News – New Britain Alderman John McNamara

Education Funding, Traffic/Safety Concerns Raised at Mayor’s Ward 4 Meeting

Mayor Bobby Sanchez took his first-year listening tour to Ward 4 on June 27 where residents shared concerns on speeding, traffic enforcement, public safety and support for schools in a wide-ranging, two-hour discussion.

The meeting held at Saint Francis Church Hall drew more than 30 persons with the mayor and other officials. Joining Sanchez were State Rep. David DeFronzo (D-25), Alderwoman Luz Otiz-Luna (D-4), Alderman John McNamara (D-4), Police Chief Matt Marino and Suzanne Bielinski, Chair of the city’s Police Commission.

Ward 4 Common Council Update – July 2026

Residents cited excessive speeding “day and night” on the roads, ignoring stop signs and groups of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), dirt bikes and mini motorcycles. Mentioned as trouble spots were Carlton Street, Farmington Avenue, Country Club and Alexander Roads, among others, in Ward 4.

Mayor Sanchez and Chief Marino urged residents to contact the New Britain Police Department (NBPD) about incidents and “hot spots” that have been the subject of Common Council petitions. Officials said it is important to report when and where incidents are occurring. “You just have to keep letting us know,” said Chief Marino. “The more you call the more it helps,” said Rep. DeFronzo.

The NBPD Traffic Division may be reached at 860-826-3070 or by contacting Sgt. Adam Capowski, adam.capowski@newbritainct.gov. A new “community tip line” is also available for reporting crime information anonymously at 860-826-3199.

To reduce speeding the Sanchez Administration is moving ahead in two ways:

Removable speed humps will be introduced on a trial basis in city parks, according to Sanchez. “I would like to hear from the community where residents would like to see speed humps.” (Following the Ward 4 meeting Sanchez announced humps will get a tryout on park roads).

The City awaits CT Department of Transportation’s (DOT) approval to introduce ATESD traffic cameras (Automated Traffic Enforcement Safety Devices) in school zones as part of the Vision Zero Action Plan to reduce auto and pedestrian accidents. Last January, the Common Council adopted an automated camera implementation plan to submit to the state. Possible locations for speed enforcement cameras in Ward 4 include Alexander Road, Barbour Road, Blake Road and Farmington Avenue near Pulaski Middle School.

Sanchez agreed that more police officers are needed for enforcement throughout the city in response to questions on staffing levels at NBPD. Recent transfers and retirements require new hires this year and the application for entry-level patrol officers is currently available. Chief Marino said it takes just under a year for qualified candidates to join the force. The starting salary is $58,873 annually.

Chief Marino and Rep. DeFronzo, saying combining resources among schools and organizations can help, pointed to the value of school partnerships to engage middle- and high school students as part of juvenile diversion strategies. Extra-curricular activities will head off negative behaviors in and out of school, they said, citing programs such as ROOTS youth agriculture and nutrition program and police-led “new age” D.A.R.E. programs.

On the recently adopted municipal budget and support for education for the fiscal year that began July 1, Mayor Sanchez said his efforts with the city’s legislative delegation succeeded in New Britain obtaining a $13.3 million increase in state school aid to avert teacher layoffs and program cuts.

The municipal budget of $286,164,960 that holds the property tax mill rate at 39.18 includes the one-time $13.3 million in state school aid and $4.6 million in additional state aid to municipal government. The budget includes a $1 million increase in local school aid also known as the minimum basic requirement (MBR) and $450,000 more for schools in savings from the self-insurance fund. Over the last 12 years the MBR has for the most part been flat, a factor in New Britain’s low ranking in local aid that contributed to the growing funding gap this year.

To give public schools sustainable sources of funding and avert double-digit funding shortfalls, Sanchez and other officials said they will push for an increase in the state’s Educational Cost Sharing (ECS) formula that fell short in the budget adjustments made this year. The General Assembly is expected to take up a change in ECS grants to increase the current $11,525 per student allocation that has not been increased since 2013.

