Council replaces $470,000 pickleball allocation with park improvements, homelessness prevention and ADA sidewalks

The New Britain Common Council voted on Sept. 24 to amend a proposed line-item transfer that originally earmarked $470,000 for pickleball courts. By amendment, the council removed the dedicated pickleball allocation and instead approved $370,000 for general park improvements, $50,000 for a homelessness-prevention security-deposit program, and $50,000 for ADA sidewalk repairs.

Alderman Santiago offered the amendment, which was seconded by Alderwoman Sedra and carried on a voice vote before the council adopted the amended resolution by roll call. Alderman Smemedley said his caucus supported the amendment and welcomed additional public input on how to spend the funds. Alderwoman Scott urged council members to prioritize housing and infrastructure needs as they allocate limited resources.

The original line-item transfer was part of a larger set of budget adjustments tied to audited fiscal-year results and proposed transfers to multiple capital and nonoperating accounts. The amended language directs the city’s finance department to make the transfers and to finalize specific account coding and details with the interim budget analyst.

Public commenters and callers had urged the council to reconsider the pickleball allocation and to prioritize infrastructure projects such as the Allen Street repairs and broader anti-eviction measures. Council members said the amendment reflects those concerns and creates room for a community discussion about park improvements.

The resolution, as amended, passed on roll call with the members present recorded as voting in favor.