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 extra content, and being read by many. But fewer people read print newspapers, now with news and information available online.
Current city ordinances require that, “On the Sunday prior to any proposed public hearing, notice shall be given in the form of a legal advertisement in a newspaper having a general circulation in the City of New Britain of all public hearings for the upcoming week.”
The proposal, by the Republican leader, Ald. Robert Smedley (R-4) would strike out the words, “On the Sunday prior to any proposed public hearing.”
The change would leave the ordinance requiring, instead, “Notice shall be given in the form of a legal advertisement in a newspaper having a general circulation in the City of New Britain of all public hearings for the upcoming week.” The proposal does not appear to readily clarify when the newspaper notices would be published or what, “for the upcoming week,” refers to out of context from a specific day.
The proposal is to be considered at a July 12, 2023 public hearing and meeting of the Council’s Committee on Administration, Finance and Law. It is already posted on the agenda of the full Council for its meeting, also on July 12th, at which time the Council could give it final approval.
The public hearing and committee meeting start at 6:00pm and the Council meeting starts at 7:00pm.
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