QUESTION
Why is there only one IDNYC site in the Bronx, and are there plans to increase site availability?
2:16:44
·
4 min
The Human Resources Administration acknowledges the need for more IDNYC sites in the Bronx due to space challenges at previous locations and is considering expansion and new opportunities.
- The Bronx currently has only one IDNYC site due to previous space challenges.
- Efforts are being made to expand the current site's capacity and to explore potential opportunities for additional sites.
- The administration is open to collaborating with council members and organizing pop-up sites to meet demand.
- Council member Diana I. Ayala expresses disappointment over communication lapses and the need for greater accessibility city-wide, especially for asylum seekers.
- Molly Wasow Park, Commissioner of the Department of Social Services, acknowledges the communication issue and commits to better collaboration and exploring new site opportunities in the Bronx.
Diana I. Ayala
2:16:44
Could you explain why the Bronx just has just the one site?
2:16:48
And is there any intention to increase the amount of sites to accommodate the influx of the demand in all boroughs.
Scott French
2:17:01
Yes.
2:17:01
Happy to speak to that.
2:17:02
So one of the bronch sites that we did have, we ran into space challenges that made that site got something we could continue with.
2:17:11
So currently, we do only have one site.
2:17:13
We are consistently looking for ways both that we can look to expand.
2:17:18
The capacity at that site as well as looking at other potential opportunities that may come to us in regards to being able to open another site in the Bronx.
2:17:29
We're also very happy to connect and work with council members like we have done before.
2:17:34
As well to to do some pop ups if that would also be helpful on some needs.
2:17:39
But I understand and and see the need in the Bronx of one site is not comparable to the other boroughs?
Diana I. Ayala
2:17:46
So I I mean, I get that you you would want to do things, but what have you done since the other site closed to ensure that you're identifying another location or to collaborate with council members and maybe by maybe using their offices when possible.
2:18:05
What action has, you know, have you guys taken?
Scott French
2:18:08
I mean, we first started by looking at ways in which we could expand the capacity at the one existing site that we do have in the Bronx.
2:18:15
And we are looking at the moment to see if there are other opportunities for space.
2:18:21
We have not identified one yet that would meet the needs that we would require from both a waiting area and other aspects.
2:18:29
We're happy to reach out to the council members, you know, in the Bronx, but we also be connecting with our colleagues at Moya to identify other community members, communities and community partnerships in the Bronx that we might be able to work with.
2:18:43
At this point, you know, the needs have been taken over by the other sites.
2:18:46
I understand that's not right in the Bronx.
2:18:50
So, you know, it is something that we are continuing to work on as we, you know, have sort of stabilized at least the appointment system.
2:18:57
In online so that we can look at ways in which we can make sure that our footprint covers all of New York City.
Diana I. Ayala
2:19:04
I would hope so because if I see that the demand is growing, that tells me that we need more of whatever it is that we're supplying.
2:19:11
But I also would have loved to have heard from you as opposed to me having to bring it up at a committee hearing.
2:19:20
I think that that is a reflection of, you know, it shows good faith efforts on behalf of the agency with the the bureau and the impacted individuals that may be looking for these resources.
2:19:35
I'd never received any I didn't even know that there was only one until a reporter called me, and I was made aware that that there was just one, and I thought it has anybody looked at the map of the Bronx?
2:19:48
Like, it's you know, the the Bronx is a is a pretty decent and size borough.
2:19:53
And traveling to and from 240 lives, she is not as easy as you would think.
2:19:58
So I I I'm really disappointed that today, there's only that one site.
2:20:04
I think this is the service to the borough, and and I know that it's a resource that we desperately need.
2:20:08
But I not only wanna advocate for more in the Bronx, but city wide.
2:20:13
I'm, I mean, I'm seeing longer wait times for an appointment.
2:20:16
That means that the demand is higher maybe working.
2:20:20
I don't know.
2:20:21
I would imagine that we're working with Moia and making that resource available at Hertz and asylum seeking shelters, maybe, you know, you can do pop ups there as well because it seems like a lot of of the demand is driven by that population as well.
2:20:37
But, obviously, we need more sites.
Molly Wasow Park
2:20:40
So counsel member, I do apologize for communication breakdowns.
2:20:43
We'll certainly work on that going forward.
2:20:46
We are doing pop ups with the with the Hurcs and the asylum sites to make sure that we are bringing meeting people where they are with that respect and happy to collaborate with you offline on on potential replacement site in the Bronx.
Diana I. Ayala
2:21:00
Appreciate it.
2:21:01
Thank you, customer engagement.