City Updates Purchasing and Bid Policy for First Time in 11 Years

New Britain Common Council Update

Municipal bidding procedures for the purchase of supplies and contractual services have been revised “for greater consistency and efficiency” for the first time in more than 11 years. The Common Council amended Chapter VIII of the ordinances at its June 10th meeting, increasing the threshold for competitive bidding from $7,500 to $25,000.

The revision exempting purchases and contracting under $25,000 aligns with Connecticut statutes governing municipal finance allowing cities and towns to establish bidding policies through charter or ordinances. The state upped the statutory exemption to $50,000 in 2024. However, $25,000 is more commonly used in CT cities, New Britain joins Hartford, New Haven, Norwich and Middletown and others that set the exemption at $25,000 before the bid process begins.

The Common Council last raised the exemption in 2015 from $3,000 to $7,500. Since that time overall prices for goods and services have increased 41 percent, according to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increasing an average of more than three percent per year.

For all purchases and contracts over $25,000 open, competitive bidding will be required by “a formal, written contract from the lowest responsible bidder” subject to approval by the Common Council. Under the ordinance the Common Council receives monthly reports of all purchases between $500 and $25,000 with the name of the vendor, owners and the “dollar amount spent on each individual purchase and the aggregate total for the fiscal year.”

Municipal departments and the School District will be able to address needs for repairs, equipment and services more efficiently by obtaining, for example, quotes from qualified vendors without turning to a full bidding process for purchases under $25,000, according to city officials,

The ordinance change is expected to end an on-call vendor list created and used during the Stewart Administration that allowed up to $100,000 in expenditures for a range of trade work, acquisitions and services without competitive bidding. In April, 2025 Common Council Democrats pushed back on the $100,000 threshold for on-call work, reducing the amount to $37,500 in an amended resolution . The $37,500 exemption expires on June 30th at the end of the fiscal year, and the $25,000 threshold will now apply uniformly for addressing electrical, HVAC, Plumbing, building envelope, masonry, and interior repairs and supplies for city and school buildings in a timely manner.

In other Council actions on June 10th

Downtown Tax District Mill Rate Set at 2.75 for 2027 Fiscal Year

The Common Council approved a flat mill rate of 2.75 mills for the city’s Downtown District (NBDD) in support of the district’s $308,728 budget for the new fiscal year that was approved by the District’s Board of Commissioners in May. Approximately 100 property owners will pay the 2.75 mill rate tax that is expected to raise $243,028 in fiscal year 2027. The NBDD is a quasi-public entity that operates apart from municipal government.

The Downtown District was established in 1983 under state law allowing special tax districts over and above municipal property taxes with boundaries limited to the immediate downtown area or other areas cities can designate for improvement and economic development. In addition to marketing downtown the NBDD sponsors a “Clean & Safe Ambassador Program”, a retail improvement program and special events.

Municipal Valuation Services of Fairfield Picked Again for Next Property Revaluation

The Common Council approved a new contract for Municipal Valuation Services of Fairfield (Munival) for the city’s next property revaluation The firm, which has conducted re-assessments in New Britain previously and performs the services in other CT municipalities, will re-appraise all taxable and exempt real property for tax purposes and set new values by October 1, 2027.

Munival responded successfully to the request for proposals to perform the work with the City Assessor that is required under state law every five years with approval of a $250,000. Costs for the revaluation will be spread over two fiscal years.

Flag Raising, Resolution Marks Pride Month

New Britain recognized “Pride in the City” month with a flag raising at Central Park led by Mayor Bobby Sanchez and State Treasurer Erick Russell and a June 10th Common Council resolution acknowledging the importance of treating all residents with
dignity, fairness, civility, and mutual respect” and recognizing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, questioning (LGBTQ+), and allied residents, families, workers, business owners, public servants, educators, volunteers, and community members have contributed to the civic, economic, cultural, and social life of New Britain.”

