Public Meetings - New Britain, Connecticut

The Zoning Subcommittee and the Committee on Planning, Zoning and Housing held a joint public hearing and regular meeting on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, beginning at 6:33 PM in Council Chambers at City Hall. The Zoning Subcommittee heard public testimony on 15 proposed zoning text and map amendments, then received a comprehensive presentation from Planning Director Jack Benjamin and City Planner Jeff Cormier. Following the presentation, the subcommittee voted on each item, tabling most after contentious debate. The subsequent Committee on Planning, Zoning and Housing considered two additional items, approving an accessory dwelling unit ordinance amendment and a ground lease for affordable housing. Public Comments & Testimony - Mary Flinteracio (127 Wynola Avenue) spoke against item 36557 (South Street rezone), describing how the area has become a noisy, odorous industrial park. She expressed frustration over the loss of a quiet neighborhood and cited specific nuisances from a mulch operation, a truck driving school, and metalizing company deliveries. She stated she had a petition signed by neighbors. - Deborah Fear (138 Allen Street) spoke on item 36540 (Atlantic/Allen Street rezone). She welcomed demolition of a blighted property but expressed concerns about what “neighborhood business revitalization” and “neighborhood mixed use” would mean, citing existing noise, litter, and dangerous traffic patterns near school bus stops. She urged that any revitalization truly improve the neighborhood. - Ben Lusak (27 Atlantic Street) echoed Deborah Fear’s concerns about speeding and safety for children, and worried about property value impacts. He stated that residents need specifics on what will be built and criticized the city for not providing enough information. - Cindy Ryder (138 Allen Street) asked what the next steps would be after the hearing and requested that residents be notified of decisions. - Mr. Soto (180 Wilcox Street), a two-and-a-half-year resident, worried about property devaluation, parking shortages, and safety. He said he wanted whatever is built to benefit everyone and keep the neighborhood peaceful. - Jim Sanders (172 Kensington Avenue, calling in) spoke generally about zoning changes related to storage and litigation. He accused the mayor of weaponizing city hall and alleged that Alderman Smedley was a “puppet” for the mayor. He suggested the subcommittee should either kill the storage regulations or send them to the full council with a negative recommendation for debate. Zoning Presentation Jack Benjamin (Planning Director) and Jeff Cormier (City Planner) delivered a slide presentation covering the rationale behind each zoning amendment. Key points included: - Cleanup and compliance: Many changes aim to remove outdated terms (e.g., “caretakers dwelling unit” replaced by accessory dwelling unit regulations) and bring existing non‑conforming properties into compliance by adjusting dimensional standards. - Historic protections: Expanding historic building protections beyond professional offices to all uses in the RO district. - Porch projection: Allowing roofed porches to project up to eight feet into front yards, eliminating the need for variances for roof covers. - Parking and density: Reducing parking requirements in multifamily districts (e.g., from 2 to 1.5 spaces per unit in A2) and adjusting floor area ratios to reflect actual development patterns. - Self‑storage definitions: For the first time, adding definitions for self‑storage, truck storage, and contractor storage yards to regulate these uses, which had previously required variances due to lack of code. - Zoning permits: Creating a three‑tiered system (zoning permit, certificate of zoning compliance, general zoning analysis letter) to improve enforcement. - Boundary changes: Several map amendments to rezone parcels to districts that better match actual uses (e.g., changing I2 heavy industrial to B1R or T where residential and small businesses exist). Presenters stressed that these changes are not forcing property owners to comply, but rather aligning zoning with built conditions. Discussion and Votes on Zoning Subcommittee Items