New London, Connecticut Development News
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07-06-2026 City Council
Published: Jul 6, 2026
New London City Council Discusses Eversource Contributions to Road Paving
During the discussion of a paving project ordinance (07202602) totaling $923,175, funded by 2026 bonding, town aid, and contributions from Eversource, a councilor questioned the city's reimbursement from Eversource for road damage caused by their work. The Director of Public Works confirmed that Eversource pays for milling and paving (curb to center line, or curb to curb if work exceeds half the center line) on roads they trench or affect, a practice in place for three to four years. Eversource contributed approximately $623,000 towards a $933,000 paving contract in the last group of projects. The discussion also touched on whether striping services would be included in paving contracts and the potential for Eversource to contribute to striping in future negotiations, although it was deemed a good deal to have them pave half the road.
New London Council Receives Updates on School Solar Panels, Ocean Beach, and Community Events
Several updates and initiatives related to community development were presented. The Education, Parks, and Recreation Committee chair provided updates on solar panels in schools, indicating positive impacts and more information to come. Progress on improving crossing guard safety was reported, with a firm being engaged to work with the police and schools. A new construction and development curriculum for high school students, connecting them to potential building projects and trades, was highlighted. Plans for a community input event on Ocean Beach were announced for August 19th, from 4 to 8 p.m., to gather public feedback on its future. The Mayor's office announced several community recognitions and events, including commendations for public works employees Ray Logan and Roland Garcia for assisting a resident, a photo art display by Lelle Gillis honoring her mother Shirley Gillis, and a recap of the successful 'Celebrate New London' event which boosted local businesses. The Mayor also acknowledged the busy fire department and ongoing efforts to secure state funding for a major facelift of Ocean Beach Park. Finally, the Mayor discussed the Howard Street development project, emphasizing its potential for significant tax revenue, economic benefit to small businesses, increased housing stock, and relief for large employers. He contrasted this project's private development model with past failed urban renewal and municipal development plans, noting that the developer is financing the acquisition and redevelopment, leading to substantial projected tax revenue increases.
New London Council Debates and Amends Tax Agreement for Howard and Hamilton Street Development
The council considered a proposal to void a 20-year-old development agreement for 330 Bank Street and authorize the mayor to sign a mutual release and deed of title reverter. The agreement, originally with Oak Tree Green LLC and amended multiple times, is in default. The purpose of voiding the agreement is to remove the reverter clause, which is seen as an obstacle to future development due to financing challenges. Director Reyes explained that the site has significant geotechnical and brownfield issues, making it difficult and costly to develop. Voiding the reverter would allow for future development without the city incurring liability for cleanup and existing mortgages. The proposal was debated, with concerns about the loss of the city's right to reclaim the property if development fails. The council voted on the motion to void the agreement, which failed. Following a recess, the council considered a fixed tax assessment agreement for properties on Howard and Hamilton Streets (150, 152, 162 Howard and 65, 77 Hamilton) owned by SPNL Holding LLC. The agreement proposes a fixed tax assessment over 20 years, with the total abated amount totaling approximately $7.1 million. Councilors debated the merits, with some supporting it as a necessary incentive for development and others opposing it due to concerns about the long duration of the abatement, the lack of specific details in the initial proposal, and a preference for homeownership over rental units. An amendment to reduce the abatement period from 20 years to 15 years was proposed and passed. The amended agreement was then approved.
New London to Study Rental Housing Policy, Considering Landlord Registry
The council discussed a proposal for a rental housing policy study to address concerns about the rental housing market. The study aims to identify the current rental housing inventory, gather stakeholder input, and review policies used in other municipalities. The study will not make policy recommendations but will provide objective information for the city council to make decisions. Potential policy options include a landlord registry and a rental property licensing program. The projected completion of the study report is December. Public engagement will involve tenants, landlords, property managers, housing providers, and community organizations through meetings, outreach, and surveys. The study will also assess costs, staffing needs, and legal considerations. Previous public comments expressed concerns about duplication of efforts with existing city machinery, the cost of such a registry, and the potential for costs to be passed on to tenants. Other comments highlighted issues with investors like Alpha Capital, evictions, illegal lease clauses, and unaddressed property damages. There was also a call for the registry to be mandatory, and a concern that penalizing or criminalizing sitting on sidewalks is wrong. Council members acknowledged the power imbalance between landlords and tenants and the need for better practices. A specific concern was raised about not penalizing smaller landlords with two-family homes.
Speed Cameras and Sidewalk Ordinances Discussed by New London Council Committees
The Public Safety Committee discussed a proposed program for speed cameras. Police Chief Brian Wright and Deputy Chief John Penny presented the plan. If approved, a speed camera would be installed on Route 32 near Connecticut College to address speeding issues in an area where a student lost their life. The committee expressed support for the program, deeming it desperately needed. The council also discussed an ordinance (07062607) for restrictions on sidewalk use and obstructing building entrances. This ordinance, given its second reading, aims to provide an intermediate step between ignoring the issue and criminal proceedings, focusing on fines. Some council members expressed reservations or voted against it due to concerns about its wording, potential redundancy with other ordinances, or in solidarity with absent council members. Others supported it as a necessary tool for the police department to address safety hazards without requiring business owner approval, noting input from homeless service providers. The ordinance passed its second reading with a 5-1 vote. Separately, a first reading was held for an ordinance (09152503) concerning automated traffic enforcement safety devices (speed cameras). Council members debated the merits, with concerns raised about data privacy, potential for misuse of data, and the cost of the program. Supporters emphasized safety and the need to change speeding behavior, comparing it to personal surveillance devices. The vote on the first reading resulted in a tie, 3-3.
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