NEW BRITAIN – Common Council Democrats are questioning the use of $470,000 to fund construction of pickle ball courts at A.W. Stanley Park in a budget transfer resolution to be considered at the September 24th regular meeting of the Common Council.
Common Council Democrats Update
The resolution proposes to transfer accrued revenues from the 2024-2025 fiscal year to the current budget to fund projects and purchases not covered in the current year budget totaling $5,858,459. Funding for pickle ball courts is one of nine proposed expenditures as well as the transfer of funds to “fix deficits” and align revenues and expenditures on the city’s ledger before an independent audit for the year ending June 30,2025 begins.
“We welcome the availability of unaudited fund balances from the last fiscal year to allocate funds for the Board of Education, tax stabilization and needed capital improvements,” Council President Francisco Santiago (D-5), Assistant Majority Leader Iris Sanchez (D-3) and Majority Leader John McNamara (D-4) said in a joint statement. “The city, however, should use these general fund dollars to meet more urgent priorities other than the addition of more pickle ball courts at this time.”
Earlier this year the city administration sought $150,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for the A.W. Stanley Pickle Ball Court Project in a request that also proposed use of $300,000 from the A.W. Stanley Trust Fund at an estimated cost of $450,000. The plan would construct four pickle ball courts and a tennis court at the park that currently provides swimming pools, little league fields, a playground, walking trails and a fishing pond. The Common Council, however, allocated funds to other capital improvement projects as part of the annual plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Democratic Council leaders said alternatives should be considered for using the $470,000 “that meet compelling needs in the community to prevent evictions, reduce food insecurity and improve streets and infrastructure in our neighborhoods.”
“Now we are facing federal funding cuts and harmful policies from Donald Trump and the Republican Congress. Grants for community health and immunization programs have been jeopardized, Nearly $1.5 million in federal education funds were held up creating uncertainty before the school year began. An estimated 7,000 New Britain residents will lose Medicaid benefits once the Republican “big, beautiful bill” that slashes the social safety net and cuts taxes for billionaires takes effect,” the Democratic caucus statement said.
“Spending with our limited resources should go to essential services and investments that directly improve the health and well-being of residents,” said Alderwoman Wilma Barbosa (D-2), who serves on the Council’s Administration, Finance, Law and Public Services Committee.
The Common Council meeting will be held at New Britain City Hall, 27 West Main Street on Wednesday, September 24th. Public participation begins at 7 p.m.
Ward 4 Alderman John McNamara has been endorsed by an organization of Democratic elected officials in his bid for a second term on the New Britain Common Council.
The Democratic Municipal Officials Organization (DMO) endorsed McNamara who is serving his first term on the Common Council and serves as Majority Leader.
DMO is a national association of elected Mayors, City Council Members, School Board Members, and other municipal leaders “who identify with the values of the Democratic Party.” It serves to “to connect, elect, and empower municipal elected officials by leveraging its national network of members, alumni, and strategic partners.”
McNamara and former Alderwoman At Large Luz Ortiz-Luna are the endorsed Democrats in the September 9th Democratic Primary in Ward 4 that includes District 12, 13 and 14. In 2023 the city changed the composition of the Common Council from a hybrid system of five at large members and two members from each of the five wards to three alderpersons in each of the wards. Parties nominate two candidates to appear on November’s ballot under the minority representation law.
McNamara welcomed the DMO endorsement saying “New Britain and municipal governments across the country are addressing aging infrastructures, the need for affordable housing and school funding issues. We face funding cuts and harmful policies from a Republican administration and Congress. DMO is a resource in these uncertain times to exchange ideas and solutions with other elected officials in the effort to sustain and build healthy communities.” McNamara participated in a DMO Leadership Council last year at the Democratic National Convention and served as a Connecticut ambassador for the organization.
In seeking a second term on the Common Council, McNamara cited his key priorities for city government over the next two years that include affordable housing and fair taxes, neighborhood flood relief, equitable funding for schools and safer streets.
A $70 million comprehensive renovation of the Stanley H. Holmes Elementary School on Stanley Street near A.W. Stanley Park is on schedule for re-opening in the fall of 2026.