Each item was voted on after the City Plan Commission recommendation was read. The subcommittee’s motions were generally to refer to the full council with a neutral recommendation, except when motions to table prevailed. - Item 36533 (Remove caretakers dwelling unit in RO): Motion to refer with neutral recommendation carried unanimously. - Item 36534 (Named building signs in CBD): Neutral recommendation carried. - Item 36535 (Dimensional/parking standards in multifamily districts): Neutral recommendation carried after Alderman McNamara questioned the reduction to 1.5 parking spaces per unit, with Mr. Benjamin clarifying it is a minimum, not maximum, and applies only to new development. - Item 36536 (Historic building protections): Neutral recommendation carried. - Item 36537 (Roofed porch projection): Neutral recommendation carried. - Item 36538 (Industrial use definitions including self‑storage): Tabled 7‑5 after Alderman McNamara cited ongoing litigation and concerns about state law definitions. - Item 36539 (Zoning permit process): Neutral recommendation carried. - Item 36540 (Atlantic/Allen Street rezone): Tabled 7‑5 after residents’ concerns about insufficient information and property values. - Item 36551 (Short‑term rental regulations): Tabled on a party‑line vote (7‑5) after Alderman McNamara said more time was needed; Alderman Smedley questioned why, noting the proposal had been public for over a month. - Item 36552 (Signage regulations): Tabled 7‑5. - Item 36553 (Site plan regulations): Tabled on party lines. - Item 36554 (Burritt Street rezone): Tabled 7‑5. - Item 36555 (John‑Park‑Stanley rezone): Tabled on party lines. - Item 36556 (Mead Street rezone): Tabled on party lines. - Item 36557 (South Street rezone): Tabled on party lines after initial confusion over the motion. Committee on Planning, Zoning and Housing Following adjournment of the Zoning Subcommittee, the Committee on Planning, Zoning and Housing convened at 8:46 PM. - Item 36574 (Accessory dwelling unit ordinance amendment): No public testimony. Alderman Malinowski successfully moved to delete Section 24‑5 from the resolution. The motion to refer the amended resolution to the full council with a neutral recommendation carried. - Item 36575 (Ground lease and land disposition agreement with New Britain Housing Authority and JHM Group for Mount Pleasant): Mr. Benjamin read the City Plan Commission’s favorable recommendation. The committee voted to refer to the full council with a neutral recommendation. Key Outcomes - Approved for referral to full council (neutral recommendation): Items 36533, 36534, 36535, 36536, 36537, 36539 (Zoning Subcommittee); and Items 36574 (as amended) and 36575 (Committee on Planning, Zoning and Housing). - Tabled (majority vote, typically 7‑5): Items 36538, 36540, 36551, 36552, 36553, 36554, 36555, 36556, 36557. These items will be reconsidered at a future meeting. - Next steps: Tabled items will come back for further discussion; the approved items will be forwarded to the full Common Council with a neutral recommendation for final action.

The Common Council of New Britain, Connecticut, held a public hearing on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, beginning at 6:25 PM (per the agenda) in Council Chambers, City Hall, 27 West Main Street. The only agenda item was Item No. 36575, a resolution concerning the execution of a ground lease and land disposition agreement with the New Britain Housing Authority and JHM Group. The hearing was called to order with a roll call; no members of the public spoke, and the hearing was adjourned at 6:29 PM. Agenda Item - Item No. 36575 – Ground Lease and Land Disposition Agreement: Resolution regarding execution of a ground lease and land disposition agreement with the New Britain Housing Authority and JHM Group. No public testimony or council discussion occurred on this item. Key Outcomes - The public hearing was convened and adjourned with no public comments. - No vote was taken on the resolution during the hearing. The hearing appears to be a procedural step for public input prior to council consideration. - Note: The agenda stated a 6:25 PM start; the chair called the hearing to order at 6:27 PM and adjourned at 6:29 PM.

