Residents See New Britain’s Growing Assets
By Robin Vinci | Editor at February 12, 2024 | 6:15 pm | Print
People don’t often realize how much New Britain has to offer until they take a deeper look at it. This week in the City Journal Facebook group we asked our monthly question.
This month was “What is New Britain’s biggest asset?”
At first a few people were hesitant. And one even said there weren’t any.
But, the more people spoke the more ideas came forth.
“I believe New Britain’s Biggest asset is Central Connecticut State University (CCSU). I was going to say parks, but there are great parks in other towns as well,” said Mike Smith. “I say CCSU because it is a thriving and expanding university. New Britain could truly benefit from a better partnership with CCSU. This could be a college City but for some reason that really hasn’t happened.”
“CCSU brings people to New Britain,” said Valerie L Rodino. “It hosts respectable events such as live orchestra performances, public health seminars, and most notably the President of our Nation. It keeps New Britain on the map.”
Many thought it was our activities.
“The library, youth museum and wellness center. Both offer free programs for children & are conveniently located so anyone can attend,” said Sarah Adler.
“Definitely Walnut Hill Park. It has lots of assets, tennis, baseball, softball and big children’s park also the band shell. I love listening to music on a summer night,” said Scott Clark.
Rick Rothstein said, “Our history, culture and traditions are our biggest assets, including the New Britain Industrial Museum, the New Britain Museum of American Art, and the New Britain Institute.”
“New Britain Museum of American Art — a national treasure, unfortunately not appreciated by the city’s residents,” said Victoria Ketterer Loebell. “Also the many parks.”
Art Helfgott said our biggest asset may be its history of Industry and cultural diversity that, combined, led to its greatness. Both it, and CCSU, remain as greatest unfulfilled assets.
“Culture. From our museum to our parks to our festivals to our schools we reflect the diversity, grit and spirit of this wonderful City,” said Sharon Beloin-Saavedra. “And yes our water is the best!”
Many people agreed with the last statement as well.
Eva Torres-Luciano was the first to say “The water!”
“The Water System and our parks,” said Town Clerk Mark Bernacki.
Others said our Mayor Erin Stewart.
“I think the new Mayor with some young blood and fresh ideas,” said Steve Fentner.
Ken Haas said New Britain’s largest asset is its rising credit score, which is up three notches with a stable outlook.
Many added our great hospitals. But, then people started looking at the entire community.
“Our biggest asset is our residents. We are the biggest supporters of our City. We take pride in where we live,” said Miriam Geraci. “We welcome new businesses, small and large, because we support economic growth. We are the word of mouth about our City and all the wonderful accomplishments that have happened in a short time and will continue to happen in years to come.”
“All The people who Lived and Worked in our Great City now or at the beginning for without them we wouldn’t have all that we have, stores, parks, schools etc..” said Paul Catanzaro.
“Little Poland. The revival of this “district” over the past several years has truly put New Britain back on the map,” said Roger Peterson
“The Polish community and their commitment to our city,” said Leslie A Parker. “It’s the only stability I have found here since deciding to move back in 1999.”
Nancy M DiPietro said it is definitely the multicultural flavor. “It’s bland in other towns.”
“I would like to add that the Spanish people and the African American communities are also paramount, without those two pillars of the community we’re not sitting here today and have this very own discussion,” said Jarek Kopicki.
Although not everyone agreed that the City had just one major asset, one statement certainly summed up the question.
“See, and some people say New Britain has nothing going for it,” said Geri O’Keefe-Curtis. “Wow, this is sure a lot of nothings!”
