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Council approves Coolidge–Monroe speed study and several transportation and park funding items
Summary
The New Britain Common Council accepted a traffic study of Coolidge and Monroe, approved a $5,000 active-transportation microgrant and appropriated $564,443 to close a funding gap for Willow Street Park; the traffic study data will be shared with councilors on request.
The New Britain Common Council on July 8 voted to approve a traffic study for the Coolidge and Monroe intersection, accepted a $5,000 Connecticut Department of Transportation microgrant for an active-transportation pilot, and appropriated $564,443 to complete the Willow Street Park Extension.
Traffic study: Alderman Simpson questioned the data and asked city staff for the underlying tabulation. CJ of the city's traffic management team said the April 2026 speed study used Urban SDK and referenced a SpeedSpy dataset, with a prior survey performed in September 2024; he told councilors the April study's full data and a tabulation sheet can be provided and that the staff analyst who led the study is available for follow-up questions next week.
Active-transportation microgrant: Alderman Scott described a $5,000 microgrant from the Connecticut Department of Transportation to support an active-transportation education pilot in partnership with Bike New Britain and the Consolidated School District. The funding will primarily buy bicycles to support a school-centered pilot program, with remaining funds for program needs.
Willow Street Park funding: Alderman Barrero explained that a March 26, 2025 bond left a $564,443 shortfall for the Willow Street Park Extension; the council moved and approved an appropriation to close the gap so construction can proceed.
Votes and next steps: The traffic study motion and the consent agenda passed by voice vote; councilors instructed staff to provide the study's tabulation and to make the traffic analyst available for questions. The microgrant and park appropriation also passed by voice vote. No roll-call tallies by name were recorded in the transcript for these votes; the chair announced motions carried.
Context: Alderman Simpson tied the traffic discussion to broader accessibility issues raised during public comment, noting that small changes such as pedestrian crossing buttons and truncated domes can affect residents who use wheelchairs or have low vision. The council did not amend any code or adopt ordinance language related to traffic control at the hearing; staff follow-up was requested for the data behind the study.
The council approved the listed items during its July 8, 2026 meeting; staff were asked to provide the traffic data and to make the study lead available for further questions.