The Committee on Administration, Finance and Law and Public Services held a public hearing and regular meeting on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at 6:35 PM in Council Chambers, City Hall. The primary item was a proposed 39-year Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement of $750 per rental unit between the City, the New Britain Housing Authority, and JHM Group for the redevelopment of the Mount Pleasant housing complex at 292 Linwood Street. The meeting included a public hearing, discussion of a substitute resolution, and a unanimous vote to refer the item with a neutral recommendation. Public Comments & Testimony - John (speaker, no last name given): Expressed support for the project, calling it a "good deal." He noted JHM Group's experience in Hartford and Bridgeport, mentioned that the second phase of the Mount Pleasant project was recently completed, and stated that the third phase is estimated to cost around $30–$39 million. He hoped the project would proceed more quickly than previous phases. Discussion Items - Item No. 36576 – Cooperative Agreement and PILOT Agreement: The committee considered a resolution to authorize a 39-year PILOT agreement with the New Britain Housing Authority and JHM Group, setting a flat payment of $750 per rental unit per year for the redevelopment of the Mount Pleasant complex. Key points discussed: - Substitute Language: A revised resolution was introduced to clarify property addresses (100 Richard Street, 62 Bond Street, and Armistice Street addresses), remove an erroneous reference to property valuation, and reference the existing 2012 cooperation agreement that will be partially supplanted. - Why 39 Years: The term matches the length of the loan (40 years), but state law caps such agreements at 39 years. - Why $750 per Unit: The PILOT is not a tax abatement; without it, the housing authority would pay nothing. The amount was negotiated as fair given the city's assistance with grants, entitlements, and a land deal with Stanley Black & Decker. The money will come from the project's operating budget (rents and federal funds). - Project Phases and Unit Counts: Phase one will demolish 63 units (affecting 48 families) and replace them with 79 units (including 28 one-bedroom units and five-bedroom units to accommodate current needs). Phase two will demolish 18 units (13 families) and an office, replacing them with 72 units. The total project has four phases, with a fifth phase for elderly housing at Bond Street. All units in phase one will be 100% affordable (rents controlled by tax credits). - Relocation and Tenant Rights: Residents have the right to return to an appropriately sized unit in the development, but not necessarily the same unit. The housing authority is conducting regular meetings with residents and providing 90-day notices before any moves. No residents will be displaced; they will be moved within the development. - Set-Asides: Phase one will include set-aside units for homeless individuals or victims of domestic violence (in partnership with Prudence Crandall). Phase two is exploring set-asides for youth aging out of foster care. - Management Company: The project will be managed by Imagineers, selected as part of JHM's co-development proposal. Concerns were raised about Imagineers' past performance, but the housing authority noted that the RAD program ensures rents remain income-based and that residents are protected. - Land Ownership: The housing authority retains ownership of the land (99-year ground lease), while buildings are owned by a third-party entity formed by the housing authority and JHM. The housing authority has an out clause if JHM is non-responsive. - Future Approvals: The committee will see future grant applications and approvals for subsequent phases, likely through the Commission on Community and Neighborhood Development. Key Outcomes - Motion to Accept Substitute Language: A motion to accept the revised resolution as substitute language was made by Alderwoman Beloin Savedra, seconded by Alderman Russell. After a brief recess, the motion was approved unanimously. - Vote on the Amended Resolution: The resolution (as substituted) was moved with a neutral recommendation by Alderwoman Beloin Savedra, seconded by Alderman Santiago. The committee voted unanimously in favor (all ayes, no nays). The motion carried. - Next Steps: The resolution will be forwarded to the full Common Council with a neutral recommendation. The project will proceed phase by phase as funding is secured.

