New Britain
2016
Town Guide
B2 | Sunday, February 14, 2016
NEW BRITAIN TOWN GUIDE
The Herald Press
The excitement is building By KRISTINA TEDESCHI SPECIAL TO THE HERALD
NEW BRITAIN — Drive into downtown New Britain, and you can feel it. Punctuated by historic buildings, beautiful architecture and much more, New Britain is a city full of stories. Some have come to their conclusions, while new ones continue to unfold. “From Little Poland on Broad Street, Barrio Latino on Arch Street, our many unique parks, professional sports teams, world renowned museums, restaurants and other destinations, our city has an abundance of attractions waiting to be explored,” said Mayor Erin Stewart, an energetic cheerleader for the city’s attractions. “We are centrally located and easily accessible through the use of CTFastrak. Whether you are a first time visitor or a long time resident, we have a rich history and something to offer everyone.” The Hardware City, so named due to its role as a manufacturing hub at the beginning of the 20th century, is culturally vibrant, yet still feels like a small town, says Karen Petersen of Newington, who grew up in New Britain. “New Britain’s distinct neighborhoods remind me of a big city, yet it has a small town feeling,” she said. “It is ethnically diverse, but not segregated in any way. Polish, Latino, Asian, African American and Italian cultures are celebrated and shared by all.” New Britain has the largest Polish population of any other city or town in the state, thus giving rise to Broad Street’s Little Poland and the annual Little Poland Festival, scheduled this year on April 24. With the new arrivals of businesses, restaurants, and the “Welcome to Little Poland” sign, the neighborhood is thriving. The city is also home to museums, theaters and various institutions of higher learning. At the New Britain Industrial Museum, located inside Central Connecticut State University’s ITBD building on Main Street, its current, permanent exhibit provides a look at the storied history of manufacturing in the city. One of the items is the March 16, 1902 front page of the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, the headline of which proclaims: “World’s Record for Inventions held by New Britain, Conn. with a score of 1,447 Patents Obtained.” The New Britain Museum of American Art’s founding in 1903
Mike Orazzi | Staff
Joe Janicki does some stunts during the bike safety event in downtown New Britain.
Mike Orazzi | Staff
Artie “C” Cilibert peers under the hood 73 Ford Mustang during the 8th annual Downtown District car show in New Britain.
NEW BRITAIN TOWN GUIDE
The Herald Press
Sunday, February 14, 2016 | B3
The New Britain Bees will celebrate their debut season in April designates the museum as the “first museum of strictly American art in the country,” according to the museum’s website, nbmaa.org. The NBMAA offers a variety of exhibits and events, ranging from contemporary visual art exhibitions to this month’s beer tasting event, Craft Sippin’ in New Britain. At CCSU — an institution that educated a total of 12,086 students during the fall 2015 semester — Charter Oak State College, and Lincoln Technical School, thousands of students arrive each year seeking to earn a degree, or learn a new skill or trade. According to CCSU’s website, 85 percent of the university’s graduates remain in
Connecticut, “contributing to the intellectual, cultural, and economic health of the state.” And, not to be forgotten, are the traditions and hallmarks of what makes New Britain, well ... New Britain. Every holiday season for the past 37 years, there is Rita Giancola’s “Christmas House” on Lexington Street. There are the famous hot dogs, with “famous sauce,” at Capitol Lunch on Main Street. For 18 years, there were the New Britain Rock Cats, playing at New Britain Stadium. Before that, there were New Britain Red Sox home games at Beehive Field. And, long ago, at the YMCA in 1895, the technique of dribbling in basketball was invented.
Like any other city, New Britain has its challenges, but the people who live and work here continue to make it a place with a future, where real stories are made. Such is the case with local baseball. As the old New Britain Rock Cats have departed for Hartord, the New Britain Bees will celebrate their debut season in April. The city’s next major renovation project will spruce up Columbus Boulevard and the city is continually welcoming new businesses into the downtown area. From Central Park to Central Connecticut State University, the progress is evident. New Britain’s future is bright.
Mike Orazzi | Staff
The 8th annual Downtown District car show in New Britain.
