New Britain Residents Raise Concerns About Communication Regarding New Housing

The city of New Britain may have some new housing coming to the area, but some residents say they’re upset because they haven’t had any notification that builders may be in their back yard.

And if you didn’t get a letter from the city, it’s because the city says your property wasn't close enough to the potential site.

Zoning officers say what could be coming is called "market rate housing" in the East Street area different from low income housing. Now they'll be having a public hearing next week to see if the zoning will be approved.

With the use of Fastrak booming throughout New Britain, planning officials determined this area across from it on East Street has potential.

It’s a site that could possibly become one for housing in the future

Kenneth Malinowski, Acting Director of the Department of Municipal Development, says a developer has come to them with interest to build market-rate housing there.

“Potentially I guess the biggest parcel available right now is the former Samson property which should be about 3 acres. Which would allow for… quick math… about 90 units,” Malinowski said.

But it’s a topic that’s still in conversation.

It’s why people who live near East Street received a letter inviting residents to a public hearing to discuss the zoning map.

Denise Gonzalez lives on a few blocks away from where the potential apartments could be. She says the letter wasn’t sent to her house – she has a copy from a neighbor -- and is concerned with the lack of communication.

"Explain to everybody the rationale and why they need to develop that particular area and I think more people will be at ease about it. Then suddenly.. 'OK did you hear about this?'" Gonzalez said.

But Malinowski says next Tuesday’s meeting will clarify things for residents.

"Anyone within 500 feet of the property had received a letter in the mail telling them we were going to have a public hearing on the matter next week," Malinowski said.

The meeting will be next Tuesday 7 p.m. at New Britain city hall.

The council will listen to the public’s opinion. Then the members will debate it and decide whether to add it the zoning ordinances.

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