New Britain Common Council Zoning Subcommittee and Committee on Planning, Zoning and Housing Special Meetings - May 13, 2025

The Common Council Zoning Subcommittee and the Committee on Planning, Zoning and Housing held consecutive special meetings on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, starting at 6:08 PM in Council Chambers. The Zoning Subcommittee heard one item (certificate of location approval for an auto repair/dealer license) and referred it to the full council with a neutral recommendation. The Committee on Planning, Zoning and Housing then considered two items: an automated traffic enforcement ordinance (which was tabled) and membership in the Connecticut Municipal Development Authority (referred with neutral recommendation). Public hearings were held for both items with no speakers.

Discussion Items

• Item 36758 – Certificate of Location Approval (Vindicator Cycle & Auto LLC): Anthony V. Schiavone, Jr. of Vindicator Cycle & Auto LLC sought a certificate of location approval to allow the DMV issuance of a motor vehicle repairer and dealer license for 150 Production Court, Suite 2. The City Plan Commission recommended approval, noting the building had previously been used for auto repair, a variance was already granted, and the site has adequate parking. The Zoning Subcommittee held a public hearing with no speakers. A motion to refer the item to the full Common Council with a neutral recommendation passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 6:12 PM.
• Item 36814 – Amendment to Chapter 15 (Automated Traffic Enforcement Safety Devices): This item proposes adding sections to the Code of Ordinances to allow automated traffic enforcement (speed/red light cameras). A public hearing was held with no speakers. Discussion included: the ordinance is enabling legislation allowing the city to use these devices for speed enforcement initially in school zones; the program would be paid for by fines with vendors covering costs; a warning period and $50 fine for subsequent violations; an appeal process; and data showing a survey with 500+ respondents who overwhelmingly supported speed enforcement. Alderman Hargraves expressed frustration at not being recognized to speak earlier. A motion to refer to council with a favorable recommendation failed for lack of a second. A motion to refer with neutral recommendation was made but then a motion to table was approved (vote: ayes majority), so the item was tabled.
• Item 36815 – Authorization to Join the Connecticut Municipal Development Authority (CMDA): The committee considered joining the CMDA, a quasi-public agency that provides grant funding for transit-oriented development. Jack Benjamin explained membership is opt-in and that New Britain already has compatible zoning around transit stations. Alderman Hargraves expressed support. A motion to refer the item to the full council with a neutral recommendation passed (voice vote).

Key Outcomes

• Item 36758: Referred to full council with neutral recommendation (no vote tally recorded; passed by voice vote).
• Item 36814: Motion to table passed (ayes majority; exact count not provided). The ordinance remains in committee pending receipt of the draft Vision Zero safety action plan expected by end of June 2025.
• Item 36815: Referred to full council with neutral recommendation (passed by voice vote).
• The meeting adjourned at 6:50 PM.