Res. No. 669
Resolution calling upon all relevant City agencies to use their funding and regulatory power to support and encourage the provision of affordable high-speed Internet service and computer purchases for the benefit of residents of affordable housing.
By Council Members Brewer, Boyland, Comrie, Gennaro, James, Liu, Martinez, Nelson, Palma, Rivera, Sanders Jr., Vann, Weprin, Jackson, Recchia Jr., Gonzalez, de Blasio and The Public Advocate (Ms. Gotbaum)
Whereas, We now live in a digital age, a time when information technology is pervasive in most of our lives; and
Whereas, Those who lack meaningful access to technology experience a new form of poverty and new barriers to success; and
Whereas, A healthy economy and community maximizes the potential of technology to deliver information, products, and services to accelerate the entry of low income people into the economic mainstream; and
Whereas, In today's society, a computer and Internet access in the home is the key to connecting all residents to opportunity in the most efficient manner; and
Whereas, Publicly funded affordable housing is home to a significant portion of New York's low-income population; and
Whereas, Effective use of Internet access in affordable housing units requires high-speed Internet access, a computer, available training and technical support, and affordable costs; and
Whereas, That the Council of the City of New York deems it as essential that assistance to residents goes beyond access to the Internet but also includes education about online resources that help residents join the economic mainstream, access City services, complete on-line financial transactions, and participate in democratic processes; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That all future publicly financed or subsidized housing properties for residents earning less than 80% of the median area income should provide a high-speed Internet connection in the living area of every unit to residents for free or at a cost of less than $10 per month; and be it further
Resolved, That the development of programs that benefit of low income residents' utilization of technology, such as the affordable purchase of computers, should be encouraged; and be it further
Resolved, That all relevant City agencies to use their funding and regulatory power to support and encourage the provision of affordable high-speed Internet service and computer purchases for the benefit of residents of affordable housing.
BYL
11/4/04
LS #1647