Working to dig out from the historic blizzard.

Message from Mayor Tim O'Brien:


The Blizzard of 2013 has produced a historic snowfall. Throughout our region, it has left streets and highways difficult, if not impossible, to drive.

City crews have been working very hard around the clock to clear the snow from our streets - a job that will take some time to finish.

Please, for your safety, I would urge you to stay home and off the roads.

I would also urge you to be careful in removing snow from your driveway and sidewalk. Please do not overdo it when shoveling. And please be very careful when operating snow-blowers.

Also keep in mind that the city parking ban will remain in effect throughout Saturday and maybe into Sunday.

By the way, something that you can do that can protect your home is to shovel snow from fire hydrants near your house.

City workers and I are continuing our round-the-clock work to ensure your safety and get our city dug out and through this historic storm event.

Thank you very much for your patience and for pulling together as a community.

Be safe and take care.

News from the City on the expected blizzard.

Message from Mayor Tim O'Brien:

A major winter storm is approaching Connecticut. This is a large storm that will impact New Britain with potential blizzard conditions for a period of 24 hours from mid-day tomorrow (Friday) to mid-day Saturday. New Britain is expecting heavy snow with winds of 20-30 MPH. One to 2 feet of snow is expected. Power outages are likely.

Here is some important information:

• Due to this storm, schools will be closed tomorrow (Friday)
• There will be a parking ban in effect beginning tomorrow at tomorrow (Friday) 6am. Towing of cars will occur to allow plows and emergency vehicle access to all streets.  

 Free parking will be available at the following locations during the parking ban:

• Osgood Park
• Stanley Golf Course
• Quonset hut parking lot at 655 Slater Rd.
• City parking lot on Main Street between NBPD and the CCSU ITBD building.
• City parking lot at Wildwood St. & Linden St. (next to Police substation)
• Washington Park (lot opposite Gold Street)
• Martha Hart Park
• City parking garage - (Bank St./Chestnut St.)
• City parking garage - (Columbus Blvd. at the corner of Washington St.)

Here are safety and other tips you should keep in mind:

• Have food, water, flashlights and a battery operated radio available.
• Charge all cell phones.
• Check on elderly and at risk neighbors and relatives.
• Stay informed, listen to storm information.
• Do not use candles for lighting, use flashlights.
• Do not use propane or charcoal grills indoors for any reason.
• Make sure generators are kept outside away from the house.
• To report fallen trees and wires, Call 860-826-3000,
• To report fire, police and medical emergencies, call 9-1-1.

Thank you very much for your cooperation and please be safe !

Free income tax preparation available for many city residents at HRA.

Message from Mayor Tim O'Brien:

I wanted to take a moment to let you know that the Human Resources Agency offers free tax return preparation services for city residents with incomes under $50,000 a year. Please feel free to let anyone you thing could use this help about this service. Here are the details:

Free Income Tax Preparation Available in the City

Free income tax preparation for low to moderate-income individuals and married couples, making at or under $50,000 a year, will be offered at various locations in New Britain from Monday to Saturday, through April 15^th. Tax returns are completed by appointment only and taxpayers must bring all necessary documentation to their appointment. Please call the Human Resources Agency at 860-612-3983, Monday through Friday between 8:30am and 4:30pm. The tax preparation service is a part of the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program of the IRS (Internal Revenue Service). The program is coordinated through the New Britain Asset Building Coalition; operated by the Human Resources Agency of New Britain (HRA), and funded in part by the IRS and United Way of New Britain and Berlin.

Free Tax Preparation Site Listings:

HRA North Oak Community Center                       Tues, Wed, Thurs. 3:00pm-8:00pm

35 Oak Street                                                         Saturdays 10:00am-3:00pm

HRA Energy Assistance                                          Thursdays 5:00pm-8:00pm

336 Arch Street                                                       Saturdays 10:00am-3:00pm

HRA Youth Services Center                                    Mondays 1:00pm-4:00pm

58 Scarlett Drive           

HRA Ben Franklin Early Childhood Center              Tuesdays 2:00pm-6:00pm

180 Clinton Street

Community Central (in partnership with CCSU)     Tuesdays 9:00am-1:00pm

117 West Main Street