The New Britain Common Council held its regular meeting on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at 7:05 PM in Council Chambers, City Hall. Public participation began at 7:07 PM and concluded at 8:08 PM; the regular meeting resumed at 8:39 PM and adjourned at 9:41 PM. The meeting featured extensive public comment on Resolution No. 5 (ceasefire in Gaza and other conflicts), a substituted resolution that ultimately passed, along with discussions on traffic safety, park security, and numerous routine consent agenda items. Consent Calendar - Items A through O (reports from boards, commissions, and departments) were approved via a roll-call vote (13-0), with the exception of Item F (installation of pedestrian crossing signs at Martha Hart Park), which was removed from consent and referred back to the Police Commission. Public Comments & Testimony - Martha Hart Park safety: Ms. Cheney (address not given) and Mike Monahan (11 Kent Road) criticized the proposed sign-only solution, arguing it would not deter after-hours vehicle intrusion; Cheney requested a neighborhood survey and more enforcement. - Resolution No. 5 (ceasefire): Multiple speakers addressed the council: - Liz Aronson (424 Commonwealth Ave) spoke as a Jewish resident supporting the ceasefire, calling it a moral imperative. - Andrew Miller (428 Lewis Road) opposed the original resolution as one-sided, urging focus on Ukraine and federal channels. - Sarah White (Hartford resident, Jewish Voice for Peace) urged passage, citing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. - Sam Pudlin (Hartford resident, former New Britain native) supported the resolution, condemning anti-Semitism. - Zee Rufen (Hartford resident, Polish-Jewish heritage) spoke in support, condemning Israeli actions. - Carly Webb (811 East Street) supported the resolution, linking foreign military aid to local underfunding. - Lily Mercado (19 Satcham Street) reiterated support, noting no dissent at the previous meeting. - Liz Wirtz (1317 East Street) supported the resolution. - Amin Ormseth (90 Gerard Avenue, Hartford) described personal ties to Palestine and urged passage. - Ann Speyer (13 Audubon Street) opposed the resolution, arguing it would weaken Israel and ignored Hamas. - Ken Speyer (13 Audubon Street) also opposed, calling for a balanced ceasefire and noting Hamas’s role. - Omar Scott Ansar (249 Sterling Hill Road, Moose) supported the resolution, citing taxpayer costs. - Gillian Davy (974 West Boulevard, Hartford) urged passage, labeling inaction as complicity in genocide. - Jacob Pudlin (407 Monroe Street) urged council to pass the resolution as written without dilution. - Daniel Salerno (former council member) argued the council should focus on local issues and that the resolution should be global. - Dr. Boula Vermise (26 Chamberlain Street) spoke emotionally, connecting local issues to global oppression. - John Board (Highland Terrace) opposed the resolution, calling it one-sided and urging focus on city business. - Patrick Thompson (44 Brittany Farms Road) supported the resolution, vowing to continue advocacy. - Call-in speakers Hillary Zerangrio (407 Monroe Street) and Shelley Goldman (New Haven) also supported the ceasefire. - Other traffic and safety concerns: Frank Chase (24 Roxbury Road) requested expedited state bonding for Allen Street flood mitigation; Mike Monahan (11 Kent Road) reported speeding on Corbin Avenue and heavy truck traffic, requesting enforcement. Discussion Items - Resolution No. 5 (ceasefire): Alderman Simpson, the original sponsor, expressed support for a strong ceasefire resolution and opposed a substitute offered by Alderman Beloin-Saavedra, which expanded the scope to include Sudan, Ukraine, and other conflicts. After debate, Simpson’s amendments (adding ICJ ruling, “permanent” ceasefire, replacing “Gaza” with “Palestine”) failed on a 1-12 roll call. The substitute resolution then passed 13-0. - Resolution No. 6 (political violence): Alderman Beloin-Saavedra introduced a resolution condemning political violence; Alderman Scott successfully amended it to include threats to election officials and the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. The amended resolution passed unanimously. - Other business: Resolutions on black business month, the Dozynki Festival, copier leases, salt purchase, and ARPA funding were approved with little debate. Key Outcomes - Resolution No. 5 (substitute): Passed 13-0, calling for ceasefires in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan, and urging adherence to international law. - Resolution No. 6 (political violence): Passed unanimously as amended, condemning political violence and dehumanizing rhetoric. - Item F (Martha Hart Park signage): Removed from consent agenda and referred back to the Police Commission for further study. - Petitions: Items 1–4 and 6–9 were referred to appropriate commissions (Police, Public Works, City Plan). Item 5 was withdrawn. - Other resolutions: All numbered resolutions (3–4, 7–16) were adopted, including honors for Rep. Anna Eshoo, black business month, the Dozynki Festival, equipment leases, engineering contracts, road salt purchase, accessory dwelling unit amendments, a ground lease with the Housing Authority, and acceptance of $4 million in additional ARPA funds.

