Connecting To The Future: New Wireless Broadband Network To Launch In The Central Woodward And North End Communities

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

By Lori ella miller, detroit lisc scribe 

Thousands of low-income Detroit residents who live in the Central Woodward and the North End communities will soon have access to a new, high-tech wireless Internet network.  The Central Woodward/North End Collaborative, in conjunction with Detroit Local Initiatives Corporation (LISC), is successfully using technology as a foundation for community development with the introduction of the Detroit Connected Community Initiative (DCCI).


Focus: HOPE IT instructor Linda Mitchell Green works with a student

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation awarded an 810,000 grant to the DCCI for the development of various projects, including the expansion of freely available broadband Internet service. 

The DCCI will utilize the funds to build a wireless network that will service more than 5,000 households in the Central Woodward and North End areas and help bridge the ever-expanding digital divide in the Detroit area.

“The Knight Foundation believes that in a democracy, digital access is critical to building and sustaining thriving communities,” said Brenda Price, Knight Foundation Program Director for Detroit.  “We are pleased to be able to award this grant, and believe that the Detroit Connected Community Initiative will help fuel economic growth in the city of Detroit.”

The project is spearheaded by three CW/NE Collaborative partners, Child Care Coordinating Council (4C)/Family Place, Focus: Hope and Matrix Human Services. In addition, these non-profit CDCs are working with the Community Telecommunications Network (CTN) to design and build the infrastructure for the new community-based network.CTN is employing the new technology to provide state-of-the-art high-speed access to these neighborhoods.Each institution: 4C, Focus:HOPE and Matrix will be equipped with a relay antenna and serve as a transmission point for the surrounding communities.  

“The neighborhood wireless project that serves the Detroit North End community makes a profound difference in the lives of seniors, children, youth, and families,” said Denise Wellons-Glover, Project Director at 4C.

“The Child Care Coordinating Council of Detroit/Wayne County, Inc. is proud to provide Internet access for a host of underserved residents who now realize the unlimited potential Internet access introduces into their lives.”

Wellons-Glover and her team are very familiar with this evolving technology. The 4C-Community Technical Center (CTC), founded in 1998, provides computer training to both children and adults.The 4C-CTC also successfully launched a wireless pilot program in 2006.Its wireless infrastructure and signal delivery system currently provide broadband to some 100 households in that community. The new high speed broadband system will greatly enhance and expand their program. 

All three organizations plan to offer technology training as a part of this initiative, as well as identify other funding to help provide the latest computer equipment to those households without computers.

Anthony Semanik, who is the project manager for Focus: HOPE stated that Focus: HOPE is excited to play a pivotal role in this creative and unique cross agency collaboration.Focus: HOPE plans to establish an Internet training program at its new Family Learning Center to support those residents taking part in the broadband initiative.

Technology provides educational, economic and personal opportunities to individuals in underserved communities. This project is expected to be a major benefit for unemployed residents who will be able to seek jobs and post resumes online. The new high speed broadband network will also serve as a marketing tool to attract and retain businesses, homeowners and renters who can take advantage of a value-added amenity that other areas in Detroit cannot offer.

“The multi-community-based initiative that is being employed to bring broadband to our underserved neighborhoods is the first of its scale in Detroit,” said Debbie Fisher, Community Development Manager for Focus: HOPE. “The Knight Foundation has also awarded $100,000 as part of the overall grant to assist The Central Woodward/North End Collaborative in supporting public safety management efforts by incorporating wireless technology in security, communication, surveillance and crime-reduction efforts.” 

The new high speed broadband system is anticipated to be online and active by May, 2010, and will be a “no, or low cost service,” added Fisher.

 Wellons-Glover put it best, “information is power!” The DCCI will allow the residents of Central Woodward and the North End to access and harness the power of the Internet to improve their lives, take advantage of online resources and build a brighter tomorrow for their community.