The New Britain Common Council voted 12-3 in favor of approving $2.1 million in tax breaks for retailer Costco, which is developing a new location in the city.
The abatement will offset construction costs that the company expecting to accrue.
Existing businesses, like Target, have complained that tax breaks for Costco would be unfair.
But the seven-year tax abatement appears to be one of the final hurdles standing in the way of a deal that's been in the works for nearly four years.
The plan has drawn criticism because it may require the purchase of city park lands, including sections of the golf course.
Proponents say a new Costco would create hundreds of new jobs and rejuvenate the city.
"If you're going to make the decision to do this project, then right now is the time to start," said New Britain Public Works Director Bill DeMaio.
Others disagreed with offering any breaks to such a major corporation.
"They are billionaires. They don't need more. Let them figure it out on their own. Citizens of New Britain, including me, all of us and you, we just got an 11 percent tax hike. We gotta figure it out. Many of us are living on the edge already," said Bob Pleines.
Town officials say the deal will bring 400 temporary construction jobs and 220 permanent positions involving the store.