City of New Britain est. 1871
Mayor Erin E. Stewart
27 West Main Street, New Britain, CT 06051 Tel: 860-826-3303 Fax: 860-826-3308 www.newbritainct.gov
NewBritainCT
@CONBCT
mayor@newbritainct.gov
NEW BRITAIN TOWN GUIDE
B4 | Sunday, February 14, 2016
The Herald Press
Who to call in the city W
ho to call and where to 3338 and 860-826-3345 go for municipal services in New Britain. Marriages, 860-826-3339 Unless otherwise noted, all municipal departments listed Dog Licenses, 860-826-3349 below are located in New Britain Elections, 860-826-3336 City Hall, 27 West Main St., New Britain, CT 06051. The New Britain Town Clerk’s office provides general informaNew Britain Town tion; access to archives and public Clerk’s Office records including births, deaths and marriages; records of land Office hours are Monday transactions and election records. through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 3:45 Meeting notices and minutes p.m. and until 6:45 p.m. on the are held in the office, along with last Thursday of the month. local ordinances. Dog licenses, business licenses and trade names Mark Bernacki, Town and City are issued and a notary public is Clerk on staff. Online land records and e-reGeneral information, 860- cording for land records are also 826-3335 available. Land Records, 860-826-3347 or 860-826-3349 Births & Deaths, 860-826-
Assessor’s Office 860-826-3323
Michael T. Konik, City Assessor Tim Hutvagner, Assistant Assessor The Assessor’s Office lists and values all real estate, motor vehicles and personal property located within the City of New Britain to create the annual grand list, used to set the local tax rate.
New Britain Building Department 860-826-3383 Sergio Lupo, Director Scott Wadowski, Acting Building Official David Zajac, Zoning Enforcement Officer The Building Department provides detailed information needed to complete local construction projects.
Mike Orazzi | Staff
Miguel Pagan during the bike safety event in downtown New Britain.
Be Heart Healthy at the New Britain YMCA
FEbruarY HEalTHY lIvIng InITIaTIvE YourTIME Fitness includes access to our strength equipment, cardio and circuit training equipment. Restricted to members 18 and over.
50 High Street New Britain, CT 06051 860 229 3787 www.nbbymca.org
By RM McCarty The New Britain YMCA is celebrating February with a special Healthy Living Initiative. Members of the downtown YMCA are competing for the crown of Queen and King of Hearts. According to Membership & Marketing Manager, Desiree Agosto, “February has long been heart healthy month at our YMCA and this year we decided to try something new! We feel that each of our members is doing great with their New Year’s resolutions and we want to reward them for continuing to live healthy.” How does it work? Each member obtains a punch card from the Welcome Center. For every card they complete (10 punches), they get a better chance of winning the drawing at the end of the month. Winners receive a free month-long membership and crowned either Queen or King of hearts. Participants will receive a punch for any class attended, 30 minute lap swim, 30 minute cardio class or 45 minute weight or circuit training session. “This program emphasizes our YMCA philosophy on making the whole body feel good. Some members get on the treadmill every day and work hard. We help them realize that, in combination, multiple exercises – such as swimming, weight training and movement class – are all integral to lifelong health,” says Josh Kosakowski, Health & Wellness Coordinator at the YMCA. It’s now easier than ever to be Heart Healthy at the New Britain YMCA with YourTIME Fitness, a 24/7
programming formembers of the YMCA. Beginning on January 4th, the YMCA began offering access around the clock for those who want a workout to fit their schedule. “We’re meeting people on their schedule now,” said YMCA Branch Director Marci Moskal. “Our strength and circuit training, and our entire cardio health area, are open to fit anyone’s lifestyle.” The options are plentiful with treadmills, elliptical trainers, rowers, stair climbers, nautilus style training machines and a comprehensive free weight gym. All equipment is less than 2 years old and is considered state of the art in the health and wellness industry. “It’s ideal for the person who works in retail – work until 10 and then have a great workout. We are also seeing new membership from the public safety community as they often work non-traditional shifts and are looking for options. I have been with the Y over 21 years, and I’ve never seen anything quite like this!” continued Moskal. One of the differentiating factors the New Britain YMCA offers is the human touch. “Many 24/7 places run like a hotel work out room: scan in for entrance with no supervision,” pointed out Kosakowski. “However, at the Y we will always have 2-3 folks to attend to any issues and to keep the area in its typical state: very clean and very friendly.” Stop by the YMCA at 50 High Street for information and a great tour of the facility. You can also visit www.nbbymca.org or call 860-229-3787.
