OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

New Britain Common Council Public Hearing on Neighborhood Assistance Act and CDBG/HOME Programs – April 21, 2026

Common Council — Tuesday, April 21, 2026
BodyNew Britain, Connecticut
SessionCommon Council
DateTuesday, April 21, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:53:19

Transcript — Verbatim
2:47

We'll get going in a couple of minutes for our speaking program, folks.

3:20

And all the persons to this Common Council public hearing for April twenty first for the Neighborhood Assistance Act, part one, and the community development block grant program, part two.

5:00

Again, please remember to state your name and address and keep your comments to three minutes.

5:04

Are there any speakers for Neighborhood Assistance Act?

5:09

Any speakers for neighborhood assistance?

5:13

Any speakers for the Neighborhood Assistance Act tax credits.

5:19

Hearing none, this portion of the meeting is concluded.

5:26

And we will move on.

5:28

And according to our agenda, we're going to wait for our first speaker for the Mr.

5:34

Chair.

5:41

Well, let me back for that.

5:42

Yes, please.

5:47

I'd ask the clerk to read the uh notice of the public public hearing into the record.

6:00

I make a motion.

6:01

Mr.

6:01

Chair, I'd like to make a motion to wave the reading of the second.

6:14

Thank you.

6:15

Just the way we rehearsed it.

6:24

We're going to wait a few moments till seven ten.

6:27

And I have a list of uh speakers.

6:30

Um all the applicants for this year's grant program.

6:34

And we'll be commenced at seven ten p.m.

6:38

with uh warm the children program.

6:42

So uh we stand in recess for four three minutes.

7:24

That's right.

7:46

So that's not things.

8:01

So that's got Mark always used to say.

8:10

What did Scott said with the line of support?

8:14

Okay.

8:15

So do we speak his position or I can't need to do it?

8:22

Yes.

8:25

Oh, I see.

8:28

I have no.

8:37

Is there anything else you'd like to do, Mr.

8:39

Brain?

8:39

We do have the uh shape of hours.

8:43

I always go.

9:03

But he has other issues too.

9:05

But it was nice to see him give it to you.

9:16

We're not the dying generation.

9:18

We are the chapters.

9:20

We are the COVID.

9:27

Put that in quotes and say that.

9:29

Okay, we'll put my name after the little asterisk.

9:34

There we go.

10:32

All right, thank you.

10:34

At this time, we will begin the public hearing on the 2026 annual plan, community development block grant and home programs.

10:46

I will uh call up representatives from the list.

10:51

Once again, please remember to state your name and uh organization and address.

10:58

Keep your comments to three minutes.

11:01

The first organization to speak is Warm the Children.

11:11

Good evening.

11:12

Thank you for uh having me here.

11:14

Uh my name is Douglas Bray.

11:16

I'm here on behalf of the New Britain Lions Club Warm the Children program.

11:21

I've lived here in New Britain for 30 years and have been a lion for over 40 years.

11:26

I currently serve the club as its secretary.

11:29

It's long serving secretary.

11:32

Warm the Children is a collaboration of the Herald, the City of New Britain, you folks, the New Britain School District, and the Greater New Britain community.

11:41

We provide warm winter clothing and footwear to New Britain's children in need.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Youth Programs██████████████████████████26%
Community Engagement██████████10%
Homelessness████████8%
Education███████7%
Engineering And Infrastructure███████7%
Procedural██████6%
Affordable Housing██████6%
Parks and Recreation██████6%
Workforce Development██████6%
Summary of Proceedings

New Britain Common Council Public Hearing on Neighborhood Assistance Act and CDBG/HOME Programs – April 21, 2026