Members of the School Building Committee toured the school construction site on August 20th and heard from Construction Manager Kamil Musical of Newfield Construction that more than half of the rebuilding and expansion of the K-5, 460-pupil school is complete.
The project adds a courtyard linking the original structure and a new, two-story wing. Spaces for individualized learning and soundproof classrooms are part of the enhancements at the school constructed in 1956. The re-design will allow school busses to enter and exit from Stanley Street instead of using adjacent residential streets for traffic flow.
SBC members and school personnel toured Holmes School construction on August 20. Photo top right shows a new auditorium taking shape and at bottom left new space for the arts. At right is Ward 4 Alderman John McNamara who serves as council liaison to the SBC.
Newfield Construction reports that New Britain residents comprise 14 percent of project employees and 51% are from minority groups. Building trades union members make up the work force under prevailing wage agreements.
Ninety-five (95) percent of the costs for Holmes are being met by state school construction bonds. As work continues toward completion at the end of this school year, the city has received $9,858.059 in reimbursements thus far.
Through the efforts of the city’s legislative delegation, including State Rep. Robert “Bobby” Sanchez (D-25), a former Chair and current member of the Legislature’s Education Committee, state support for school construction in New Britain has exceeded 90 percent for the Holmes, Chamberlain and Smalley school renovations in recent years. State bonds for school construction generally meet up to 80 percent of capital costs in most cities and towns.
The John Paul II School on Farmington Avenue (formerly Holy Cross School) is housing Holmes’ staff and teachers through the end of the 2025-2026 School year. JPII School has been the temporary location for schools’ undergoing construction in recent years, including the Smalley and Chamberlain elementary schools in lease agreements with Holy Cross Church and the Archdiocese of Hartford.
A new, two-story wing of Holmes Elementary School under construction on August 20th.
The School Building Committee (SBC) meets Wednesdays on a monthly basis “to oversee school building projects authorized through bond funding as approved by the New Britain Common Council.” The SBC is a key decision maker in terms of capital expenditures in city government. Once plans are approved by the Common Council and Board of Education, the SBC “engages, selects, and enters into or continues all necessary contracts with contractors, architects, landscape architects, or engineers, and within the limits of the appropriations made by the council. ” Angelo D’Alfonso is the current chairperson and Attorney Michael Carrier is Vice Chair.
This update provided by Alderman John McNamara
(Ward 4 Alderman and Common Council Majority Leader John McNamara is a Council Liaison to the School Building Committee)
The City’s Annual Milling & Paving Program is underway and seven Ward 4 streets in the vicinity of Central CT State University (CCSU) are scheduled for re-paving in July.
Ward 4 streets slated for work include Hillcrest Avenue, Kilbourne Avenue, Hazelmere Road, Sylvan Road, Sunnyslope Drive, Rosemary Lane and Fairway Drive. Overall 30 streets throughout the city are being upgraded including the Walnut Hill Park Loop Road. The milling and paving began on June 16 and will continue through July and a portion of August.
Residents with questions or who are looking for more information may visit the Department of Public Works Pavement Management Program for daily updates provided by Traffic Operations Manager Carl Gandja. Officials say the rehabilitation work involves milling two inches off the top of existing pavement and then installing two inches of new pavement.
Spending for the milling & paving program in 2025 totals $3,000,000. In May the Common Council authorized a $2,690,000 payment to Tilcon Connecticut, Inc. and $310,000 to Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming of Bloomfield for the purchase of bituminous concrete materials and installation on streets across the city. Selections were made through the state cooperative purchasing plan. The source of funds is from state road aid through the Local Capital Improvement Program (LoCIP) and the city’s 1% for roads program.
Sunnyslope Drive is one of seven streets in Ward 4 to be re-paved this summer.
Safe Streets Report and Recommendations to Be Released June 25
By John McNamara
A final report of the city’s Vision Zero Task Force is expected to be released on June 25th with recommendations to reduce vehicular and pedestrian accidents throughout the city.
The Common Council took the first step of the Vision Zero initiative last December by adopting a Council resolution, introduced by Assistant Majority Leader Iris Sanchez (D-3), that accepted a $350,000 grant in federal transportation funds and established the task force “to develop a comprehensive Safety Action Plan to identify projects and strategies that will reduce fatalities and serious injuries at high crash locations in New Britain.” .
