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Q&A
Future expansion plans for the Big Apple Connect program
0:48:51
·
130 sec
Council Member Gutiérrez inquires about future expansion plans for the Big Apple Connect program. Brett Sikoff from OTI explains that the current focus is on ensuring all eligible NYCHA residents are enrolled and aware of the program, rather than expanding it beyond NYCHA.
- There are no concrete plans for expansion of Big Apple Connect at this time.
- OTI is committed to exploring other programs that may benefit New Yorkers outside of NYCHA.
- An example mentioned is the Internet Pilot program by HPD, which provides low-cost or free internet to Section 8 residents.
- The council member expresses concern about the lack of expansion plans, particularly for RAD PACT developments.
Christopher Leon Johnson
0:48:51
So
Jennifer Gutiérrez
0:48:53
that's just to sustain the existing program, which you've said is a great program, but then there is no what so then what is the the next step of build out for Big Apple Connect?
0:49:05
I think at at this point, would you say it's safe to say that there's no plans for expansion of this program at this time?
Brett Sikoff
0:49:12
I would say at this time, it's about making sure that everyone in NYCHA who's eligible for it can enroll and and inform those, educate those who may not be aware of the program and make sure that they are aware of the program so they can get connected if they're not already.
0:49:26
But we are committed to looking at ways, maybe not expanding Big Apple as it's currently constituted, which was always focused on NYCHA.
0:49:35
Other programs that may benefit other New Yorkers such as a program that was included in the digital equity roadmap that HPD is spearheading called the Internet pilot that similarly provides low cost or free Internet to Section eight residents.
0:49:50
So there's other programs of that ilk that we can look at.
Jennifer Gutiérrez
0:49:53
But is that the program that came down from the state?
Brett Sikoff
0:49:56
The funding came down from the state, but the program was initiated by the city.
Jennifer Gutiérrez
0:50:00
By HPD?
0:50:01
Correct.
0:50:01
But the funding came down from the city from the state, excuse me.
0:50:04
Okay.
0:50:06
So there's no plan to to expand at this point.
0:50:12
Or what can you share with me?
0:50:13
What have you all been able to, I guess, assess about the the future of expanding.
0:50:22
Because I think and I'm sorry I'm so sorry to interrupt you, obviously there are NYCHA sites that are now these are RAD packed or still very much public housing and you know tenants with same need.
0:50:36
And I know that in speaking with the commissioner, you know, shortly after the announcement of Big Apple Connect was made, that was what he shared, the the intention to expand this program.
0:50:49
So we're here now.
0:50:51
I have gotten no sense from this agency that there is a plan to expand into those developments through this program.
0:50:59
So what is what are you looking at right now?
Brett Sikoff
0:51:01
So with specifically with respect to the RAD PACS, there is in the contract that NYCHA signed with the private property managers who are taking over those developments, a requirement that the property managers provide free broadband to residents.