News
Democrats Advocate for Infrastructure and Neighborhood Improvements as City Standing Bonding Subcommittee Recommends Park Borrowing With Board of Finance Votes
The City Bonding Subcommittee approved recommending for $6,300,000 in borrowing for parks projects, with members of the Republican-controlled Board of Finance and Taxation tipping the balance in favor. Democrats on the committee had moved to table the proposal, calling for city bonding to include funding for flood control and other neighborhood priorities, but were outvoted […]
Water, Park and School Bonding Proposed; Council Committee Special Meeting Called
The City Council’s Standing Bonding Subcommittee will hold a special meeting this week. On the agenda are three proposals for city capital projects. One proposal is for $145,000,000 in bonding for a major renovation project at Smith Elementary School, a $9,800,000 project at Pulaski School and $2,700,000 at Slade School. The $145,000,000 for the Smith […]
Legislation Calls For Clear Language On Charter Referenda
GAE Committee Favors ‘Precise’ Wording On Ballot Questions The Legislature’s Government Administration and Elections Committee (GAE) has acted favorably on a bill that will “establish certain minimum requirements for presenting charter or home rule ordinance amendment ballot questions to voters.’” House Bill 7125, introduced by State Representative Gary Turco (D-27) and supported by New Britain’s […]
Local Attorney Reports Aggressive Immigration Capture in New Britain for Tourist Overstay
Prominent local attorney and community leader, Adrian Baron, reported on social media today that federal agents in New Britain stopped his car and removed a client who had been working to adjust his tourist visa status. “I was giving my client a ride home after court,” said Baron, noting that, “He was not convicted of […]
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 […]
150 People Celebrate Swearing-In New NAACP Officers
NAACP State Council President Scot X. Esdaile led a crowd of 150 in celebrating the swearing in of newly elected New Britain NAACP President Jan E. Edwards and other New Britain NAACP officers in a ceremony Tuesday evening. Other newly elected officers included First Vice President, Dr. Violet Jimenez-Sims, Treasurer Samuel Simmons, Assistant Treasure Kim […]
Republican Beloin-Saavedra Reportedly Announces Candidacy for Mayor
Republican City Council Assistant Leader, Ald Sharon Beloin-Saavedra (R-1) has reportedly announced that she is planning to run for Mayor, according to reporting by WTNH Channel 8. Editor’s note: The cover photo for this article is by Dr Frank Gerratana. WTNH quoted Beloin-Saavedra as saying in a statement that, “It is with great humility, commitment, […]
Rep DeFronzo Praises Lamont Special Education Proposal, Urges Approval of Special Education Legislation
State Rep Dave DeFronzo (D-26) is praising a $54 million in funding for special education funding proposed by Gov Ned Lamont (D) in his proposed state budget. DeFronzo, who is sponsoring House Bill 5100, introduced by Rep Maryam Khan (D-5), “to improve the quality and delivery of special education services across the state,” said that, […]
CT People’s Survival Program Launches Community Violence Intervention Series in New Britain
The CT People’s Survival Program has announced a three-part Community Violence Intervention Series, noting that it is, “focused on equipping community members with practical skills to interrupt and transform violence.” The CT People’s Survival Program is a 501(c)(3) affiliate of the New Britain Racial Justice Coalition (NBRJC). The organization says that, In collaboration with the […]
New Britain Budget Audit Late for Yet Another Year
The city of New Britain annual budget audit, required under state law, is anticipated to be three months late, according to a report recently submitted to the City Council. The information came to light in response to an official Council petition filed by the Council Majority Leader, Ald John McNamara (D-4). The city was required […]