On June 11th the Common Council adopted a new ordinance to allow the use of automated traffic enforcement safety devices (ATESD) under a state law enabling communities to use the video technology as part of safety action plans. Unanimous approval came after Council Democrats requested and received confirmation of the local approval process and how the city will implement ATESDs at high-risk intersections.
Use of ATESDs will require public hearings, Common Council approval and state Department of Transportation (DOT) approvals for both local and state roads in the city.
The heavily traveled intersection at CorbinAvenue and Steele Street near Lincoln Elementary and Slade Middle School is in a school zone where automated camera placement will be considered. (NB Progressive photo)
Public Works Director Mark Moriarty and Traffic Operations Manager Carl Gandza told the Council that the primary goal of the devices “is not to catch or fine drivers but to change behavior.” They said the benefits can include reduced speeding and red-light running and “increased compliance” and reduced reliance on policy enforcement.” For equitable enforcement the ATESDs are limited to a maximum of two in a census tract to avoid targeting or profiling. For privacy concerns information collected cannot be used for other purposes, the driver and passengers are not identifiable and all personal information must be deleted in 30 days, according to Public Works officials.
Under the AETSD ordinance the camera collects the license ID only and a first-time warning is sent to the vehicle owner. Subsequent violations may result in fines but officials indicated that the cameras are not intended to raise significant revenue.
A roundabout traffic configuration is under consideration at the corner of Martin Luther King Boulevard and North Street where numerous accidents have occurred. (photo courtesy of Iris Sanchez)
As a starting point for camera implementation the task force has identified 17 “school zones” especially for children walking within a half mile of school. The plan, however, includes lists of priority intersections and high crash locations throughout the city with possible countermeasures. More than 20 locations, for example, are identified in extended downtown area with “the most pedestrian/cycle crashes” call for stepped up enforcement.
Specific infrastructure improvements are identified in two locations where re-designs such as roundabouts can reduce traffic flow risks. They include Martin Luther King Drive (CT-71) from East Main to North Stanley in Ward 3 and Corbin Ave from Hart to Chamberlain/Brookside streets in Ward 1.
The Vision Zero Task Force working with consultants from Cambridge Systematics has relied on data from the University of Connecticut’s Crash Data Repository to identify trouble spots. The UCONN data shows there were 17 fatalities involving 127 vehicles in New Britain over three years (October 2021-September 2024) and 90 persons with suspected serious injuries involving 141 vehicles in the city over the same period. For all crashes and collisions 5,230 were reported involving 9,607 vehicles between 2021 and 2024.
Amendment reduces tax rate and shifts funds to schools, the library and homeless prevention
A 2026 municipal general fund budget supported by Common Council Democrats that reduces the property tax rate and increases operational funds for schools, the library and homeless prevention was approved at the May 28th meeting.
On June 7th Mayor Stewart vetoed the Democratic amendment approved on an eight to seven party line vote. It will require 10 votes on the 15-member Council to override a Mayoral veto.
The Democratic majority caucus and the Stewart administration agreed on a $273,493,952 million budget and a .41 cut to the mill rate (39.18 mills) for the fiscal year that begins July 1, but the mayor opposed additional operating funds for education, the library and a prevention fund for the unhoused.
New Britain City Hall, West Main Street
By waiting until June 7th, the mayor pocket vetoed the amended budget without a Council discussion or vote to override.
Statement from the Majority Caucus
“Our constituents want to see strong schools, access to literacy, and support for vulnerable residents. We delivered a budget that meets those needs without raising taxes.
“The amendment to the mayor’s budget included responsible reallocations from unfilled administrative positions and discretionary lines. No jobs were cut that would impact essential services. No union contracts were violated.
“The amendment supported a mill rate reduction of .41 after two years of major tax increases. It provided a $1.1 million increase to the schools’ operating fund instead of withholding funding until the end of the year, providing more stability for the education budget. From reallocations and without new spending the public library receives $175,443 addressing its rapid growth and services for students, seniors and families. A $20,000 allocation funds unhoused prevention services that can help keep vulnerable residents in their homes.