The Zoning Subcommittee of the New Britain Common Council held a regular meeting and public hearing on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers, City Hall. The meeting was called to order, roll was called, and the legal notice was read. Eight proposed zoning ordinance amendments and one zoning map amendment were presented for public hearing and committee discussion. No transcript or minutes are available, so no details on public testimony, debate, or votes are recorded. Petitions Presented - Item 36533: Amend Section 135‑30 to remove caretaker’s dwelling unit as a use in the RO District. - Item 36534: Amend sections to establish requirements for named building signs in the Central Business District (CBD). - Item 36535: Amend sections to adjust dimensional standards and parking requirements in multifamily districts (T, A‑1, A‑2, A‑3). - Item 36536: Amend sections related to protections for historically significant buildings. - Item 36537: Amend sections to allow a roofed porch to project up to eight feet into the required front yard. - Item 36538: Amend to establish definitions and criteria for certain industrial uses (truck storage, self‑storage, warehouse, contractor’s storage yard). - Item 36539: Amend to establish a zoning permit process. - Item 36540: Amend the official zoning map to rezone areas along Atlantic Street, Allen Street, and at 191 Allen Street and 290 Lawlor Street to B‑1R (Neighborhood Business Revitalization) and B‑3 (Neighborhood Mixed Use) districts. Key Outcomes No decisions or votes are recorded in the available agenda and minutes. The meeting agenda indicates adjournment after the agenda items.

The special meeting was called to order at 6:07 PM in the Common Council Chambers. The primary agenda items were the presentation of the audited financial statements for fiscal year ending June 30, 2023, updates on finance department staffing, progress on financial close processes, internal controls, and the timetable for procuring audit services for 2025-2026. Council members received detailed information and discussed the city's financial condition, audit findings, and plans for improvement. Discussion Items 1. Presentation of Audited Financial Statements (FY 2023) The external auditor from CLA (Leslie and Grace Maswita) presented the audit results. The city received unmodified (clean) opinions on both the financial statements and the federal/state single audits. Key financial highlights as of June 30, 2023: - Net position (full accrual): $46 million, an increase of $168,000 from FY2022. - General fund balance: $25 million, including $7 million of assigned fund balance ($3.6 million for FY2024 budget balance, $3.5 million for Board of Education). - Unassigned fund balance: $17.9 million, approximately 7% of budgeted expenditures. - General fund balance increased by $751,000 during FY2023. - Property tax collections: 96.34%. - Revenues exceeded budget by $573,000; expenditures were $178,000 under budget. - Pension funding: police 53.95%, fire 63%, MERS 68% (state-run), elected official plan pay-as-you-go. - ARPA fund: $30 million remaining to obligate by December 31, 2024, and liquidate by December 31, 2026. (Later clarified that only $550,000 remained uncommitted as of the meeting, with funds being allocated to the Mount Pleasant project.) - Total indebtedness: General obligation bonds approximately $315 million; overall debt limit $948 million; net debt applicable to limit $518 million. The auditor reported two material weaknesses: (1) timeliness of bank reconciliations, and (2) financial close procedures. There was also a compliance finding for late filing of the financial statements (due December 31, 2023, but issued much later). As a result, the city no longer qualifies as a low-risk auditee for federal single audit, requiring 40% testing instead of 20%. Management letter recommendations included periodic reconciliation of OPEB liabilities, capital asset review segregation of duties, and analysis of general liability reserves. Finance Director Jonathan Perigini explained that the FY2022 audit took 18 months due to 75% staff turnover, while FY2023 was completed in 6 months. Staffing is now fully in place (as of May 2023), and the bank reconciliation process has been broken up and assigned to multiple staff with checklists. The goal is to have the FY2024 audit issued by December 31, 2024, to regain compliance. 