HOBOKEN AND BEYOND — The Hoboken-North Hudson YMCA announced today that it has suspended health and family programming at its facility at 1301 Washington St. in preparation for a long-planned expansion and renovation project, expected to begin in a few months. The YMCA’s low-income residence will remain open.
More than two years ago, the Hoboken-North Hudson YMCA announced major plans to rehabilitate and expand its historic building at 13th and Washington streets. The goal is to renovate the facilities so that the Y can accommodate more low-income housing residents, as well as expand its health and family programs. However, due to the economic downturn, the financing for the project has been delayed.
In preparation for the project, the Y had cleared one of its two residential floors and froze its membership fees at 2007 rates. The YMCA board of directors had hoped to keep operations going during the construction project, and turned to the community for support through fundraisers and donations. Community response has been strong, which has helped keep the programs going during the protracted planning period, but in the current economic climate, these other sources of funding haven’t kept up with the expenses.
Hoboken-North Hudson YMCA Director Julie Gallanty said, “This is a very painful decision for us, and we know it will not be easy on our staff or members, but we’re committed to doing everything we can to find interim jobs for our staff and access to nearby YMCAs for our members.”
Board Chair Paul Somerville said, “Our board’s commitment to maintaining a vital, mission-driven YMCA presence in Hoboken is as strong as it’s ever been. We expect to complete the financial arrangements necessary to start the construction project in the coming months. The Hoboken-North Hudson has served our community with distinction and pride for 125 years, and our renovated facility will enable us to continue this legacy of service for generations to come.”
Somerville added that the board will continue to seek additional sources of financial support, including grants and donations. Fundraisers planned for this spring and the Taste of Hoboken, scheduled for Nov. 9, are still a go.