City Expands “Big Apple Connect” Program Bringing Free Internet and TV to NYCHA Developments

On March 23, 2023, Mayor Eric Adams announced the expansion of the “Big Apple Connect,” the nation’s largest municipal broadband program that provides free internet and basic cable TV service to NYCHA developments. The program, launched last fall, is designed to help bridge the “digital divide”; according to cable service providers, between 30 to 40 percent of NYCHA residents are not subscribed to a broadband service.


Low-Cost Broadband Access Expanded for 10,000 Bronx NYCHA Residents

The expansion adds on to 30,000 residents who already received low-cost broadband. On July 27, 2021, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced an agreement with New York City-based internet service provider Bloc Power to bring high-speed internet access to 10,000 NYCHA residents across five Bronx NYCHA developments. The five developments include Melrose, East 152 Street-Courtlandt Avenue, Forest, Morris I, and Morris II.


HPD Announces Selection of Plan and Partners for New Affordable Housing Development in Bed-Stuy

On January 12, 2023, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development announced the selection of a plan and partners for the creation of a new affordable housing development for seniors and low-income families in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. The development, “The Steps at Saratoga,” will also be the first New York City development to build a community-owned local network plant to provide more affordable internet access to local residents and businesses.The team selected includes RiseBoro, IMPACCT Brooklyn <Read More>



Elected Officials Celebrate Starhill Construction Start in Morris Heights

The mixed-use Bronx development will support adults experiencing homelessness through substance abuse treatment programs. On July 27, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul announced the start of construction for Starhill Phase I. This $189 million affordable housing development is located in the Morris Heights section of the Bronx and features ample supportive housing.


City Council Holds Hearing for Creation of “One-Stop Shop NYC Business Portal”

The New York City Council Committee on Small Business held a public hearing on a proposed digital portal to centralize the information and paperwork necessary to open and run a small business. On June 9, 2022,  the New York City Council’s Committee on Small Business held a public hearing on a proposed bill that would require the City to create and maintain the, “One-Stop Shop NYC Business Portal.” The Portal would be an on-line hub … <Read More>