The Common Council held a public hearing on April 21, 2026, beginning at approximately 7:00 PM. The hearing was divided into two parts: the Neighborhood Assistance Act tax credits (Part 1) and the 2026 Annual Plan for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME programs (Part 2). No speakers came forward for the Neighborhood Assistance Act portion. For the CDBG/HOME portion, representatives from 21 organizations presented their funding requests and described the impact of potential grants on New Britain residents.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Douglas Bray (Warm the Children / New Britain Lions Club) – Requested CDBG funding for the Warm the Children program, which provides winter clothing to children ages 3–10. Reported that over 10,000 children have been served since 2004; last year, due to a three-year rule, no city funds were received, resulting in 100 fewer children served. Noted the program has zero administrative overhead.
  • Representative from CCARC (name not given) – Requested $249,000 in HOME funds to rehabilitate a group home at 171 Oakwood Drive, serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Described urgent accessibility and safety needs, including an ADA-compliant bathroom, ramp, and repairs for water damage.
  • Gabby DeVoe (CCARC, community coordinator) – Continued presenting the same request, emphasizing that residents are low-income and Title 19 recipients; upgrades are needed to prevent risks and ensure long-term viability.
  • Latanya Hill (Girls of Voices / Whole Girl Wellness) – Requested CDBG funding for a program empowering girls ages 10–18. Highlighted mental health challenges, high STD rates in New Britain, and the need for early prevention and education.
  • Paulette Fox (OIC of New Britain, executive director) – Requested CDBG funding for youth workforce preparation, noting that minority youth in New Britain lack developmental assets. Emphasized the goal of on-time high school graduation and workforce success.
  • James Jones (Boys & Girls Club of New Britain, CEO) – Requested continued CDBG funding, stating that 200 summer program spots filled in 4.5 hours after registration opened, indicating overwhelming need. The club charges $1.67 per day per child for school-year programs.
  • Sayed Ali (volunteer, Pathway Senderos) – Spoke in support of the $15,000 CDBG grant recommended for Pathway Senderos’ Pathways to Higher Success program. Described personal experience as a first-generation, low-income student and stressed the need for sustained support through post-secondary education.
  • Nick Burns (City of New Britain, Department of Public Works, right-of-way manager) – Requested CDBG funding for sidewalk and curb ramp repairs in a low-income neighborhood bounded by Stanley, Kelsey, Chapman, and Smalley streets. Noted that 27% of residents do not own a vehicle and rely on safe sidewalks.
  • Ryan Matthews (Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut, Chief Programs and Operations Officer) – Requested inclusion in the final CDBG plan, noting that 77% of New Britain students are economically disadvantaged. Described the impact of mentoring and asked the council to reconsider funding for the program.
  • Nancy Rodriguez (Siena Learning Center, director) – Requested CDBG funding for adult ESL services. Reported serving 100 active learners with 40 volunteer tutors; learners have become citizens, opened businesses, and served in public office.
  • Maggie Winarski (City of New Britain, Recreation and Community Services Department) – Requested CDBG funding for the KC After School Program at Lincoln Elementary School, serving 35 students in grades 3–5 with homework help, enrichment, and a meal.
  • Matt Schofield (City of New Britain, recreation program manager) – Requested funding for critical repairs to Wolcott Pool: a cracked filter tank, obsolete chemical controller, broken gutter/joint systems, and a leak losing 2,000 gallons per week. The pool serves over 10,000 residents each summer.
  • Barbara Damon (Prudence Crandall Center, president and CEO) – Expressed appreciation for CDBG inclusion and requested continued support for supportive housing and domestic violence services. Referenced recent murders of Felicia Matthews and her children in Plainville, and earlier murders of Sabrina Finch and Alice Figueroa in New Britain.
  • Matt Walker (Meriden and New Britain YMCA, youth sports director) – Requested CDBG funding for a summer basketball training program at Willow Street Park. Described a lifelong passion for basketball and previous experience running Rec Express at the park.
  • Representative from Neighborhood Housing Services of New Britain (NHS) (first speaker, name not provided) – Requested $150,000 in HOME funds for the Curtin Avenue Home Ownership Project to create six two-family homes for households earning 80–100% of area median income.
  • Daria Keys (Neighborhood Housing Services of New Britain, resource development director) – Requested CDBG funding for the REACH Pilot Program, an early intervention eviction prevention program. Noted New Britain ranks 5th in the state for eviction filings (900–1,100 per year).
  • Dr. Marlowe Gropone (Human Resources Agency of New Britain, executive director) – Requested CDBG funding for the New Britain Food and Resource Center (serving 2,000 households monthly) and for HIV/AIDS housing stabilization. Emphasized rising costs and increasing need.
  • Rex Cohn (New Britain Senior Center) – Requested CDBG funding for a community support worker to assist seniors with property tax relief, energy assistance, and renter rebate applications (1,200 renter rebate applications annually). Also requested 20% match for a new handicap-accessible bus (80% state-funded) to replace a 2011 van with a broken lift. The center provides 10,000 rides per year.
  • Dwayne Pierre (Worldwide Youth Networks, founder) – Requested CDBG funding for a tech education program at New Britain High School. Reported that for 40 spots, 120 students applied; the program focuses on coding, video game design, and career pathways. Students have earned scholarships and jobs.
  • Jazz Coakley (New Britain Public Library, business manager) – Requested $131,000 for renovation of the back entrance handicap ramp and staircase, installed in 1976, now deteriorating. The library receives nearly 200,000 visits annually.
  • Representative from Literacy Volunteers of New Britain (name not provided) – Requested CDBG funding for workforce literacy and economic advancement. Noted one in five New Britain residents has limited English proficiency, and 44% of households are cost-burdened. Expects to serve 285 low-moderate income residents.
  • Dana Snell (Queen Anne Nzinga Center, executive director) – Requested CDBG funding for the GROWNESS program for youth ages 5–20, focusing on life skills, financial literacy, and civic engagement. Reported 80% completion rate and measurable increases in hope and self-esteem.
  • Representative from New Britain Judo and Dynamic Arts (name not provided, president and CEO) – Requested HUD Block Grant for “Judo for Life: Empowerment Through Sports.” Stated that 74% of students are Hispanic or Black; 100% of parents report improved behavior; 84% report improved academic performance. Noted New Britain’s incarceration rate of 683 per 100,000.
  • Jose Perez (New Britain Police Athletic League, officer) – Requested CDBG funding for youth sports and after-school programs, and for building renovations. Noted growth in golf program (from 6 to 30 kids) and financial literacy classes for parents.
  • Nicole Vilanueva (YWCA New Britain, Child Care Incubator Project Coordinator) – Requested $10,000 for the Childcare Business Incubator Project. Reported training 10 women; four now operate licensed daycares serving 32 children; one runs a second-shift home daycare.
  • Julie Sear (YWCA New Britain, director of youth development programs) – Requested continued CDBG funding for the Community Health Worker program for high school youth, which provides college-level experience and career pathways. Emphasized consistency and sustainability.
  • Pastor Dana Smith (New Life Reentry Center) – Requested inclusion in the final CDBG plan for reentry services (housing, reunification, job readiness). Reported serving over 100 individuals last year; noted that summer releases increase demand.
  • Chris Cartelli (New Britain Soccer Club) – Requested CDBG funding to renovate the clubhouse at Willowbrook Park (concession stand and restrooms). The club serves 475 youth players, many from low-moderate income families; the concession stand funds scholarships.
  • Jenna Van Donsolar (New Britain Roots, program manager) – Requested CDBG funding for the community fridge program (three fridges at Pathway Senderos, Senior Center, and Malikowski Circle) to address food insecurity. Noted need for coordination and safety oversight.
  • Representative from Ready CT (name not provided) – Requested CDBG funding for workforce development at New Britain High School. Reported on track to offer over 100 paid internships with local organizations; described the GRIT summer program and career-connected learning.
  • Don Naples (Trinity on Main Performing Arts Center, treasurer) – Requested $23,400 (reduced from $37,000) for bathroom renovations at the Annex building (restrooms on second floor not ADA compliant, 60 years old). The building is used by Queen Anne Nzinga Center and IRIS for ESL classes.

