Samantha Impaglia 
The City of Hoboken and the Hoboken Community Center are working together to open a new community space for Mile Square residents. The 1301 Washington Street space — formerly the Hoboken-North Hudson YMCA — will be transformed into a modern recreation center. The resolution authorizing the proposed partnership was unanimously approved by the City Council on Wednesday, May 7th. Read on for more about the partnership and what residents can expect from the new community center coming to Hoboken, New Jersey.
Background on the Space
The 1301 Washington Street space in Hoboken originally opened in 1927 as the Hoboken-North Hudson YMCA. The facility served several generations of Hoboken residents until its recreational operations were ceased in 2010 due to funding constraints. The Hoboken Community Center currently owns the property, and organizes its monthly food pantry distributions in the space.
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The Recreation Center Plans
The City of Hoboken is seeking a formalized partnership with the Hoboken Community Center to revitalize the 37,500-square-foot Washington Street space that includes an indoor pool and basketball court into a modern, 21st-century community center “designed to meet the growing needs of Hoboken residents.” Through the partnership, the property would be renovated with additional amenities as determined through an open public engagement process.
Per a press release from the City, the framework for this partnership was developed over several months of discussions between the Bhalla Administration, led by Business Administrator Jason Freeman, and Hoboken Councilmembers Emily Jabbour, Tiffanie Fisher, and late Council President Jen Giattino, alongside the leadership of the HCC.
The Hoboken City Council voted on a resolution authorizing the proposed partnership this past Wednesday, May 7th at 7PM during the City Council meeting — which passed unamiously, per Councilwoman Emily Jabbour. The City and the Hoboken Community Center will now sign a Letter of Intent, serving as the first formal step in the partnership.
“This is a transformational step toward reinvigorating a long-vacant space that once served as a cornerstone of community life in Hoboken,” Mayor Bhalla said in a press release. “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.”
“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,” Ken Nilsen, President of the Hoboken Community Center Board of Trustees said in a press release. “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.”
This post will be updated with any further details as they are announced.
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About the Hoboken Community Center
The Hoboken Community Center’s mission is to provide essential services and spaces to support the well-being of the community. Through this partnership, the HCC is continuing its three-pronged mission — affordable housing for low-income men; a food, hygiene, and pet supply pantry; and a community and recreation center for locals. The pantry supports residents of the Hoboken Community Center Affordable Housing, as well as community members experiencing food insecurity or other hardships. The pantry is also a member agency of the Community Food Bank of NJ. Monthly food pantry distributions will continue at the 1301 Washington Street space until the HCC’s new location at 122 Adams Street is completed. Read more about the HCC and how to get involved in our article here.
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