Broad Street
September 2008 was a high point in the proud history of Broad Street and New Britain’s Polish neighborhood. The city’s common council passed a resolution designating Broad Street as “Little Poland” recognizing the contribution of business people and residents of Polish descent “in blending their ethnic heritage with the thriving commerce, culture and community on Broad Street.” In recent years, this thriving Polish community has been credited with revitalizing the area both culturally and economically. There are three Polish language newspapers and a television station, and many businesses and civic agencies are bilingual.
Currently, Broad Street boasts over 100 businesses with the majority being Polish. Many celebrities and dignitaries have visited Little Poland over the years. Most recently, Belvedere Restaurant had three members of the United States Congress visit. Others include the Polish Ambassador and several members of the Polish parliament (Sejm), as well as, Polish movie stars, recording artists and boxing greats Tomasz Adamek, Artur Szpilka, Mariusz Wach, and Tony “TNT” Grano the former Amateur Heavyweight champion