News
HRA Helping Families into Homes with “Head Start on Housing”
The Human Resources Agency of New Britain (HRA) has been helping families get needed housing, using a first-in-the nation “Head Start on Housing” program. HRA pointed to the case of the mother of an HRA pre-school student, “Maria B.”, who, found herself and her children homeless and having to live in a motel in Newington. […]
Council Discusses Assumption of City Audit Oversight
At a meeting of its Committee on Administration, Finance, Law and Public Services, the New Britain City Council discussed plans for establishing Council oversight of the audit of the city’s finances. At the meeting on Monday, Council Majority Leader, Ald. John McNamara (D-4) pointed to state law assigns to the local legislative body, the City […]
DeFronzo Calls for State Action to Address Housing Crisis
David DeFronzo, who is running for state representative in the open 26th Assembly District, has announced a series of initiatives for, “the state to play a more direct role in the financing and oversight of affordable housing statewide.” DeFronzo called for urgent action by the state, saying, “We need to address this issue now.” “People […]
Dave DeFronzo Announces Clean 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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
Stewart Administration Proposes New Self-Storage Zoning Rules
Yet another raft of zoning proposal has been submitted by the administration of Mayor Erin Stewart (R), including new rules concerning self-storage businesses, proposed against a backdrop of an ongoing dispute between Stewart and former Republican Council member James Sanders, Jr. The new list of zoning proposals were introduced by Council Republican leader, Ald. Robert […]
Community Mourns and Thanks Dr. Alton Brooks, Revered Community Leader
By Tim O’Brien, with contributing research by John McNamara and from an interview with Dr. Brooks by Rev. Brian Riley and photography by Dr. Frank Gerratana People across New Britain and beyond are in mourning because of the passing of Dr. Alton Brooks, the legendary leader, who did so much for so many, organizing, inspiring […]