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Good news New Yorkers, on May 13, 2015 the Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership announced the expansion of a free wireless corridor along the locations of 23rd Street from Sixth Avenue to Park Avenue South; Fifth Avenue from 25th Street to 21st Street; along Broadway from 24th Street to 21st Street; and 21st Street between Fifth Avenue and Broadway.
The Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership Business Improvement District, which was formed in 2006, is a non-profit organization that strives to enhance the area’s reputation as one of New York’s most vibrant and exciting neighborhoods.
Although the Flatiron Partnership has offered free Wi-Fi to patrons since 2011, this finalized development expands the Flatiron Partnership’s existing Wi-Fi network in its two main Public Plazas at Broadway, Fifth Avenue, and 23rd Street.
During this extensive process, the Flatiron Partnership received funding from NYCEDC and committed additional resources, and collaborated with Sky Packets to implement the network.
The wireless corridor that is now available is a perfect example of a public/private partnership done right. This expansion enhances the Flatiron districts’ appeal for both locals as well as tourists and makes it easier to shop, dine, and explore. This added amenity applies to anyone who owns a smartphone or tablet and who works, lives, or visits the neighborhood.
Over the past year, the Flatiron District has vastly grown and it will continue to grow with this new resource. In 2014, while this network was still in general construction, over 175,000 users logged on to the internet using Flatiron’s free Wi-Fi. However, since the beginning of April 2015, over 43,000 users have accessed the network, which averages out to 3,000 users per day. As more people spend time outdoors in the neighborhood, the network usage will continue to rise this summer.
This feature is an immense advancement for the Flatiron district and is a recognizable contribution to this area of New York. The Flatiron Partnership will distinguish the contributions of participating property owners and commercial businesses by honoring them at their 9th annual meeting which was announced to be on Thursday, June 11th at 5:00pm. Patrons are welcome to visit here to RSVP.
by- Albany Reed
photo by Tony Shi