NEW BRITAIN TOWN GUIDE
The Herald Press
Sunday, February 14, 2016 | B5
Bureau of Purchasing
for city positions, labor relations, benefits, drug and alcohol test860-826-3434 and 860-612- ing, safety and sexual harassment 4204 training. The Purchasing Department is New Britain Senior Center charged with the procurement of 860-826-3553 all supplies, materials, equipment and contractual services needed Mike Karwan, Senior Center and used by city departments other than the school system. The Director Purchasing Department issues all The New Britain Senior Center purchase orders for the various is a comprehensive facility and items as required. program center for elderly citizens New Britain Civil Service of New Britain. Services include Dial-A-Ride, social services, 860-826-3404 health and wellness clinics, trips, arts, exercise, social programs and Staff community presentations. Karen R. Levine, Personnel Director Trish Haddad, Benefits Administrator
Parks, Recreation, Community Services and Veterans Affairs 860-826-3362
Director of Veterans Affairs, Erik Barbieri James P. Bascetta, Anthony J. Veterans Affairs Clerk, Sandy Kane, Valdis Hodkevics, Homer Keefe Q. White and appointee Michael T. Yagmin Commission Members
Events
The bike safety eventEvents in downtown New1Britain. Upcoming Chamber Ad_Layout 2/11/16 4:53 PM Page 1
Mike Orazzi | Staff
The Civil Service Commission oversees recruitment and testing
Join Us For Three Upcoming Chamber Events TD Bank Presents: A Business Development Breakfast Series Staropolska Restaurant February 16th 5-7 p.m. 252 Broad Street New Britain, CT Premier Portraits Studio with Plainville Chamber of Commerce Premier Portraits Studio February 25th 5-7 p.m. 260 East Street (Rt 10) Plainville, CT
February 29th 7:30-9:30 a.m. CCSU ITBD 185 Main Street New Britain, CT To RSVP for these events, please contact Taylor at the Chamber by phone or email at: Phone: 860-229-1665 Email: Taylor@greaternewbritainchamber.com
Tim Stewart President
NEW BRITAIN TOWN GUIDE
B6 | Sunday, February 14, 2016
The Herald Press
Staff file photo
Runners prepare to start the 5K at Race in the Park at Walnut Hill Park in New Britain.
Department of Municipal Development
Development provides staff functions for four separate Boards: Community and Neighborhood 860-826-3330 Development; City Plan; Zoning Board of Appeals; and The Department of Municipal Conservation Commission.
The New Britain City Plan Commission 860-826-3344
Members of the commission
The City Plan Commission meets on the first Monday of Louis G. Amodio, G. Geoffrey each month at 6:30 p.m. in City Bray, Craig Diangelo, Dorothy Hall Room 313. Dilernia, Eileen Gorczyca, Michael Gorzoch, Celeste Roche.
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NEW BRITAIN TOWN GUIDE
The Herald Press
Conservation Commission 860-826-3344
Members of the commission
Sunday, February 14, 2016 | B7
The Zoning Board of Appeals on a bi-monthly basis on the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in City Hall Room 201.
Patricia Johnson, Elizabeth King, Richard Suprynowicz, Todd Szabo, Thomas Talalaj, Shelly Taratula
Finance Department
860-826-3434
Brian Bagdasarian, Mark DeGrandis, Peter Denuzze, The Conservation Commission Robert Kusiak, Mary Marrocco, meets on the second Tuesday of Josephine Moreno each month, 7 p.m., in City Hall Room 313. The Finance Department performs an instrumental function in Zoning Board of Appeals the preparation of the city’s annual budget. On forms specified by 860-826-3430 the Finance Department, budgetary requests of city agencies and activities are compiled. Members of the board Edward Dzwonkowski, Health Department Chairman; Henry Zembko III, Vice Chairman; Anthony Bianca, Jr.; Kathy W. Olandt; Clifford 88 Prospect Street, New Britain, Parker; Margaret C. Roden; Paul CT 06051 Zagorsky 860-612-2771 Alternate members
The mission of the Health Peter Oshana, Mark Rashaw, Department of the City of New Alan Zaniewski Britain is to promote health and
Staff File Photo
Runners prepare to start the 5K at Race in the Park at Walnut Hill Park in New Britain.
