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News
Early voting for the August 11 State and Federal Primaries has officially begun in New…
Community News
As challenges like substance use and housing struggles continue to affect members of the community,…
News Analysis
By Carol S. Austad, Ph.D The spotted lanternfly is no longer someone else’s problem. It…
Featured Journalism
by John McNamara Sponsors and attendees at the New Britain Public Library’s (NBPL) 10th Annual Fundraiser on…
Opinion
Opinion by CT People’s Survival Programs On Saturday, August 8 at 12:00 PM, the coalition…
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
As challenges like substance use and housing struggles continue to affect members of the community, an upcoming event aims to offer support, resources, and the vital message that no one should have to face these hardships alone. “From Faith to Freedom: Igniting Hope in Mental Health & Recovery” will be held on Saturday, August 22, […]
Opinion by CT People’s Survival Programs On Saturday, August 8 at 12:00 PM, the coalition Close Osborn Correctional Institution will hold a rally outside Osborn Correctional Institution (OCI), located in Somers, Connecticut, to demand the closure of the medium-security prison. Speakers will share statements from men currently incarcerated at OCI and highlight the ongoing health, […]
Early voting for the August 11 State and Federal Primaries has officially begun in New Britain, offering voters a seven-day period to cast their ballots ahead of Primary Day. The early voting period, which opened on Monday, August 3, will run through Sunday, August 9. Eligible registered voters can cast their ballots at either of […]
A Concerned, Vocal Citizen and Flooding Victim Questions the Mayor’s Motives and Election Tactics
To the editor, Your article regarding the $4M transfer from the General Fund to the Public Works account is puzzling to me. The mayor signed off on 2 different resolutions back in September and October. #36236 (See attachment) which the mayor approved the transfer (9-28-23) and #36258-1 (See attachment) which the mayor confirmed the transfer […]
Council Approves Transparency Ordinances for Developer Tax Breaks and City Purchasing
The City Council has approved two new ordinances providing that final versions of deals for tax breaks for developers and city contracts appear on the publicly-available Council agenda. Both new transparency ordinances are similar to an ordinance that was vetoed by Mayor Erin Stewart (R) earlier this month. Council Democrats strongly criticized the veto of […]
Council Refers Report on Unimplemented $4 Million For Flood Control to Committee for Review
The City Council has voted to examine in committee a report from New Britain city Finance Director Jonathan Perugini that appeared to imply that he did not implement a $4 million budget transfer approved by the City Council for Allen Street flood control project, saying that the resolution to approve it had, “deficiencies.” Council Majority […]
Queen Ann Nzinga’s Center Hosting ‘Kwanzaa in May’
The Queen Ann Nzinga’s Center is hosting a “Kwanzaa in May’ year end celebration event. The Center says that the event, “Featuring games, face painting, a DJ, a cookout with hot dogs and hamburgers and more,” is, “Open to all – participants, family members and the community.” The event is Saturday, May 4, 2024, from […]
CCSU Planetarium Presenting Show on “Island Universes” – Galaxies
The CCSU Copernican Planetarium and Observatory is presenting a show on galaxies, or as they were once called, “island universes.” “What objects are full of stars, stellar corpses, gas, dust, and dark matter?” asks the Planetarium. “Galaxies! Join us in celebrating the amazing properties of galaxies at our next free public shows.” The events are […]
CCSU “Empty Bowls 2024” to be at Smalley School
CCSU says that its, “Ceramics and Management and Organization students present Empty Bowls 2024.” ““Empty Bowls” is an international project to fight hunger, personalized by artists and art organizations on a community level,” CCSU says. “Proceeds from this event will benefit the Friendship Service Center in New Britain.” At the event, organizers say, “A basic […]
Dave DeFronzo Announces Qualifying for Citizen Election Program
Former City Council member Dave DeFronzo (D-AL) has announced that he has enough qualifying contributions to participate in the state’s Citizen Election Program, sometimes called the “clean election program,” in his run for the 26th District State Representative seat. “This program epitomizes a clean election process,” DeFronzo explained. “It bans dark money and emphasizes grassroots […]
CCSU Hosting Community Engagement Internship Event and Clothing Drive
CCSU is hosting a Community Engagement Internship Event and Clothing Drive event, inviting its students to, “Learn about community engagement internships during a clothing drive to benefit New Britain’s Friendship Service Center.” “While all clothing donations are welcome,” CCSU says, “clothing specifically for men is requested. Refreshments will be provided.” The event is to be […]
“The 70’s Project” to Perform at New Britain Museum of American Art’s First Friday
The New Britain Museum of American Art is to host the band, “The 70’s Project”, at its popular First Friday event. The event is to be on May 3, 2024, from 5:30pm to 8:00pm. “Paying tribute to the greatest Billboard hits from one of the most influential and musically diverse eras ever,” the band introduction […]
New Britain Council Democrats Criticize Stewart Veto of Public Reports on Land Deals
Mayor Stewart, in Veto Message, Calls Use of Word “Transparency” Political, While Belittling Council Democrats Council Democrats are strongly criticizing the veto by New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart (R) of city legislation to provide for public reports to the City Council on final land deals, calling the mayor’s act, “a striking blow against the principles […]
Speedbumps and Speedhumps Work – Will New Britain make residents’ Safety a priority?
