Headlines
News
Four New Britain City Council have formally stated their opposition to a controversial travel center…
Community News
A Review by Sean Gallagher Located at 260 Main Street in New Britain, Mofongo offers…
News Analysis
by John McNamara – NBpoliticus.com State Representative Matt Blumenthal on “No Excuse” Absentee Voting: “We Have…
Featured Journalism
by John McNamara Sponsors and attendees at the New Britain Public Library’s (NBPL) 10th Annual Fundraiser on…
Opinion
By Neil P. Connors – Batterson Park Conservancy For more than a decade, volunteers, advocates,…
New Britain Racial Justice Coalition
By the New Britain Racial Justice Coalition, The New Britain Racial Justice Coalition (NBRJC) is raising serious concerns about Mayor Bobby Sanchez’s proposed FY27 budget, stating clearly that it reduces overall education funding while failing to meaningfully invest in libraries and community services. Despite public claims of increased support for schools, the full budget shows […]
Community Announcements
By Bike New Britain On Monday, Bike New Britain will be providing the 5th grade class at Smalley School in New Britain with a bike safety education program. Beginning on Monday, May 4th and continuing through Thursday, May 7th, members of Bike New Britain will be conducting safety education classes from 8am to 9:45am Then […]
Community Announcement by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut (BBBSCT) honored two New Britain residents during its annual Big Night celebration this Saturday, recognizing Big Sister Alex Steel as the 2026 Big of the Year and Jessica Mercado as the 2026 Parent Partner of the Year. Both were celebrated […]
Schools
As the summer days wind down and back-to-school shopping begins, familiar signs of a new school year appear. Store shelves are stocked with school supplies, shopping carts start to fill, and a growing sense of anticipation starts to creep in. Across the town of New Britain, students are preparing to return to the school halls […]
History
By John McNamara Saturday, March 7th was one of those days when New Britain lived…
Flooding Series
Latest News and Opinion
Four New Britain City Council have formally stated their opposition to a controversial travel center and gas-diesel facility proposed on a wetlands parcel near Batterson Pond on Fienemann Road just across the town border in Farmington. In a joint statement submitted during a June 3 public hearing, the Council President, Ald Francisco Santiago (D-5), the […]
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 […]
A Review by Sean Gallagher Located at 260 Main Street in New Britain, Mofongo offers a vibrant blend of Puerto Rican and mainland American fusion cuisine. Its atmosphere immerses guests in Puerto Rican island culture. The restaurant’s colorful interior, decorated with art and photographs, creates an extremely warm and welcoming environment that gives a preview […]
Op-Ed: New Britain Residents Deserve Better Financial Oversight
By Chris Anderson For the third year in a row, the City of New Britain’s Finance Department has neglected their obligations to taxpayers by failing to file the annual financial audit on time. Besides routine lateness, the audit findings identified multiple serious material weaknesses in how the Finance Department operates. First, the Finance Department failed […]
Dave DeFronzo Announces Citizen Election Qualification and AFL-CIO and CSU-AAUP Endorsements
Former City Council member Dave DeFronzo (D-AL) has announced he has successfully qualified for the state’s Citizen Election Program, known commonly as the “Clean Election Program,” in his run for the 26th District State Representative seat. At the same time he has announced endorsements for his candidacy from the Connecticut AFL-CIO and the Connecticut State […]
Community Events and Meetings in New Britain, July 15th to 21st
In New Britain, community meetings and events from today to Sunday, July 21, 2024 include.