2. Status of Finance Department Staffing and Capacity A discussion item. Director Perigini stated the department is now fully staffed after losing high-level staff in 2022. Cross-training and a new checklist system for bank reconciliations have been implemented. Council members debated the distinction between valid reasons and excuses for delays; some stressed the need for timely audits and accountability. The auditor noted significant improvement from FY2022 to FY2023. 3. Response/Progress on Establishing Formal Financial Close Process (Findings 2022) and 4. Plan of Action to Strengthen Internal Controls (Findings 2023) These items were discussed together as the findings were identical. Perigini outlined: - Bank reconciliations: now done monthly with responsible parties and cross-training. The material weakness is partially completed and expected to be removed for FY2024. - Grants and capital projects: staffing changes caused delays; now a dedicated grant staff member is in place, and newly hired budget/capital projects fiscal officer started January 2024. Focus for FY2024 is to complete retainage, deferred revenue, and accounts receivable early to aid audit testing. - Non-compliance with uniform guidance: the FY2023 state single audit was completed a few days after the final extension deadline (July 3, 2024). The goal is to issue FY2024 audit by March 31, 2025, to remove the compliance finding. - A meeting with the mayor and audit team was scheduled for the next day to coordinate the FY2024 timeline. 5. Request for Qualifications and Timetable to Conduct Independent Audit 2025-2026 The city must notify OPM by June 1, 2025, of the auditor for FY2025. Perigini proposed issuing an RFP by February 1, 2025, to allow time for review by the audit subcommittee and council. The audit committee will vet proposals and recommend to the full council. Council members requested clarity on the committee's role in interviewing firms; Alderman McNamara noted the ordinance defines the committee's authority. The timeline was accepted as a discussion item. Key Outcomes - Motion to accept and refer the FY2023 audit report to the full council with a neutral recommendation passed by voice vote (all in favor, none opposed). - No formal votes were taken on items 2, 3, 4, or 5; these were discussion items only. Council heard updates and expressed expectations for continued improvement. - Next steps: Finance director to meet with auditor and mayor to finalize the FY2024 audit timeline; audit committee to develop the RFP for audit services to be issued by February 1, 2025.

The New Britain Common Council held a public hearing on Monday, July 22, 2024, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers, City Hall. The sole subject was the Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports (ACFR) for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2022, and June 30, 2023. The hearing included a roll call, waiver of the legal notice reading, and public participation. One member of the public spoke, and the hearing was then closed. Public Comments & Testimony - John Kristapic (292 Linwood) asked three questions: how many pages the audit contains, how many man-hours the city must contribute to complete it, and whether other cities in Connecticut face similar problems. Key Outcomes - The public hearing was closed after no other speakers came forward (in person or via phone). The chair then announced that the administration and finance committee meeting would begin shortly. No votes or decisions were taken during the public hearing itself.

