domestic abuse, “is […]
New Britain Ranks Low for Tree Canopy Cover: What are the Consequences and What Could be Done?
A 2013 report “New Britain Urban Forest” prepared for the City of New Britain by the Central Connecticut Regional Planning Agency (CCRPA) found that New Britain has one of the lowest tree canopies comparing to other cities in Connecticut. While Connecticut cities had an average tree canopy of 49% and overall town coverage average of […]
New Britain Council Committee Approves Creation of Audit Committee
The New Britain City Council’s Committee on Administration, Finance and Law has voted to approve a proposal to create a new Council Audit Subcommittee. The Council’s Majority Leader, Ald. John McNamara (D-4), one of the co-sponsors of the proposal said that, “government works best when we have checks and balances between the executive and legislative […]
AmeriCorps and CHC New Britain Hosting MLK Day of Service Donation Drive
The AmeriCorps Healthy Communities program and CHC New Britain are seeking donations for their upcoming MLK Day of Service. Event organizers say that they are accepting donations until January 10, 2024 at CHC New Britain at 85 Lafayette Street or by an Amazon wish list. Event organizers say that the MLK Day of Service, on […]
Black Ministers Mark Anniversary of Emancipation Proclamation On New Year’s Day
By John McNamara The first day of 2024 marked the anniversary of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation 161 years ago by President Lincoln. The Proclamation signed at the start of 1863 freed more than 3.5 million enslaved African Americans in the secessionist Southern states during the bloodiest year of the Civil War. New Britain’s […]
New Britain Council to Consider Audit Committee Amid Deficiencies And Greater Debt in Year-Late Audit Report
The city of New Britain’s long-overdue audit report was dated as filed one day before the City Council meeting at which Mayor Erin Stewart told the Council it would be “available” in January. The auditors’ report cites deficiencies and a jump in taxpayer debt. On Wednesday, the Council’s Committee on Administration, Finance and Law will […]
Happy New Year From The New Britain Progressive
From our families to yours, Happy New Year from the New Britain Progressive. Best wishes for a healthy and happy 2024!
Top Ten Stories of 2023: #1: Concerned Voices Confront New Britain City Council About Homelessness
As we get ready to start 2024, the New Britain Progressive looks back at some of the important stories we covered in 2023. This is among the articles we consider our Top Ten Stories of 2023. Best wishes for the New Year!
Top Ten Stories of 2023: #2: Neighborhood Near CCSU Hit By Flooding, Overflows Into Homes Multiple Times Since July
As we get ready to start 2024, the New Britain Progressive looks back at some of the important stories we covered in 2023. This is among the articles we consider our Top Ten Stories of 2023. Best wishes for the New Year!
Rev. Brian Riley to be Guest Preacher at 2024 Emancipation Proclamation Day Services, Pastor Gervais Barger of Peace Missionary Ministries to be Named Person of the Year
Rev. Brian Riley to be Guest Preacher at New Britain’s 2024 Emancipation Proclamation Day Services, where Pastor Gervais Barger is to be Named Person of the Year. The Emancipation Proclamation Service, in celebration of the Emancipation Proclamation, is to be held on January 1, 2024 at 2:00pm at Peace Missionary Ministries. Organizers for the upcoming […]