Key Outcomes

  • No speakers came forward for the Neighborhood Assistance Act portion; that part of the hearing was concluded.
  • The Common Council heard all scheduled presenters and did not deliberate or vote on any funding requests. A motion to adjourn was made, seconded, and approved. The hearing adjourned at 8:53 PM.
  • No decisions on grant allocations were made during this public hearing; the council will consider the requests in future deliberations.

Meeting Transcript

We'll get going in a couple of minutes for our speaking program, folks. And all the persons to this Common Council public hearing for April twenty first for the Neighborhood Assistance Act, part one, and the community development block grant program, part two. Again, please remember to state your name and address and keep your comments to three minutes. Are there any speakers for Neighborhood Assistance Act? Any speakers for neighborhood assistance? Any speakers for the Neighborhood Assistance Act tax credits. Hearing none, this portion of the meeting is concluded. And we will move on. And according to our agenda, we're going to wait for our first speaker for the Mr. Chair. Well, let me back for that. Yes, please. I'd ask the clerk to read the uh notice of the public public hearing into the record. I make a motion. Mr. Chair, I'd like to make a motion to wave the reading of the second. Thank you. Just the way we rehearsed it. We're going to wait a few moments till seven ten. And I have a list of uh speakers. Um all the applicants for this year's grant program. And we'll be commenced at seven ten p.m. with uh warm the children program. So uh we stand in recess for four three minutes. That's right. So that's not things. So that's got Mark always used to say. What did Scott said with the line of support? Okay. So do we speak his position or I can't need to do it? Yes. Oh, I see. I have no. Is there anything else you'd like to do, Mr. Brain? We do have the uh shape of hours. I always go. But he has other issues too. But it was nice to see him give it to you. We're not the dying generation. We are the chapters. We are the COVID. Put that in quotes and say that. Okay, we'll put my name after the little asterisk. There we go. All right, thank you. At this time, we will begin the public hearing on the 2026 annual plan, community development block grant and home programs. I will uh call up representatives from the list. Once again, please remember to state your name and uh organization and address. Keep your comments to three minutes.

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