This update provided by John McNamara, a Ward 4 Alderman and the Common Council Majority Leader. For more information john,mcnamara@newbritainct.gov

Statement Opposing Fienemann Road Travel Center Near Batterson Park

New Britain Alderpersons Oppose Fienemann Road Travel Center on Farmington Wetlands Parcel Near Batterson Pond

New Britain Alderpersons representing neighborhoods near a proposed travel center and diesel-gas facility on wetlands near Batterson Pond are opposing the project under consideration by Farmington’s Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission.

“We oppose the application of Noble Gas Real Estate Holdings on 8261 Fienemann Road,” Ward 4 and Ward 5 alders,” said in a joint statement submitted to the Farmington commission at a June 3^rd public hearing, the fourth hearing the Commission has held on the application.

“The use of a portion of 86 acres of watershed land at the New Britain-Farmington town line poses significant environmental risks in the Batterson Pond area at the same time Farmington, Hartford and New Britain have come together for the restoration of Batterson Park as a public park and recreation area.”

Council President Francisco Santiago (D-5), Council Majority Leader John McNamara (D-4), Alderwoman Luz Ortiz-Luna (D-4) and Roy Centeno (D-5) issued the statement as the Farmington wetlands commission continued the hearing to June 17 when the application could be decided. A July 27^th hearing has been scheduled by the town Plan and Zoning Commission to consider a variance to allow the Noble Gas project in a wooded area that is zoned residential by the town and that is owned by the City of Hartford’s Municipal Employees Retirement Fund (MERF) and previously was held in a protected park trust by the City of Hartford.

*Aerial view of site at Fienemann Road and Slater Road.*

The Alderpersons’ statement continued:

“While infiltration systems have been proposed to prevent harmful run-offs from the newly created impervious surface being created by the project, they do not mitigate the risk We agree with the intervenor’s documentation and analysis of that risk, including pollution risks to sensitive plants and animals, an insufficient buffer between the impervious surface and wetlands and the threat of hydrocarbon contamination,

The site plan requires linkage to New Britain’s sewage and water system across the town line and includes an access road on Slater Road near a densely populated residential area, elementary and middle schools and the Batterson Pond boat landing on Alexander Road. This represents an unacceptable encroachment into a neighborhood zoned for homes and residences. Making an exception for the project on Farmington land contradicts New Britain’s policy on neighborhood preservation and conservation in an area contiguous with the project site.

The zoning variances requested in the application would set a precedent for further intrusions into parcels not appropriate for industrial uses. Based on both Farmington’s and New Britain’s Plans of Conservation and Development the proposed travel center at Fienemann Road is an unwise development and not in the best interests of either community.”

Common Council Update: City Upgrades Cyber Security, Recognizes Earth Day & OKs Road Paving Funds

Common Council OKs New Cybersecurity System

The Common Council appropriated funds for new cybersecurity services at its April 8th meeting in the wake of a January “ransomware” attack on the city’s information technology operations.

Approved was a three-year agreement with Cowbell MDR (Managed Detection and Response) for information technology (IT) systems at City Hall as part of the restoration and upgrades being implemented by the Sanchez administration since the January 28th attack. The City IT network was breached paralyzing phones and computers across departments. Officials said emergency services were not impaired, only internal systems in the municipal government. The city is providing credit monitoring and identify protection services for employees. To date “the scope of any potential impact remains under active review.”

Immediately after the incident on January 30th, Mayor Bobby Sanchez announced that the IT department responded to contain damage. “We are working closely with state and federal partners, law enforcement, and outside cybersecurity expert. to investigate the incident and restore systems safely and securely,” Sanchez said.

According to the April 8th resolution introduced by Council President and Ward 5 Alderman Francisco Santiago, Cowbell MDR “is a fully managed detection and response service that provides continuous monitoring, threat detection, and response across endpoint, identity and cloud applications.” The MDR “gives 24/7 visibility into potential threats and support to investigate and contain issues before they escalate.”

