News
Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas Speaks on Elections and Business at NAACP Event
Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas spoke at a meeting of the New Britain NAACP Economic Development Committee and Multicultural Business Coalition on Monday. Secretary Thomas spoke on voter participation, civics, community participation and business empowerment. Thomas leads the state agency responsible for elections and business registration. She is the first African-American to hold the […]
Ortiz Luna and Sanders Plan Independent Candidacies for Council
At large Council Member Luz Ortiz Luna (R-AL) and longtime Republican activist James Sanders, Jr. are building independent campaigns for Council, as Republican Mayor Erin Stewart’s coalition shows more signs of fraying. “I will be petitioning to get on the ballot as an Independent,” Ald. Ortiz Luna said. She said she it looked like she […]
Republicans’ Council Slate Very Different From Current Council
New Britain Republicans have endorsed a very different slate of candidate from their current Council members, with many incumbents out — and rumors circulating that some incumbents and other Republicans may challenge as independent candidates. Only six of the twelve incumbent Republicans on the City Council were endorsed for re-election, out of a possible ten […]
Republicans Endorse Stewart and Slate for City Offices
Republican incumbent Mayor Erin Stewart received the endorsement of her party for re-election, along with a slate of candidates for City Council, Board of Education and other city offices. The Republican Town Committee said that, “We are thrilled to make a special announcement regarding the endorsement of Mayor Erin Stewart for her re-election to a […]
Democrats Endorse Anderson For Mayor
With incumbent Republican Mayor Erin Stewart apparently headed for the nomination of her party for a sixth term, former City Council member Chris Anderson has been endorsed for Mayor by the Democratic Town Committee. Anderson, who is the Chair of the New Britain Democratic Party, took issue with Stewart’s self-characterization as setting the city on […]
Council to Consider Replacing Sunday Newspaper Public Hearing Notices
The New Britain City Council is set to consider a proposal to eliminate the requirement for Sunday newspaper notices of public hearings. The proposal would leave a requirement for newspaper notices, but not require that it be on Sunday. Many people are familiar with newspapers appearing in print traditionally publishing extra large Sunday editions, containing […]
Attorney For Stalled East Street Project Seeks Dialogue With City
Developer Jim Sanders Says City Hall “Gag Order” Violates Property Rights By John McNamara NEW BRITAIN – The Attorney for Chamberlain Square LLC and its owner, James Sanders, is requesting further discussion with city officials on the “land use and economic development merits” of a proposed mixed use development at 600 East Street and an […]
City Council Approves Multiple Zoning Changes
Democrats’ Call For More Discussion On Citywide Changes Rejected Staff Reports NEW BRITAIN – Despite Democratic Ald. Aram Ayalon’s attempts to slow the process, the 12 – 3 Republican City Council approved sweeping zoning changes proposed by the administration of Mayor Erin Stewart (R) at the June 14th Common Council meeting. A raft of changes […]
Commission Holds First Hearing On Rent Hike Complaints
By John McNamara NEW BRITAIN – The first of seven scheduled hearings in June by the Fair Rent Commission was held Tuesday, June 13th over rent increase complaints involving a West Main Street apartment complex. Anibal Garcia and Reina Torres, 34-year residents of an apartment at 923 West Main Street, are seeking relief from a […]
Feasibility Study Is Next Step For Batterson State Park Designation
Public Hearings To Be Held in New Britain, Farmington and Hartford By John McNamara HARTFORD – Action on turning Batterson Park, the unused open space and pond between New Britain and Farmington, into a state park will not happen in 2023. The newly adopted biennial state budget, however, includes a Batterson Park Feasibility Study. It […]
New State Budget Increases Funding For NB Schools
City Gets $15.5 Million More For Education; Lawmakers Tout Personal Income Tax Cut Staff Reports HARTFORD – The state budget for the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years will increase state funds for municipal government and the city’s schools, New Britain legislators announced after bipartisan approval in the State Senate and House of Representatives on June 7th. […]
U.S. Rep. Hayes Votes No On Debt Ceiling Deal
Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05), citing cuts to food assistance programs, joined progressive opposition to a compromise budget bill to avert default on the nation’s debt. “I voted no on the budget agreement,” said Hayes in a statement following approval in the House of Representatives on May 31. “I acknowledge and recognize the immense consequences of […]
City Council Meeting Called to Vote on City Budget
The City Council is set to hold a meeting to consider approving the city budget proposed by Mayor Erin Stewart (R). Stewart has proposed a $265,849,055 city budget that would increase property taxes by 12.58% for the fiscal year that begins July 1st, with a 5.92% spending increase over current year expenditures. The proposal would […]
Commission Schedules Hearings Over Double Digit Rent Hikes
Staff Reports NEW BRITAIN – A reorganized Fair Rent Commission voted Tuesday May 23rd, to hold hearings on rent increase complaints at a West Main Street apartment complex. Seven tenants are seeking relief over rent hikes from 22% to 43% that would take effect in June. In the case of the largest increase among the […]
Central Students Win Grants For Two Youth Serving Organizations In New Britain
NEW BRITAIN -Two New Britain nonprofits won grants from the American Savings Foundation through the efforts of students in a psychology course focusing on roles and responsibilities in philanthropy in the Spring 2023 semester. Receiving $5,000 grants are The Pathways/Senderos Center and the Opportunities Industrialization Center of New Britain thanks to grant applications submitted by students on their behalf. […]
City Council Committees To Hold Meetings on City Budget
Three City Council Committees are set to hold meetings on the city budget proposed by Mayor Erin Stewart (R). Stewart has proposed a $265,849,055 city budget that would increase property taxes by 12.58% for the fiscal year that begins July 1st, with a 5.92% spending increase over current year expenditures. The proposal would provide for […]
Democrats Invite Candidates To Run For City Offices
Staff Reports NEW BRITAIN – The Democratic Town Committee (NBDTC) is seeking candidates for all municipal offices for the November 7th election. This year New Britain voters will elect candidates for Mayor, Treasurer, Common Council (15), Board of Education (3), Board of Assessment Appeal (2) and Constable (4). “New Britain Democrats believe that local government […]
Divided Council Confirms Stewart Pick For Chief Of Police
By John McNamara NEW BRITAIN – The Common Council confirmed Mayor Erin Stewart’s nomination of Captain Matthew Marino to become the city’s 16th Chief of Police at its April 26th meeting. The decision appeared to split council members, with a majority in favor of the Mayor’s choice but members from both Democratic and Republican caucuses […]
Zoning Changes Proposed For Downtown, Other Areas Across The City
NEW BRITAIN – The City Council’s Republican leader, Alderman Robert Smedley (R-4), has introduced a sweeping series of zoning changes on the Council agenda for April 26th. The changes would have various effects in seven key parts of the city, changing the type and density of development that would be allowed into the future in […]
Council To Vote On New Police Chief
Petitions Filed For Major Changes To City Zoning Map At April 26th Meeting By John McNamara NEW BRITAIN – The Common Council is scheduled to select a new Chief of Police at the Wednesday, May 26th regular meeting. Three members of the Police Department’s(NBPD) command staff have been selected as finalists. The vote may come […]