Community-Controlled Infrastructure

Develops and operates a community-built, open LoRaWAN network across New York City to support wireless IoT connectivity. This includes deploying and maintaining a distributed network of sensors and gateways for public use.

Initiated and rebuilt the DOT surveillance camera archive project at Streetwatch.live to support protestors during the 2020 Black Lives Matter movement. Made the archive private with account management for accountability and is developing computer vision tools to anonymize protestors, identify police presence, and estimate crowd sizes.

Charges $290 for mesh node installation, with $240 covering equipment and $50 for installer expenses. Accepts tax-deductible monetary donations and in-kind contributions of networking equipment and event space to support ongoing operations.

Partners with NYCHA and HPD on citywide internet access initiatives and works with construction companies and architects to pre-install network cabling in new buildings during construction.

Installs rooftop antennas, ethernet switches, and fiber optic cabling to connect individual apartments and entire buildings to the NYC Mesh network, providing scalable, high-speed internet access. Offers streamlined installation for buildings with over six apartments and provides fiber connectivity for buildings with 50 or more participating units, including waiving lease and data costs.

Created and operates MeshDB, a Django- and Postgres-based application for managing member and node data, tracking installations, and providing API access. Uses infrastructure-as-code tools (Terraform, Ansible) to manage Kubernetes clusters and network services, and maintains a public Datadog dashboard for real-time performance metrics.

Helps apartment buildings negotiate lower-cost internet by aggregating resident demand, increasing affordability and access.

Organizes weekly Open Mesh Night events in Brooklyn and monthly meetups to connect volunteers and discuss projects. Promotes inclusive community norms, operates a code of conduct reporting system via email and Slack, and enforces guidelines through defined violation responses.

Ensured continuous operation and support of community internet connectivity during the COVID-19 lockdown in New York City.

Provides a public network status page for reporting outages and planned maintenance, a Member Troubleshooting Guide, real-time support via Slack channels (#support, #diy-install-support), and a support request form for members to report issues.

Offers educational initiatives to improve digital literacy and expand internet access for NYC residents, including workshops and technical skill-building opportunities.

Operates the Grand Street project, where hundreds of apartments share a 40 gigabit fiber connection, demonstrating scalable urban broadband deployment.

Provided Wi-Fi access to protesters at New York City Hall during the Occupy movement and maintained continuous network operation through battery-backed power supplies. Supported approximately 30 concurrent users and expanded accessibility by adding 2.4 GHz antennas for older devices.

Provides advanced telecommunications facilities, technical assistance, and training to educational institutions, public schools, libraries, healthcare facilities, government offices, and community organizations.

Hosts the annual Harlem Emergency Preparedness Day each September since 2012 and operates the WHCR Emergency Broadcast Team, which provides continuous FM and online emergency broadcasting with real-time preparedness, mitigation, recovery, and public safety information during crises and non-emergency periods.

Co-sponsors a weekly radio program on community and technology topics broadcast on WHCR 90.3 FM and online, and produces diverse music and talk programming covering Arts, Business, Health, Housing, Mental Health, Legal Justice, Real Estate, and Technology, supporting independent artists and community engagement.

Provides free wireless internet service and communications capabilities to low-income Harlem residents through an expanded community network, and deploys innovative wireless technology solutions in partnership with housing managers and community organizations to improve safety and quality of life.

Advocates for cybersecurity best practices, defines organizational positions on cybersecurity regulations, and facilitates the exchange of best practices among stakeholders.