The City of Hoboken is partnering with the Hoboken Community Center to transform the former YMCA at 1301 Washington St. into a modern recreation center, officials said on Friday.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“This is a transformational step toward reinvigorating a long-vacant space that once served as a cornerstone of community life in Hoboken,” Bhalla, Democratic candidate for state Assembly in the 32nd Legislative District, said in a statement.
“Our partnership with the Hoboken Community Center is a true win for Hoboken, and I look forward to working closely with the community to create a welcoming space where residents of all ages can connect and grow. I also want to thank Councilmembers Emily Jabbour and Tiffanie Fisher, as well as the late Councilmember Jennifer Giattino, who helped make this milestone a reality.”
Originally opened in 1927 as the Hoboken-North Hudson YMCA, the facility served generations of Hoboken residents until its recreational operations ceased in 2010 due to funding constraints.
The city now seeks a formalized partnership with the HCC, a non-profit organization that currently owns the property, to revitalize the 37,500-square-foot space that includes an indoor pool and basketball court.
Through the partnership, the property would be renovated with additional amenities as determined through an open public engagement process.
“The Hoboken Community Center looks forward to entering into formal discussions with the City of Hoboken to explore opportunities to revitalize the building as a community center and provide much-needed programming and facilities for Hoboken’s youth, senior citizens and families,” HCC Board President Ken Nilsen.
“With a 125-year legacy of service, the HCC is committed to restoring critical community amenities — including a community-based pool, full-size indoor gym, and meeting spaces — for the benefit of all Hoboken residents.”
The framework for this partnership was developed over several months of discussions through collaboration between the Bhalla Administration, led by Business Administrator Jason Freeman, and Council members Jabbour, Fisher, and Giattino, alongside the leadership of the HCC.
The HCC maintains three missions: affordable housing for 96 low-income single men, a food pantry serving over 4,300 registered households, and the redevelopment of the space at 1301 Washington St. as an asset to serve the recreational and cultural needs of the City of Hoboken.
The HCC food pantry distributions will continue at 1301 Washington St. until the HCC’s new location at 122 Adams St. is completed.
The Hoboken City Council will vote on a resolution authorizing the proposed partnership during its regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, May 7, at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 94 Washington St., which will also stream live on YouTube.
Should the council vote to approve the partnership, the city and HCC will sign a Letter of Intent, serving as the first formal step in the partnership.