Attracting Business: Top Issue
By Robin Vinci | Editor at October 15, 2023 | 6:30 pm | Print
Homelessness, Schools also Important Topics
It is obvious. Residents want new business in New Britain.
In a Facebook question this week many residents said continuing to add new business to the City is the most vital issue facing the next Mayor of the City.
Resident Catherine Nyhan Cheney started the posts stating her answer as, “continuing to attract developers & businesses of all kinds to the City, to provide jobs and to grow our grand list.”
Many residents agreed.
“Further develop all parts of New Britain and make it a place a business wants to call home,” said Scott Clark.
“Maintain the momentum built over the last two years with new business, interest in cleaning up neighborhoods and success doing so, continued and increased public involvement,” said Marion Pruzan Fischbein.
Ann Obscurity said, “continuing the modernization of our downtown and the need for business in downtown. The attraction needs to continue.”
This increase in business will also help the unemployed in the City, according to residents.
“To get the developers and businesses to move into NB so that residents of the city will have the opportunity for employment,” said Drue Signorelli.
“We need more businesses to come into the city. That would also bring jobs,” said Peggy Riotte.
Some residents did see other issues facing the City that need to be addressed. Homelessness being a major concern.
“I can see homelessness being one of the biggest problems,” said Anna Tercyak. “This town needs people that can help the homeless that want help. I would say try and take care of the homeless vets if we have any in this town.”
Richard Reyes said, “homelessness and more transparency with the management of dollars coming in. A surplus is good but $7.8 is a bit much when there are so many issues that need addressing.”
“I think we need to gear our homeless shelters closer to the north street, side of town to clean up downtown. Erin’s doing an excellent job right now a lot of the homeless are coming to New Britain because we have focused on taking care of the homeless. So we are picking up other towns’ burdens,” said James Jones. “I believe we need to have a sustainable plan in place for the homeless with a set amount of time available for assistance. Also I think we really need to focus on a plan for our high school so that more families stop leaving to magnet schools. Not saying we need money to do it just some bold moves.”
“What I would like to see or hear from our next mayor or any elected officials is how they plan to provide more services to our youth, homeless and seniors. The money giving to education in our city divided by the students is not enough. We have a fine educational system and some great educators, but the numbers don’t match,” said Steven Thompson. “We need our community and leaders get on the same page. Get the facts and business and make an educated decision on real facts. How schools need more! If our youth are graduating and going to college and entering the workforce you combat the poverty and possible future homeless.”
Discussion also looked at several other topics.
“Careful development of the areas surrounding the FastTrack stations,” said Ann Speyer. “Each of the areas has a different character and should have a different plan. Stakeholders should be involved in the planning.”
I believe we need to assist adults & families in becoming homeowners in New Britain. “While conducting research for work, I discovered the major shift in the city to having more renters vs. home owners. There have been proven extensive social benefits to stable housing. It has been shown to positively affect property upkeep and improvement, increase civic involvement, increase educational achievement, have health benefits, and lower crime,” said Ramona Kabilius Anderson. “I truly believe that people who buy a home take pride in that home and are willing to show more of a commitment to their community.”
“Get the CCSU party situation in the Belvedere neighborhood under control,” said Paul Baylock.
Discussion, however, most often went back to building up the City with business.
“To increase, continue the development of the positive image and perception of this City as a vibrant, upbeat, economically growing community, and what it is like to work , learn, play and participate in the innumerable facets of New Britain” said Alderman Daniel Salerno. “That challenge met, the City will reap multiple growth and social benefit. Everyone has a stake in that challenge.”
