Ramos Announces Plan for New Indoor Recreation Center Through Innovative Public-Private Partnership

Project would also deliver affordable housing, union job creation and tax relief for Hoboken residents

HOBOKEN, NJ —  Councilman and Mayoral candidate Ruben Ramos today announced his plan to build Hoboken’s first indoor Recreation Center for use by residents, fulfilling a major community need that no previous mayoral administration has been able to accomplish. Ramos’ proposal involves utilizing city-owned land at 1500 Jefferson Street and entering into a public-private partnership to deliver the recreational space the Hoboken residents deserve.

Ramos released a video announcing the plan here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DOmUqL2D1YX/

“This plan is about building for Hoboken’s future, and getting back to basics by making development work for the community,” said Ramos. “Our residents deserve a place where they can enjoy year-round recreational opportunities, and they deserve a voice in shaping what that space looks like. At the same time, we must take concrete steps to address affordability and make sure Hoboken remains a place where working families can live, grow, and thrive — our Recreation Center plan addresses all of those needs.” 

To make building the Recreation Center financially feasible, Ramos would work with the private sector to build a mixed-use development including 400 residential units with a 20% affordable housing set-aside at the site. In exchange for additional allowed density and height at the site, which is located in the city’s industrial Northwest, the developer would build the shell of an indoor Recreation Center that could then be customized by the city through an open, community-driven process.

“This is the type of smart, balanced development Hoboken needs,” Ramos added. “It strengthens our community by investing in recreation, housing, affordability, jobs, and long-term financial stability. It’s a win for Hoboken residents today and for generations to come.”

The project’s affordable housing component would help  tackle Hoboken’s affordability crisis, and it would be built with union labor to create good-paying jobs while ensuring high construction standards. Once complete, the development is expected to generate new tax revenue, relieving some of the financial pressure on Hoboken taxpayers.

The initiative reflects Ramos’ continued commitment to supporting projects that balance growth, affordability, and quality of life for all Hoboken residents.

For more information about Ruben Ramos’ campaign and his vision for Hoboken, visit ramos4hoboken.com.

###