The Board of Public Works of the city of New Britain issued in June 2023 a policy banning the use of speed bumps and humps on city streets. While the policy statement claims to place “high priority on reducing accidents and injuries and increasing safety on its road network” it claims that, for many communities, […]
City Council to Hold Public Hearing on City Budget
The Majority Leader of the City Council, Ald. John McNamara (D-4) announced that, The Common Council will hold a Public Hearing on the Mayor’s Proposed General Fund Budget, Capital Improvement Program Budget and Special Revenue and Enterprise Funds Budget for the 2024-2025 Fiscal Year on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers, […]
Allen St. Project #2 Oak St. to Beacon St: Flooding Updates City Council Meetings 4-23 and 4-24-24.
To: All Past and Present City Officials and All Department Directors All Long Suffering Flood Victims; Property Owners and Residents This updated record is being shared regarding the status of our neighborhood’s storm-sewer system and Federal-State-City responses. Our concerns need to be given the highest priority. Our quality of life is suffering and our property […]
Happy Passover From the New Britain Progressive
Chag Pesach Sameach from the New Britain Progressive and best wishes for a joyous Passover to Jewish families in New Britain and everywhere. And the New Britain Progressive wishes bright future of equality for everyone, free of all forms of oppression.
Reader Supports Congresswoman Jahana Hayes
By Marlene WoodmanSharon, Connecticut I support Rep. Jahana Hayes – CT5-D because I know firsthand the amount of work and commitment it takes to represent constituents and communities. I was Rep. Rosa Delauro’s (CTD-3) campaign manager and then district director when she was first elected. The job is demanding – it takes a personal commitment […]
Community Events and Meetings in New Britain, Apr 22nd to 28th
In New Britain, community meetings and events from today to Sunday, April 28, 2024 include,
Resolution Allocating $4 Million for Flood Control Deemed Deficient by Finance Department
New Britain city Finance Director Jonathan Perugini appears to imply that he did not implement a $4 million budget transfer approved by the City Council for Allen Street flood control project, saying that the resolution to approve it had, “deficiencies.” The Council unanimously approved $4 million last September for improvements to address flooding experienced by residents of […]
New Britain Democrats Call for Cease Fire in Israel and Palestine, Release of Hostages and Humanitarian Relief
The New Britain Democratic Town Committee has approved a resolution calling for, “an immediate and permanent ceasefire and end to the hostilities,” in, “the armed violence in Israel and Palestine,” that, “has claimed the lives of innocent civilians with tens of thousands of lives lost.” In the unanimously approved resolution, Democrats affirmed, “solidarity with our […]
Council Members Call for Control of Traffic Speeds After Child Injured in Hit and Run
New Britain City Council President Pro-Tempore, Ald. Francisco Santiago (D-5) and Ald. Candyce Scott (D-3) say they are, “deeply saddened and outraged,” about, “the recent hit-and-run incident that occurred on Monday at the intersection of Broad Street and High Street, resulting in the injury of a minor.” Ald. Santiago said that, “Quality of life for […]
Council Holds Hearing on HUD Funds Allocations
The New Britain City Council held a hearing ahead of decisions it will make on the allocation of funds from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The federal grants support an array of human services and community development programs in the city and are also used by the city government. Representatives of […]