The Cowbell MDR system aligns with security improvements deemed necessary by the city’s cyber insurance coverage and includes a “$25,000 breach response fund” with the acquisition that adds “an extra layer of protection operationally and financially.” The Council authorized the city to engage the Cowbell MDR service with a three-year agreement at $66,000 a year, funds available in a maintenance contract account in the the Department of Support Services.

New Britain Recognizes Earth Day 56; Re-Commits to Sustainability, Environmental Protection

The city’s commitment to preserving natural resources and sustainability was affirmed this month with a resolution recognizing Earth Day. April 22nd marks the 56th anniversary of the first Earth Day. Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson is credited with mobilizing environmentalists to start Earth Day in 1970 after a disastrous oil spill in Santa Barbara, CA and unchecked air ans water pollution. The movement led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Ward 3 Alderwoman Candyce Scott introduced the resolution that “promotes conservation, energy efficiency and
the study of the use of clean energy sources” in municipal government and throughout the community. It notes city actions in recent years to promote conservation including use of solar at the New Britain Water Treatment facility and school buildings as they come up for modernization. The city is also updating its zoning ordinances to reflect environmental concerns when new developments occur.

The resolution encourages partnerships among local businesses, schools and organizations to help raise awareness of preserving the environment and preservation of the city’s parks and open spaces. Toward this end the city in recent years has begun to adopt zoning changes that minimize the risk of flooding amid climate change and to ensure new developments and uses of land promote sustainability.

The renewed local commitment to environmental protection comes as the White House and Congressional Republicans have moved to gut protections and discourage use of alternative energy sources in favor of fossil fuels. Groups such as Third Act Connecticut, an organization of older Americans founded by Environmentalist Bill McKibben, are mobilizing locally on environmental and democracy issues.

Funds for Summer Road Paving Approved

The Department of Public Works (DPW) will be announcing streets selected for the annual paving program soon with funds appropriated by the Common Council this month. A total of $2 million is available from the state town aid program and an additional one percent in the city budget for roads.

Under the state’s cooperative purchasing program Tilcon, Inc. has been awarded $1,175,000 for bituminous concrete materials and installation and Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming another $225,000 for the milling and repaving. According to the DPW the Pavement Management Programs is typically based on assigning roads a Pavement Condition Index (PCI) value in selecting the limited number of the city’s 165 miles of roads that can be upgraded each year because of the limitation of funds. In lieu of re-paving, patching and sealing addresses potholes and other problems on a case-by-case basis. The 2026 schedule is expected to be posted online to alert residents with daily reports on progress during the warm weather months.

Ward 4 Alderman John McNamara is the Common Council Majority Leader. For more information john.mcnamara@newbritain.ct.gov and 860-416-0665

City Seeks $5 Million Grant for Allen Street Stormwater Project

from http://nbpoliticus.com — Publication date February 22, 2026

City officials confirmed last week they are seeking a major grant to close the gap in the funding of the Allen Street Utility-Road Phase II project where flooding and sewage overflows have caused problems in the neighborhood for decades.

The regional Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program (LOTCIP) received the New Britain application for $5 million to add to state and local funds already identified for implementation, Mayor Bobby Sanchez said.

On January 21st, Sanchez and Public Works Director Mark Moriarty held a meeting to update residents and Ward 4 alderpersons with a new plan to finance the project that included the LOTCIP grant program that is funneled to towns through the Capitol Region Council of Governments.

New Britain and other communities receive annual LOTCIP entitlement funds in local aid packages to make street and infrastructure improvements, including the street paving program. The grant for Allen Street would be over and above the regular allocation that totaled $1,515,489 in 2025. The CRCOG-LOTCIP program entertains larger projects in the central CT area.

