HOBOKEN, NJ — Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher today celebrated a major step forward in the long-awaited effort to bring back a fully modern, community-focused recreation center to uptown Hoboken. The City Council is set to vote tonight on a Letter of Intent (LOI) between the City of Hoboken and the Hoboken Community Center (HCC) that would initiate formal negotiations over acquiring and revitalizing the long-shuttered former YMCA at 1301 Washington Street.

The 37,500-square-foot facility originally opened in 1927 and includes space for a pool, full-size basketball court, and large multipurpose rooms for programming and events. “For years, Hoboken residents have been asking for more indoor recreational space—and yes, a pool,” said Fisher. “This project delivers all of that, while also preserving a piece of our city’s history and breathing new life into a site that once brought people together across generations.”

"This project is deeply personal to me,” added Fisher, who has represented the Second Ward—where the building is located—since 2015. “Before I was even sworn in, my very first meeting as councilwoman-elect was with the HCC Board about this exact opportunity. I’ve been pushing to bring this space back to life ever since.”

Fisher has consistently advocated for the future of the entire building—not just the recreation center, but also the 96 units of transitional housing for low-income men that continue to operate there today. “I’ve always believed this is one of Hoboken’s most important community assets,” she said. “Whether helping open the food pantry during COVID, working with county leadership to help secure critical funding, or helping a local homeless man move into the YMCA just last month, I’ve never stopped working to support the people who rely on this building.”

The Letter of Intent outlines the City’s intent to purchase or enter into a long-term lease for the community center portion of the property. As an initial step, the City and HCC have agreed to split the cost of a property appraisal 50/50. While planning and negotiations will begin now, construction would not be expected to begin until early 2027, following the completion and relocation of the Hoboken Food Pantry to its new permanent home at 122 Adams Street.

Fisher worked closely with the HCC Board to help shape the structure outlined in the LOI. “This approach reflects both my background in real estate and finance and my decades-long experience as a leader in Hoboken—and it’s a realistic path forward for our city,” Fisher said. “It allows the HCC to focus on housing and food insecurity while enabling the City to deliver on the shared mission to redevelop the space at 1301 Washington to serve Hoboken’s recreational and cultural needs.”

She added, “With land so scarce in Hoboken, this is a rare opportunity to build in place—no displacement, no delays. It’s advanced in planning, includes key features like a pool and gym, and can even serve as a temporary home for community services when we redevelop the Multi-Service Center. When complete, Hoboken will have two rec centers—one uptown and one downtown—ready to meet the needs of our quickly growing population.”

Fisher acknowledged the collaboration that helped bring the LOI forward: “I appreciate working with Business Administrator Jason Freeman and Mayor Bhalla to move this toward a viable public process, and I want to thank Councilwoman Emily Jabbour and, before she passed, Councilwoman Jen Giattino for their contributions as well.”

The resolution to approve the LOI will go before the Hoboken City Council on Wednesday, May 7. If approved, it will mark the first formal step toward negotiating a public acquisition of the recreation center space and launching a broader public engagement process.

“As councilwoman, I will continue doing what I’ve always done—fighting for what’s best for our community and making sure this project moves forward,” Fisher said. “As mayor, I’ll deliver on this vision—full stop.”

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