Meeting Date: July 10, 2024 Start Time: 8:11 PM (public participation began at 7:00 PM) Adjournment: 8:21 PM The meeting began with public participation at 7:00 PM, during which residents spoke about flooding and stormwater issues, a proposed Gaza ceasefire resolution, and other local concerns. The regular meeting commenced at 8:11 PM with roll call (15 members present), invocation, and Pledge of Allegiance. The council approved minutes, amended the agenda, assigned petitions to departments, approved the consent calendar (with one item referred to committee), and adopted two resolutions. Alderwoman Simpson announced that a ceasefire resolution will be placed on the August agenda. Consent Calendar - Items A, C, D, E, F, G, and H of the consent agenda were approved unanimously (15-0). These included claims for injuries/damage, sale of surplus equipment, monthly checks report, and police commission responses to various petitions. - Item B (Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for FY ending June 30, 2023) was referred to the Committee on Administration, Finance, and Law and Public Service for review at a meeting on July 22, 2024 at 6:00 PM. Public Comments & Testimony Flooding and Stormwater Issues (Allen Street Project) - Frank Chase (24 Roxbury Road) reported that his real estate tax bill increased to nearly $9,000 per year. He criticized the mayor for not updating the 2013 engineering plan for the Allen Street storm sewer project, which has led to chronic flooding, sanitary backups, and contaminated water (bacteria, fecal matter, motor oil, grease). He said the project is critical and should be funded by spring 2025. - Dale Belukis (formerly of 24 Roxbury Road, now visiting) described the basement as once bone-dry but now constantly threatened by flooding, preventing his parents from leaving the property during rain events. - Andrew Pope (87 Brighton Street) reported losing his basement to sewer water one year ago and installing a backflow valve. He noted a poll in Ward 4 found one in five houses had water damage after the June 30 storm, estimating tens of thousands or millions of dollars in damage. - Peg Messerschmidt (6 Hampton Street) urged the council to fix the sewers to prevent flooding on Hampton Street. - Alderwoman Candyce Scott (speaking as a council member) confirmed flooding in Ward 3 and shared her own experience of flooding in her home, including her cat needing to swim. Gaza Ceasefire Resolution Multiple speakers urged the council to pass a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. They argued that U.S. and Connecticut tax dollars are funding the conflict, diverting money from local needs like housing, education, healthcare, and infrastructure. - Patrick Thompson (44 Brittany Farms Road) called for a ceasefire to end the genocide. - Shelley Altman (207 Colony Road, New Haven, Jewish Voice for Peace) stated that 69 million Connecticut dollars could have funded 8,000+ public housing units, healthcare for 24,000 children, or 754 elementary school teachers. In New Britain, over $1 million could fund 122 public housing units or 359 children's healthcare. - Jacob Pudlin (407 Monroe Street, Jewish resident) asked the council not to use Jewish residents as a reason to oppose a ceasefire; he supported the resolution. - Kylie Harrington (115 Best Ave, Bristol, Hartford Jewish Organizing Collective) supported the resolution. - Lily Mercado (19th Satcham Street) said the resolution would recognize grief in the community and pressure higher levels of government. - Amy Martin (375 South Main Street) cited 38,000+ Palestinian deaths and 186,000 indirect deaths, arguing funds should go to human services. - Hillary Deseraggio (407 Monroe Street) noted 20,000 babies born in Gaza since October 7 and referenced city precedents like Hartford's anti-apartheid resolution. - Gillian Davy (974 West Boulevard, Hartford) argued neutrality is complicity with genocide and demanded a ceasefire. - Carly Webb (811 East Street, 26-year resident) said supporting the resolution is a matter of moral solvency and that local infrastructure is underfunded because tax money goes to war. - Stanley Heller (Danbury, Jewish Voice for Peace) shared a personal story of a Gazan friend who has been without insulin for nine months and now sleeps on the street. - Soul Braxton (88 Wallace Street) said the issue is local because tax dollars leave New Britain to fund violence. - Joe Wasserman (West Hartford) connected local flooding and high taxes to weapons spending. Other Public Comments - Melvin Rogers (161 South Main Street, senior building) requested safety measures for seniors crossing streets due to speeding cars. - Winnie Fellow (remote caller) spoke about mortgage increases and flooding. Discussion Items - Council Response to Public Comments: Several council members spoke. Alderwoman Simpson noted that a ceasefire resolution was not on the July 10 agenda but assured that it will be on the August meeting agenda. She acknowledged the moral weight of the issue and the need to prioritize local funding. Alderwoman Scott expressed support for the ceasefire and connected it to broader issues of humanity