July 8, 2026 Common Council Meeting: Disability Pride Month and Park Funding

The New Britain Common Council held its regular meeting on July 8, 2026, at 7:01 PM. The meeting began with a public participation segment focused on Disability Pride Month, followed by the regular business session including resolutions, consent agenda items, and a point of personal privilege. The council adopted a resolution recognizing July 2026 as Disability Pride Month, approved a traffic study, and allocated additional funding for a park project.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Melody Rivera (82 Lorraine Street), chairwoman of the Commission on Persons with Disabilities, thanked the council for supporting the Disability Pride Month resolution and emphasized the need for enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and respect for people with disabilities. She invited attendees to the Walk and Roll on July 22.
• Juliet Crater (54 Beale Street), a digital artist with ADD and autism, shared her struggles with employment and discrimination, and expressed hope that disabilities can be overcome with self-belief.
• Orlando Baldwin (375 Farmington Avenue) raised concerns about mental health issues involving drug abuse in his building, stating that activity continues unabated and he feels targeted for speaking up.
• Alan Horde (145 Columbus Boulevard), a stroke survivor, advocated for housing accessibility for people with wheelchairs, walkers, and canes, noting that 14 residents at Columbus Commons use assistive devices and face barriers to independence.
• Luis Malave (50 High Street) called for disability pride to be recognized every day, not just one month, and urged the city to ensure full accessibility, meaningful employment, and inclusion of disabled residents in decision-making.
• Iris Biscarondo (40 Davenport Street), mother of a child with autism and ADHD, described her son's abilities as superpowers and thanked the council for the recognition.
• Janet Rivera (82 Lorraine Street), retired parent-educator and mother of Melody Rivera, emphasized the need for better communication of resources, accessible public spaces, and continued support for disability policies.
• Lisa Liu (63 Bassett Street), recently diagnosed with low vision, praised Fast Track transit, curb cuts, and the city's disability advocate, but stressed the need for ongoing support and respect.
• Shelley Gonzalez (61 Art Street) argued that inclusion must be year-round, not just in July, and listed actionable steps such as captioning, accessible documents, and maintaining sidewalks and ramps.
• Mario Tomorano (16 Noble Drive), a person with Asperger's syndrome, shared his faith-based perspective and called for love and respect for all, emphasizing that disabilities can become super abilities through faith.

Discussion Items

• Council Responses to Public Comments: Several council members expressed gratitude and shared personal experiences. Alderman Simpson highlighted infrastructure barriers such as long overpasses and lack of truncated domes, and noted improvements like the V line trail and a new fence opening at the Fast Track station. Alderwoman Vargas, whose daughter is a speaker, thanked the public and pledged to work for better job access and inclusion. Alderwoman Scott shared her own struggles with dyslexia and her daughter's challenges, and urged continued advocacy. Other members echoed support for the disability community and noted resources like the public safety registration for individuals with special needs.
• Item D: Traffic Study at Coolidge and Monroe Street: Alderman Simpson raised questions about the methodology of a speed study conducted by the city's traffic management. The deputy chief explained that the study used data from a software trial (Urban SDK) and a prior 2024 study. Simpson noted that a stop sign had been moved to Harding Street in 2025, which may have changed traffic patterns, and requested a tabulation sheet. The deputy chief agreed to provide it. The item was approved.
• Item 1: Resolution for Disability Pride Month: Alderwoman Vargas read the resolution proclaiming July 2026 as Disability Pride Month, citing the ADA's history and the disability pride flag. The council unanimously adopted it.
• Item 2: Recognition of Brighton Street Block Party: Alderman McNamara presented a resolution recognizing residents on Brighton Street for a block party celebrating older homes. Adopted unanimously.
• Item 3: Transportation Microgrant for Bike Education: Alderwoman Scott moved adoption of a resolution accepting a $5,000 CT DOT microgrant for a bicycle education pilot program in partnership with Bike New Britain and the school district. Adopted unanimously.
• Item 4: Additional Funding for Willow Street Park: Alderman Barrero moved to close a $564,443 funding gap for the Willow Street Park extension project, originally bonded at $1,625,000. He noted personal family ties to the area. Alderwoman Ortiz Luna credited former Alderwoman Sanchez for advocacy. Adopted unanimously.
• Item 5: Tax Abatements and Refunds: Alderwoman Ortiz Luna moved to allow tax abatements, corrections, and refunds by the revenue collector. Adopted unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution Adopted: The council unanimously proclaimed July 2026 as Disability Pride Month in New Britain.
• Consent Agenda Approved: Items A, B, C, E, F, and G were approved on consent; Item D (traffic study) was approved separately after discussion.
• Funding Approved: The council approved an additional $564,443 for Willow Street Park (Item 4) and a $5,000 state microgrant for a bike education program (Item 3).
• Tax Abatements Authorized: The council authorized the revenue collector to process tax abatements, corrections, and refunds (Item 5).
• Point of Personal Privilege: Alderwoman Scott recognized National Minority Health Awareness Month and announced efforts to create a list of mental health providers that address cultural and language barriers.
• Meeting Adjourned: The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:58 PM.