Housing authority pursues "digital equity" plan to connect residents; public commenter urges hybrid meetings

The Housing Authority of the City of New Brunswick told the board it is pursuing a digital equity plan to expand Internet access for residents and their children.

Chairman Wright said he had "given [Joel Bewley] the challenge of, looking into the digital equity dollars that are out there in the state of New Jersey" and referenced a statewide funding pool he described at about $20,000,000. Wright said the authority has 59 children and 249 households and wants to "bridge that divide" so students can access the Internet outside school.

Why it matters: Board staff and a public commenter said limited Internet access reduces public participation and access to services for residents. A public commenter from New Brunswick Today told the board the authority should pursue hybrid meeting formats and improve its website so residents can engage more easily.

Details from the meeting: Wright said he brought in Joel Bewley, identified earlier as a public information officer with the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office, to advise on available state digital equity dollars and to help craft a plan. A public commenter praised the plan and said, "I also commend the authority for pursuing this digital equity. I see it on the agenda as a digital equity plan. I think that that's a really important issue." The commenter recommended hybrid meetings and improvements to the authority's online presence.

Other notes: The authority also mentioned a scholarship disbursement from Middlesex County honoring Raquel Estevez and reported 878 housing vouchers in use. The board named Tony Musi as a part-time financial controller; the chair offered to provide Musi's resume on request.

Next steps: Staff will continue to pursue state digital equity funds and report back as planning progresses. No formal funding award or contract was approved at this meeting.