and local funding. Alderman Santiago also supported the ceasefire and called for collaboration. Alderman McNamara encouraged residents to call or meet with him to discuss the resolution. Alderwoman McAdam thanked the public for their input. - Amendments to Agenda: Alderman Sanchez moved to withdraw item 3 (Alderman Smedley's petition to amend signage regulations? Actually from the transcript: "withdrawing item three" – likely one of the petitions. The motion passed unanimously 15-0.) - Petitions: All petitions were assigned to appropriate departments for review and action. Items 4-10 (from Ald. Smedley regarding zoning changes) were referred to the Planning, Zoning, and Housing Committee for first reading. - Resolution 2 (Ability Walk & Roll): Alderwoman McAdam presented the resolution commemorating the 34th anniversary of the ADA. Alderwoman Scott and Beloin-Saavedra spoke in support, praising the city's inclusivity efforts. The resolution was adopted unanimously. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: Minutes of May 22, 2024 and June 12, 2024 were approved. - Agenda Amendment: Item 3 was withdrawn from the agenda (15-0). - Petitions Referred: All 14 petitions were referred to the appropriate city departments or committees for investigation and action. - Consent Agenda: Items A, C, D, E, F, G, H were approved (15-0). Item B was referred to the Administration, Finance, and Law Committee. - Resolution 1 (Tax Abatements, Corrections, and Refunds): Adopted. Motor vehicle refunds total $19,693 through June 24, 2024; property abatements and refunds total $4,083. - Resolution 2 (Ability Walk & Roll and Disability Awareness Day): Adopted unanimously. The event is scheduled for July 24, 2024, 5-7 PM at Darius Miller Memorial Band Shell in Walnut Hill Park. - Resolution 3 (Tax Modification Agreement with Housing Authority for Mount Pleasant): Not discussed during the meeting; no action taken. - Ceasefire Resolution: Alderwoman Simpson announced that a ceasefire resolution will be placed on the agenda for the August 2024 Common Council meeting. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 8:21 PM.

The Committee on Planning, Zoning and Housing of the New Britain Common Council held a public hearing and regular meeting on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at 6:34 PM in Council Chambers, City Hall. The meeting was called to order with roll call, and the reading of the legal notice was waived by unanimous consent. The public hearing saw no speakers, and the regular meeting addressed two agenda items. Public Hearing - Item No. 36521 – Amendment to Fee Schedule for Zoning Permits: No members of the public spoke in favor or opposition. - Item No. 36526 – Lease Agreement with Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) for the Beeline Multi-Modal Trail: No members of the public spoke in favor or opposition. Discussion Items - Item No. 36521 – Amendment to Fee Schedule in Chapter 7 (Zoning Permits): Alderman Hargraves moved to refer the resolution to the full Council with a neutral recommendation, seconded by Alderman Russell. Mr. Jack Benjamin, a city official, explained that the fee schedule had not been updated since 2014 and that the proposed increases were intended to catch up with inflation, increased advertising costs, and align with fees in other municipalities. He noted that fees in New Britain are currently about 50% of those in other municipalities and that the city aimed to keep them low to avoid barriers for homeowners. A question about a graduated fee system for homeowners versus developers was raised, but Mr. Benjamin indicated no such system was known and suggested it might not be legally defensible. No further discussion occurred. - Item No. 36526 – Lease Agreement with CTDOT for Beeline Multi-Modal Trail: Alderman Malinowski moved to refer the resolution to the full Council with a favorable recommendation, seconded by Alderman McNamara. Alderman Santiago questioned why a lease is needed instead of outright land donation. Mr. Benjamin responded that the trail would run within CTDOT’s Route 72 right-of-way, and where possible, CTDOT has donated parcels, but in this case a lease is necessary because of the length and width of the right-of-way that CTDOT wishes to maintain. The City Plan Commission’s favorable recommendation was read into the record, noting that the project supports goals in the Plan of Conservation and Development, including expanding trail access, enhancing bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, and connecting to the 81-mile Farmington Canal Heritage Trail. Alderman Hargraves confirmed the lease is at no cost to the city. Key Outcomes - Item No. 36521: Motion to refer the fee schedule amendment to the full Council with a neutral recommendation carried unanimously (voice vote). - Item No. 36526: Motion to refer the lease agreement to the full Council with a favorable recommendation carried unanimously (voice vote). - The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:50 PM. No action was taken on the two tabled items listed on the agenda (loitering and panhandling ordinance amendments) as they were not discussed.