The project encompasses 3,500 feet of roadway improvements and utility upgrades from Oak Street down to Beacon Street on Allen Street. According to the plan developed for the city by Cardinal Engineering, an existing 24-inch storm drainage pipe will be replaced with new piping ranging in size from 48 to 66 inches. The existing 12-inch sanitary pipe will be replaced with a 24-inch pipe and a water main will also be replaced. Roadway reconstruction will include new curbing, sidewalks and driveway aprons in the project area.

*Existing conditions on Allen Street between Oak and Stanley streets. (Dept. of Public Works)*

Since the summer of 2023 a dramatic jump in flooding from extreme weather led to a public outcry in New Britain, especially from residents in the Overlook Avenue-McKinley Drive and Allen Street neighborhoods. The public pressure eventually led to new plans and capital funding for Allen and Overlook where extensive damage occurs. The city addressed flooding at Overlook and McKinley, a $2 million project, with remaining federal American Rescue Act funds last year.

Roxbury Road resident Frank Chase, hit hard by flooding to his home, has led efforts to secure infrastructure funding and mobilize support for project implementation.

City officials are counting on the $5 million CRCOG-LOTCIP grant request to be the catalyst for project implementation. The financial plan introduced in January seeks to raise $18 million in local, state and federal funding. Other sources of funding either committed or sought include:

$6 million in local funding committed to date
$2 million from CT Urban Action Grant from state bond commission to date (2025)
$960,000 US EPA State Bond Request with $239,938 local share
$4 million water infrastructure federal funding application.

John McNamara is a Ward 4 Alderman and the Common Council Majority Leader.

City Audit for FY 2025 Finalized on Time

The completion of the 2025 municipal audit on time is welcome news before the Mayor and Common Council begin preparing a budget for the year that begins on July 1st. — John McNamara

Independent auditors delivered New Britain’s financial statements for the year ending June 30, 2025 to city officials and the state Office of Policy and Management ahead of a December 31st deadline after several years of the reports being filed late.

Material weaknesses and noncompliance found in prior years have been corrected, according to the CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA), the city’s auditing firm. Auditors found one remaining deficiency in “internal control over financial reporting” that was attributed to “a shortage in staffing.” Recommended in CLA’s Single Audit Report is a formal financial close process “to ensure each fund’s year-end balances are analyzed timely and corrected appropriately.”

Municipalities are expected to complete annual audits by December 31, six months after the close of the fiscal year. Last year’s audit came on March 31.

The audit examined the municipal budget of $269.5 million that set a property tax rate of 39.59 mills for the July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025 year. The tax collection rate “remained steady” at 96.33%.

The Financial Statements for Fiscal Year 2025 show general fund revenue increases of $11.1 million from a 1.31 mill rate increase adding $2.8 million, $4 million in additional earnings from interest income, $2.9 million in reimbursements for completed state-funded projects and a $1.4 million increase in police special duty funds from delinquent payments that were received in 2025.

Overall revenues for 2025 totaled $455.8 million including property taxes accounting for 34%, 51% from state and federal grants and external contributions and the balance from other sources.

The audit reported $295.7 million of long-term debt in bonds and outstanding notes, a decrease from $307.6 million in the previous year. The city’s long-term indebtedness for all government activities based on the city’s net position totals $626.374 million. As of last June 30th, fund balances increased to $40.56 million with $14 million in assigned and $26.5 million in unassigned balances.

In their management discussion, auditors discussed the current municipal budget set at $273,493,952, $3.8 million more than 2025. The mill rate dropped this year to 39.18 that was attributed to “a slight increase in property values and the use of $6.7 million in tax stabilization funding.”

The budget process for the 2027 fiscal year begins this month when the Board of Finance and Taxation receives estimates from the Board of Education and city departments.

This post originally published at http://nbpoliticus.com

Task Force Hearing On Traffic Cameras Scheduled for Thursday, January 15th

by John McNamara

The City of New Britain will take the next step in selecting locations for speed enforcement traffic cameras at a January 15th public hearing of the Vision Zero Task Force.

