June 29, 2015 By Michael Florio
Corona Plaza will now be a hotspot in the neighborhood.
Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras announced earlier today the launch of free WiFi and two street-charging stations in Corona Plaza, located at 103rd Street and Roosevelt Ave.
“In just three short years, we’ve transformed Corona Plaza from an eye sore to a booming community space deserving of all the amenities,” Ferreras said.
“I am thrilled to add these free services that will increase Internet access and eliminate the digital divide for thousands of people in this neighborhood,” she added.
The WiFi will be provided by Sky-Packets, a provider of high-speed WiFi services in nearly 30 neighborhoods throughout New York City.
“We [Sky-Packets] are very pleased to be part of this effort to bring reliable, high-speed WiFi to a public plaza in Queens for the first time,” said Henry Quintin, CEO, Sky Packets.
The WiFi service is expected to accommodate several hundred users at any time, whether it be subway riders going to and from work, those attending cultural performances at the plaza or those visiting surrounding local businesses, Ferreras said in a statement.
Each street charging station, provided by AT&T, will be able to charge up to six devices at once.
“We [AT&T] take great pride in making life just a little easier for New Yorkers,” said Marissa Shorenstein, President, AT&T NY. “We are excited to work with Councilwoman Ferreras’s office, the Neighborhood Plaza Partnership and the Queens EDC to make Corona Plaza a little more connected.”
The belief is that the WiFi would increase attendance to the Plaza, and possibly even local businesses.
“The tech upgrade will encourage people to spend more time in the area and shop at local stores,” said Ricardi Calixte, Deputy Director, Queens Economic Development Corporation.
Featured Events
