New Britain Committee on Planning, Zoning and Housing Public Hearing and Regular Meeting - August 12, 2025

The Committee on Planning, Zoning and Housing held a public hearing and regular meeting on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers. The primary agenda item was a proposal to amend Article VII of Chapter 15 of the City Code of Ordinances to align with Public Act No. 25-80, addressing motor scooters, dirt bikes, minibikes, pocket bikes, bicycles with helper motors, and all-terrain vehicles, particularly in the context of street takeovers.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during the public hearing either in person or remotely. The public hearing was closed with no testimony.

Discussion Items

• Item No. 36896 – Ordinance Amendment Regarding Motor Scooters, Dirt Bikes, etc.: The committee considered an ordinance amendment to incorporate provisions from Public Act No. 25-80, giving the city authority to crack down on street takeovers and illegal operation of non-street-legal vehicles. Police Chief Marino explained that the new tool allows police to target individuals who coordinate or participate in street takeovers, including those observing with intent, not just riders. He noted that standard traffic stops are often ineffective because these vehicles can evade police by going off-road or onto sidewalks. The new ordinance increases fines to between $1,000 and $2,000 and permits impoundment and forfeiture of vehicles.
  • Alderwoman Beloin-Savedra stated her full support, noting that the language is a direct quote from state law and that the ordinance provides needed deterrents for both illegal vehicle operation and organized street takeovers. She emphasized that while New Britain does not have rampant street takeovers, the city should be proactive.
  • Alderwoman Scott expressed support, citing safety concerns she has heard from residents and her own observation of riders on sidewalks. She noted that the state delegation worked hard to enable this local action.
  • Alderwoman Barbosa voiced support for the safety goals but expressed concern that innocent bystanders or people recording events might be unfairly targeted under the “observe” language. She asked how police would distinguish between participants and passersby. Chief Marino and other council members clarified that the intent is to target those who gather with the purpose of promoting or participating in the takeover, not people simply walking through. Police would first ask individuals to leave and only take action against those who refuse or are clearly part of the event.
  • Alderman McNamara asked about the fine amounts and whether they are fixed or up to a maximum. Council responded that $2,000 is the maximum allowed by state enabling legislation, and the city is using that maximum.
  • Alderwoman Beloin-Savedra further explained that penalties also cover organizers and observers, not just riders, and that the “intent to observe” provision targets those who are part of the group promoting the event, not random bystanders. She called the fines reasonable and hoped they would deter behavior.
  • Chief Marino added that the department is considering other tools but prefers to use this ordinance first before seeking costly technology.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to Refer with Favorable Recommendation: A motion by Alderwoman Beloin-Savedra, seconded by Alderman Malinowski, to refer the ordinance amendment (Item No. 36896) back to the full Common Council with a favorable recommendation was approved by a vote of 6 to 1. One alderman voted nay; the identity of that member was not specified in the transcript.
• The meeting adjourned at 6:56 PM.