A Vision Zero public hearing is set for Thursday, Jan. 15th, at 6:30 p.m. at the New Britain Police Department Community Room, 10 Chestnut Street.

In 2025 the task force, comprised of elected and appointed city officials, developed the Traffic Safety Action Plan working with consultants from Cambridge Systematics. Federal grant funds from the Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) have supported Vision Zero initiatives in central Connecticut towns over the last year.

The Common Council adopted a resolution that 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.”

The 57-page report provides a range of “countermeasures” to “reduce fatal and serious injury crashes by 50% by 2035 and to reach Vision Zero by 2045.” One of the “key findings” is to “leverage technology to mitigate safety challenges….by employing ATESD location designation, street lighting and signal turning changes.”

Last June the Common Council adopted a new ordinance to allow the use of automated traffic enforcement safety devices (ATESD) under a state law (Public Act 23-116) enabling communities to use the video technology as part of safety action plans.

ATESDs in New Britain will be used to automatically detect and record traffic violations, such as running a red light, speeding, or other infractions. State law allows municipalities to establish a fine to be imposed against the owner of a motor vehicle committing a violation of not more than $50 for a first violation and not more than $75 for a second or subsequent violation. Local officials have stated that initial violations will result in a warning and not a fine with a purpose of changing behaviors more than collecting revenue. “Any funds received by a municipality from fines imposed shall be used for the purposes of improving transportation mobility, investing in transportation infrastructure improvements or paying the costs associated with the use of automated traffic enforcement safety devices in the municipality.”

Altumint, Inc., a Maryland-based company that manufactures and supports ATESD systems, was selected as the vendor for license plate recognition devices. Altumint, a CRCOG approved vendor, has been selected by several CT communities for implementation.

Any contract with Altumint is expected to be “cost neutral” according to the company. In responding to the city’s request for proposals Altumint stated “tax dollars will never be used to pay for this technology. Our invoicing over the life of the contract for your ATESD program will never exceed the Town’s fine revenue collected.”

Concerns have been raised over rights and personal privacy in regard the use of “flock” surveillance cameras that collect more data than specialized license plate readers that are proposed for New Britain. In December the American Civil Liberties Union called for a moratorium on “flock” surveillance in the state, according to a CT News Junkie story.

The ATESDs are limited to a maximum of two in a census tract to avoid targeting. 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 the state enabling legislation that says “no personally identifiable information shall be disclosed by the municipality or a vendor to any person or entity, including any law enforcement unit, except where the disclosure is made in connection with the charging, collection and enforcement of the fines imposed.” Violations will be under local control with alleged violations reported electronically to the New Britain Police Department.

The starting point for camera implementation will involve 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.

Data from the University of Connecticut’s Crash Data Repository has been used 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.

New Britain’s implementation and enforcement is expected to be similar to Middletown where the the city approved AETSDs in late 2024.

Following public hearings and Common Council approval the city will submit a plan to the CT Department of Transportation (CT-DOT) that will identify the locations of the cameras.

Vision Zero as a public policy originated in Sweden in 1997. Its “core principle” is that “it can never be ethically acceptable that people are killed or seriously injured when moving within the road transport system.” It has spread to other countries including cities and towns in the United States. The federal Safe Streets grants program, part of the Infrastructure and Jobs Act adopted in 2021, is accelerating Vision Zero initiatives in the U.S.

John McNamara is an alderman from Ward 4 and the Common Council Majority Leader.

Council Democrats Question Use of $470K For Pickle Ball Courts In Budget Transfer

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.

Democratic Municipal Officials Group Endorses Ward 4 Alderman McNamara

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.

SEE McNamara Cites Key Priorities in Bid for Second Term

Holmes School Renovation Is on Schedule for Fall 2026 Re-Opening

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)