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NEW BRITAIN TOWN GUIDE
B8 | Sunday, February 14, 2016
The Herald Press
Human Rights and Opportunities 860-826-3410 Elba I. Mercado, Human Rights Affirmative Action Officer Cristina M. Cataquet, Fair Housing Advocate The mission of the New Britain Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) is to assist in the enforcement of anti-discrimination legislation by receiving, processing and referring complaints related to human rights, affirmative action, equal employment and fair housing opportunities. Members of the Human Rights & Opportunities Commission Jessica Angelo-Julien, Cora Bradley, Michael Koch, Jeffreys Laverne, Ana Padron, Joan Pina, Brian Riley Common Council Liaisons Alderwmen Shirley Black and Robert Smedley
Parking Authority 860-826-3414 Members of the Parking Ticket Board of Appeals:
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Mike Orazzi | Staff
Kim Hopkins snaps a photograph during the 8th annual Downtown District car show.
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NEW BRITAIN TOWN GUIDE
The Herald Press
Sunday, February 14, 2016 | B9 Common Council Liaisons Aldermen Christopher Polkowski and Daniel Salerno The Parking Commission meets on the third Tuesday of every other month, 6:30 p.m., in City Hall Room 202. Parking Authority Smart Cards 860-826-3414 The convenience of a “Smart Card” for parking eliminates the need of having coins handy for the parking meter. There is an initial fee of $5.00 for the card. Once a value is placed on the card by the customer, the card is then used in the meter like a debit card, deducting time from the card. A refund option is included. A card may be purchased at City Hall in the Parking Ticket Office.
Kevin Bartram | Staff
Runners prepare to start the 5K at Race in the Park at Walnut Hill Park in New Britain.
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B10 | Sunday, February 14, 2016
NEW BRITAIN TOWN GUIDE
The Herald Press
Emergency Medical Services EMERGENCY: 911 Routine: 860-826 -3000 Business Office: 860-225-8787 Founded in 1977, New Britain EMS responds to more than 13,000 requests for service each year. The not-for-profit agency is authorized to function as a state-certified ambulance service and is the designated 911 ambulance service for the City of New Britain. New Britain EMS dedicates two ambulances 24 hours per day, and one additional ambulance 9 hours during the day. New Britain EMS employs 70 full and part-time EMTs, and Paramedics who respond to an average of 35 9-1-1 calls per day.
Police and Fire Departments The New Britain Police Department 10 Chestnut St., New Britain, CT 06051 Emergency: 911 Routine: 860-826-3000 Detailed police department information is available online at newbritainpolice.org.
Tax Collector 860-826-3317 Cheryl S. Blogoslawski, Tax Collector Carmen Ellison, Acting Tax Assistant
Water Department 1000 Shuttle Meadow Avenue, New Britain, CT 06051 860-826-3536 Meter Service: 860-826-3537 Billing & Collections: 860-826-3540 (8:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.) Distribution: 860-826-3536 (7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) / 860-826-3546 (3:30 p.m. to 7 a.m.) New Britain’s water transmission and distribution system features more than 200 miles of pipe; 2,000-plus fire hydrants and more than 17,000 water meters maintained by a workforce of 20 employees.
Did you know ...
n New Britain has the largest Polish-American population of any city in the state, calculated to be 17.1 percent by the U.S. Census in 2010. n New Britain is 13.4 square miles of which 13.3 square miles is land and 0.1 square miles is water. The city’s terrain is mostly made up of soft rolling hills and tree-lined streets.
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Mike Orazzi | Staff
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For more than 75 years!
The Herald Press
NEW BRITAIN TOWN GUIDE
Sunday, February 14, 2016 | B11
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B12 | Sunday, February 14, 2016
NEW BRITAIN TOWN GUIDE
The Herald Press
WHAT DOES HEALTHY MEAN TO YOU? Good health means different things to different people, but one thing’s for sure: when overall wellness is the goal, we often look to improve our eating habits first. And those changes start where you buy your food – at the grocery store. We’re committed to offering healthy choices in every aisle so you can lots of options for your family.
Take the guesswork out of shopping for healthier products. Look for Healthy Ideas® and gluten-free logos on our shelf tags.