Housing
Ordinance Proposal Seeks to Clarify When Tenants Can Seek Relief for High Rents
A new City Council proposal seeks to clarify when New Britain residents seeking relief from rents can allege that rents are excessive when their landlords have begun eviction proceeding for nonpayment of rent in certain cases. The proposal, introduced by Ald Jerrell Hargraves (R-2) and Ald Neil Connors (D-4) is on the agenda of the […]
Stewart Administration Proposes $750 Tax Equivalent on Redeveloped Mt. Pleasant Affordable Housing
The administration of Mayor Erin Stewart (R) is proposing that $750 per unit per year be paid, equivalent to taxes, on Mt. Pleasant housing units, after the redevelopment of the current neighborhood there. Plans call for demolishing the existing Mt. Pleasant neighborhood and replacing it with new construction. The $750 payment proposal was introduced in […]
In Party Line Votes, Council Committee Sends Proposals Reducing Homeless Fines and Restrictions Back to Full Council
On party-line votes Thursday evening, a New Britain City Council committee referred back to the full Council two proposals to change city ordinances that have been criticized for having onerous impacts on the homeless in the city. The proposals, on loitering and panhandling ordinances that its critics say criminalize being homeless, were introduced by the […]
New Fed Grant Helps Friendship Center Enhance Shelter On Arch Street
A $1 million federal grant to New Britain’s Friendship Center (FSC) on Arch Street will support expansion of the facility, including the installation of private restrooms and other capital and maintenance improvements. U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-5) and FSC Executive Director Caitlin Rose announced the new funding on April 3rd which stems from approval of […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Election of Chair, Revised Rules On Agenda At Special Fair Rent Commission Meeting, April 4
By John McNamara NEW BRITAIN – The city’s Fair Rent Commission, a largely dormant city board, will hold a hastily-called special meeting Tuesday, April 4th to elect a Chairperson and revise its rules and regulations. The Commission meeting is scheduled for Tuesday at 6:30 P.M. in Room 201 at New Britain City Hall, 27 West […]
Hearing On Demolition Of Mount Pleasant Public Housing Set For Tuesday, March 7
Staff Reports NEW BRITAIN -A public hearing on the planned demolition of the Mount Pleasant family housing complex on Myrtle Street will be held Tuesday, March 7, at 3 pm at the Jane Johnson Conference Room, 18 Armistice Street that is located in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood. There is a zoom link for the meeting […]
Data Shows Large Rent Increases in New Britain
Staff Reports Data from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) points to hefty increases in rental housing in New Britain. HUD data appears to show rent levels in New Britain growing dramatically in the past few years, confirming anecdotal accounts of rent increases that people are experiencing. According to one New Britain […]