Brooklyn NYCHA houses benefit from subsidized broadband program

August 1, 2023 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

Here’s a glimpse of the Red Hook West Houses on Columbia Street. Eagle photo by Lore Croghan

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Seven Brooklyn NYCHA developments are being connected to Big Apple Connect’s free in-home internet and basic TV service, Mayor Eric Adams and Office of Technology and Innovation Commissioner Matt Fraser announced on Aug. 1.

New York’s Big Apple Connect, funded by a federal program, connects low-income New York City Housing Authority residents to broadband. Those NYCHA residents who already have broadband will see their monthly bills dramatically reduced, according to literature describing the city-sponsored service.

The seven Brooklyn locations, part of 17 throughout the city, include 303 Vernon Ave., Atlantic Avenue Site B, Kingsborough Houses, Kingsborough extension, Red Hook East, Red Hook West and Woodson. Red Hook East and Red Hook West together comprise the largest public housing development in the city.

The expansion was spurred by calls from local elected officials and tenant leaders to expand the service, according to the Mayor’s Office. The original program was launched in September 2022.

“Big Apple Connect’s latest expansion is a prime example of this administration listening to the needs of historically underserved New Yorkers — and delivering vital services that improve their lives,” said Fraser.

“As we rolled out this program’s initial phases, bringing free high-speed internet and basic cable TV to 300,000 New Yorkers at more than 200 public housing sites, we heard from a vocal contingent of community and elected stakeholders calling for additional NYCHA locations to receive Big Apple Connect,” he added.

“Access to broadband is not a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have to participate in a 21st century society that bridges the digital divide,” said Mayor Adams. “With today’s expansion of our ‘Big Apple Connect’ program, we have rapidly connected almost every NYCHA resident across the city to broadband in less than a year, helping them unlock economic, educational, and social opportunities.”

“Optimum is proud to be a founding partner of ‘Big Apple Connect,’ a program that ensures residents in more than 100 Bronx and Brooklyn NYCHA buildings have access to Optimum broadband and TV at no cost,” said Leroy Williams, chief growth officer, Optimum.”