New London council approves ARPA contracts for parks, safety and youth programs; public urges Hempstead Park cleanup and asks council to revisit Bates Woods

The New London City Council voted Dec. 16 to approve a bundle of contracts and funding authorizations—many using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocations—covering parks, public‑safety equipment, youth programming and other municipal needs. The meeting also drew public comment urging action on a neighborhood brownfield cleanup and renewed scrutiny of a previously approved solar plan at Bates Woods.

Votes at a glance - Elevator repair, Finance building: contract with Audi’s Elevator Company, $57,579.77 plus a 15% contingency — APPROVED (voice vote). - Thermal imaging cameras (fire department): seven units, $41,639.35 — APPROVED (voice vote). - Bridal/Briggs Brook and Fulton Park improvements: base award to Colonial Concrete & Asphalt (low bid reported by director as about $1.078 million); fencing add‑ons bid separately and to be funded via Town Aid Road — APPROVED (voice vote). - VHB amendment at 43 Hempstead Street (Freedom Trail neighborhood park): environmental consulting/remedial oversight to support EPA cleanup work — APPROVED (voice vote). - Youth engagement contracts: Guard Arts Center $50,000 and Child & Family $50,000 to continue a youth navigator and…