“Contrary to the veto message, the amendment did not touch the city’s rainy-day fund (unassigned fund balance) of $25.1 million. The Democratic caucus, in fact supported adding to the rainy-day fund and creating a tax stabilization fund in the current term.
“It is unfortunate that the mayor’s veto included personal attacks and unfounded accusations that are inappropriate in doing the city’s business. The Council amendment addressing community needs passed after weeks of review and discussion. The Democratic caucus is ready for collaboration and good faith negotiation on issues that matter to residents.
The Democratic caucus includes President Pro Tem Francisco Santiago (5), Majority Leader John McNamara (4), Assistant Majority Leader Iris Sanchez (3). Nate Simpson (1), Wilma Barbosa (2), Lori McAdam (2), Candyce Scott (3), Neil Connors (4).
Individuals seeking to join the public hearing and speak remotely may do so by calling 1 (339) 209-6176. Members of the public not attending in person may view the broadcast via the livestream link: https://www.newbritainct.gov/meetings
“The public hearing is an important part of the process for residents to share their concerns, ideas and priorities about how the city will maintain services within the limits of anticipated revenues for the year that starts on July 1,” said Council President Francisco Santiago (D-5).
“The Democratic caucus seeks to ensure the final budget delivers fair allocations for essential services and education and considers tax relief for seniors and limited income households,” said Alderman John McNamara (D-4), the Council Majority Leader.
“Our goal is a balanced budget that prioritizes essential services and addresses neighborhood needs. Hearing from residents at the public hearing will help us over the next five weeks,” said Assistant Majority Leader Iris Sanchez (D-3). The deadline for the Council to adopt a budget is June 4.
Following the April 29th public hearing the budget will go to Common Council committees where alderpersons will hear presentations and ask questions. On the schedule are the Planning, Zoning & Housing (PZH) Committee,, Tuesday, May 6th; the Administration, Finance, Law & Public Services Committee (AFLPS), Wednesday, May 7th, and a AFLPS special meeting with the Board of Education on Thursday, May 8th. All budget meetings begin at 6 p.m. The Common Council will review the mayor’s fiscal plan and adopt the final capital and operating budgets by June deadline.
Democratic Caucus – New BritainCommon Council Update
At an April 9th special meeting the Mayor sent a $273,493,952 proposal to the Council. It represents a $3,961,219 increase in spending over the current fiscal year and sets a 39.18 mill rate on real estate and personal property, a .41 of a mill reduction over the current 39.59 rate. The proposed decrease follows higher tax bills in the two previous years. The 2024 property tax yield jumped $15,835,516 and was 12.58 percent more than 2023 after revaluation sent property assessments soaring. The higher values caused a drop in the mill rate from 49.50 to 38.28 but resulted in the highest tax bills in memory for single and multi family dwellings. Over two years current taxes are up $20,598,252 (16%) after the mill rate increased last year to 39.59. One mill rate now represents $3,425.361.
The Mayor’s budget calls for modest increases to most city departments. It continues to hold the appropriation for the Board of Education to $128 million, the same amount as 2024-2025. An additional $2,,646,191 is included in a “non-operating” budget line for education that the BOE must request once the fiscal year begins after July. The Board of Finance and Taxation reduced the BOE’s proposed 11 percent increased budget of $142,612,481 by $12,052,481 and Mayor Stewart cut another $2,560,000 to $128,000,000 in direct appropriations. When non-operating funds are added next year local school aid will total $131,251,665, $1,183,626 more than 2025.
Aside from Board of Education costs, employee benefits ($31,403,152) and payments for the city’s debt ($26,053,783) are the highest estimated expenses.
On the revenue side the Mayor’s budget estimates $145,420,396 will be raised via property taxes, $72,360,710 from state Educational Cost Sharing (ECS) and $24,813,085 in other state grants. The Administration expects $22,749,761 in non-tax revenue, a $5,427,517 increase over the current year. Final amounts for state grants and ECS will be determined by the Governor and State Legislature in the coming weeks and are expected to bring an increase in support from the state for special education and additional funding the city receives as an Alliance District. State and federal aid funds account for well over half of overall spending for schools. New Britain currently ranks 160th out of 165 districts in the amount of local funding for education at $16,814 per pupil. The state’s median is $21,676.