Council Leader Supports DeFronzo for State Representative
To The Editor: David DeFronzo, the endorsed Democrat running for 26th State Representative in the August 13th Primary, will be an effective leader for the city and the district if he is elected to the Legislature this year. Mr. DeFronzo is listening and understands the needs of the community. He will bring energy and know […]
Op-Ed: Tax and Spend Republicans in New Britain
By Aram Ayalon Recently, the New Britain Progressive reported that the city of New Britain is yet again, late in submitting its audit report, this time 6 months late instead of a year late for the 2022 budget – a slight improvement but still adds to the financial woes the city has experienced in the […]
Training and Motivation Center Hosting Sneaker Day Party to Benefit Back to School Event
The Training and Motivation Center (TMC) is hosting its First Annual Sneaker Day Party to benefit its well-known annual Back to School event. The nonprofit TMC says that they are, “bringing the entire community together this summer with their inaugural Sneaker Day Party.” “I’ve been wanting to do a Sneaker Party event like this for […]
Council Plans Public Hearing and Meeting on Late City Audits
The New Britain City Council is set to hold a hearing and meeting on the city financial audit reports that were reported to the state late two years in a row by the administration of Mayor Erin Stewart (R). The report for the city budget year that was from July 1, 2022 to June 30, […]
Multicultural Business Potluck Networking Event Planned
The New Britain NAACP is hosting a Multicultural Business Potluck Networking Event. Event organizers say, “Join us for an inspiring gathering where entreprenuers from diverse backgrounds come together to share ideas, feast, and fellowship.” The event is on July 29, 2024 at 6:30pm at 177 Sexton Street. “Bring your specialty dish,” say event organizers. More […]
Reader Supports Ayalon and Property Tax Cap
Dear Editor, Last year my condo property was reassessed and I got a 43% property tax increase. This July, I got a mill rate increase of about $100 per/year. The 2024 mill rate for Greenwich (one of the wealthiest communities in CT) is 11.39. In New Britain it’s 38.28 with another increase already set for […]
New Britain Racial Justice Coalition Hosting Dinner Fundraiser
New Britain Racial Justice Coalition is hosting a Dinner Fundraiser to support its work. The organization says, Step up for justice on July 25th! Join us for a transformative fundraiser supporting our mission for racial equity in New Britain. Together, we can make a powerful impact. Don’t miss out! The event is Thursday, July 25, […]
“Lawyers in the Library” to be at New Britain Public Library
The New Britain Public Library says that, New Britain Public Library, in collaboration with the Connecticut Bar Association, is now working with local attorneys to offer the program “Lawyers in Libraries.” If you have questions or a case that involves immigration law, family law, consumer rights, personal injury, or a landlord/tenant conflict, you can sign […]
Rev. Brian K. Riley Becomes Pastor of Redeemer’s A.M.E. Zion Church in Plainville
Rev. Brian K. Riley, a native of New Britain, has been named Pastor Redeemer’s A.M.E. Zion Church in Plainville, returning to the New Britain area after serving as Pastor of Clinton AME Zion Church in Ansonia for five years. Rev. Riley and his wife, Jill, were formally welcomed to the 122 year old historic African […]
Audit Report Says Stewart City Hall Failed to Fix Problems from Previous Year
The report from firm auditing the city of New Britain’s books found that three findings it identified from the previous year were still not remedied by the administration of Mayor Erin Stewart (R). The audit for the 2023 budget year was completed nearly six months late, according to state law. The six month late report […]
With Fashion and Cultural Celebration, Council Member Candyce Scott Seeks to Inspire Empowerment
New Britain City Council member, Ald. Candyce Scott (D-3) held a fashion show in the Town of Plainville Juneteenth Celebration on June 19th and later a photo shoot for CT Fashion in New Britain at the Rose Garden. Scott is the creator of Gorgy By Candy and is a licensed professional counselor. In celebrating her […]
Community Events and Meetings in New Britain, July 8th to 14th
In New Britain, community meetings and events from today to Sunday, July 14, 2024 include,
Allen St. Problem-Project #2 Oak St. to Beacon St. Our 21st Presentation to New Britain Officials. July 10, 2024
o: Ward 4 Constituents, Taxpayers, Property Owners, Flooding Victims and New Britain Officials This updated record is being shared regarding the status of our neighborhoods’ storm-sewer systems and the Federal-State-City responses. Our concerns must be given the highest priority. Our quality of life is suffering and our property values have declined by 15%. When the […]
Late For Second Year In A Row, Stewart City Hall Reports Completion Of 2023 Audit
The administration of Mayor Stewart (R) is reporting that the audit for the 2023 budget year, nearly six months late, according to state law, is ready. The six month late report follows another, nearly year-late report from the previous budget year. A report from Stewart administration Finance Director Jonathan M. Perugini to the City Council […]
Happy 4th of July!
The New Britain Progressive wishes you, from our families to yours, a happy and safe celebration of the Independence of the United States of America! As we celebrate our nation, let us all reflect on the great ideals this country was built on – equality, democracy, justice and freedom for all – and continue our […]
Banned Book Club at New Britain Public Library to Discuss “Crank” by Ellen Hopkins
The New Britain Public Library is hosting its Banned Book Club, saying, The Library says that the event is its, Join us for this monthly book club where we discuss books that have been banned or have been requested to be removed from public libraries or school libraries. This month’s book is Crank by Ellen […]
2024 New Britain 4th Of July Fireworks, “Great American Boom” Planned
New Britain’s widely attended July 4th “Great American Boom” fireworks display, celebrating Independence Day, is planned for the 2024 celebration. The 2024 Great American Boom fireworks event has been scheduled for Thursday, July 4, 2024 in Willow Brook Park. The event is to feature food trucks, DJ dance party and, of course, fireworks. An estimated […]