City to launch ‘Long Beach Response’ app
Mobile service allows users to make requests, access information
The city is joining a growing movement among municipalities across the country that have recently begun using smartphone applications that allow users to access government services and information, with city officials saying that Long Beach will be the first community on Long Island to provide residents and visitors with state-of-the-art mobile capabilities.
The city announced this week that it will launch its “Long Beach Response” mobile app this summer, which will be available for iPhone, iOS and Android mobile devices. City Manager Jack Schnirman said that the local app — a free download available through PublicStuff, a New York City-based startup that created the app — allows citizens to make real-time requests to the city for public services. New York City launched a similar mobile app using PublicStuff last year.
“This brings Long Beach to the fingertips of residents and visitors,” Schnirman said. “Providing up to date information 24/7, as well as the opportunity to access city services and take an active role in continuing to improve our community.
For example, Schnirman said that the app could be used to report potholes, sanitation, streetlight problems and other issues that need attention from city workers. Residents can also take a photo of a problem, include a description and make a request for service via their smartphones, and record the precise location with the phone’s GPS service, according to PublicStuff’s website. Those requests are then passed on to the city through the app, which can be tracked by both residents and city department heads. Schnirman said that the app is for non-emergency services only.
It will also allow residents to access news and other information, such as public transportation and beach conditions. At the same time, it will also allow residents and visitors alike to access information about summer events, everything from the city’s beach summer concert series to the locations of food vendors and concessions that will be available for the first time along the beach and boardwalk this summer.