Resolution Increases Tenant Access To Fair Rent Commission
The Common Council amended the city’s Fair Rent Commission procedures at the April 23rd meeting to allow more tenants to file complaints if their rent increases are deemed excessive by the FRC.
In a resolution sponsored by Aldermen Neil Connors (D-4) and Jarrell Hargraves (R-2) and adopted unanimously, the city’s FRC ordinance makes one change for tenants to be able to seek relief. The revision allows tenants who have been served a notice to quit but not a summary eviction by their landlord access to the FRC complaint process.
Under the current ordinance adopted by the city in 2012 the FRC was unable to accept excessive rent complaints if landlords have already “begun the eviction process”, including notices to quit and before a summary process begins. The new language states tenants are ineligible when landlords “have already begun a summary process eviction against a tenant for nonpayment of rent.” The ordinance also prohibits tenants from filing complaints “if they owe back rent” or “have already signed leases agreeing to the requested rent.”
The nine-member FRC consists of three tenants, three landlords and three property owners and has authority to reduce rent increases to ensure that the amounts “are not harsh and unconscionable.” If mediation fails the commission conducts hearings and receives complaints from eligible tenants.
Fair Rent Commission: How To File A Complaint Contact Jerrell Hargraves, 27 West Main Street 06051 Tel: (860) 826-3410 | Email: jerrell.hargraves@newbritainct.gov
Audit Committee To Review Finances And Audit Proposals
The Audit Subcommittee of the Common Council will discuss the annual audit and state and federal single audit reports for the year ending June 30, 2024 at an April 30th 6 p.m. meeting in Council Chambers at City Hall.
The independent audit was completed on March 31st three months after the December 31, 2024 deadline. Its delivery came sooner than the audits for 2023 and 2022 that were six months or more late. Auditors in prior years cited weaknesses and a noncompliance issue to explain delays. The audit for fiscal year 2024 reports several problems have been addressed and a compliance issue has been resolved. The latest audit cites one deficiency in financial reporting that recommends “the city develop a formal financial close process to ensure each fund’s year-end balances are analyzed timely and corrected appropriately.” The finding stems from “a shortage in staffing within the finance department to review balances.”
Financial highlights from the last fiscal year according to CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) include:
the net position of governmental activities increased by $12.1 million,
In governmental activities , the city had revenues of $462.3 million and expenses of $452.1 million.
The net position of business-type activities increased $842,000. Revenues were $15.8 million while expenses were $13.1 million.
The General Fund reported a fund balance of $34.9 million of which $9.9 million was assigned and $25 million unassigned.
The tax collection rate for the current levy was 96.31%
On May 1 the audit subcommittee will also review proposals for auditing services over the next three years for approval by the Common Council.
The City of New Britain has set a goal to reduce fatal and serious injury crashes by 50% by 2035 and eliminate fatal and serious injury crashes (Vision Zero) by 2045!Working with the City’s Vision Zero Task Force, New Britain is developing a Safety Action Plan to achieve this goal. Your input will help to identify safety issues and solutions to inform the Plan.
New Britain voting for the November 5th Presidential Election begins October 21st at the New Britain Senior Center, 55 Pearl Street, for all city residents. The last day to cast an early ballot will be November 3rd.
On Election Day November 5th polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. For residents who miss the voter registration deadline, same-day registration and voting will be available on Election Day.
As of October 15th, 31,803 residents are eligible to vote three days ahead of the October 18th registration deadline including 13,770 Democrats (44%), 13,162 Unafilliateds (41%), 4,409 Republicans (14%) and 462 (less than 2%) in third parties.
Polling Places
New Britain polling locations for November 5th by Assembly District
The ballot includes President/Vice President, U.S. Senate, U.S. Congress, State Senator, State Representative and Registrar of Voters. There is one referendum question asking voters to approve “no excuse” absentee voting as part of amending the state constitution.
The sample ballot for the 26th State Assembly District that includes Ward 4 polling places at Saint Francis of Assisi Church and Pulaski Middle School. District 13 voters vote at Saint Francis this year because of Holmes School reconstruction.
New Britain Alderman John McNamara 